The Mods...

When the rear filter only is removed, the autofocus is no longer as accurate as before the mod so we correct this by adjusting the position of the sensor by the use of smaller shims in fixed sensor cameras and by adjustment of the sensor's position in floating sensor cameras.

There are three types of mod available for dSLRs these are as follows:

Filter removal:

This involves removing the rear colour correcting filter and increases the camera's sensitivity to red light frequencies by between 4 and 5 times, meaning that the amount of Ha response on the sensor post mod for a 5 minute shot is equivalent to between 20 and 25 minutes of exposure before modding. If you intend to use a camera solely for astrophotography, this is the mod you should choose.

Full Spectrum mod:

A full spectrum mod is one where the full electromagnetic spectrum that the sensor is able to detect is allowed through with **NO FILTERING** - the sensor can detect light in far and near infrared and ultraviolet - to allow this full spectrum of light (visible and non-visible light) through, all filters must be removed. A camera modded thusly would require UV and IR filtering for use with anything other than a parabolic mirror system and would only normally be carried out if the photographer wishes to do either IR photography or spectrographic analysis using a diffraction grating.

Focusing post-mod.

The 100D, 500D, 550D, 600D, 650D, 700D, 50D, 60D, 70D, 7D and 5D all have floating sensors. The sensors are marked and the level is measured prior to dis-assembly and every effort is taken to accurately re-position the sensor post-mod, but it is impossible to restore focus as accurately as can be achieved during factory setup.

Restoring the Original White Balance.

Pre mod...

Post mod...

There are three basic methods to restoring a good white balance for normal use post-mod, these are:

Use of an OWB filter – several manufacturers supply OWB filters, i.e., Astronomik, that will correct the white balance for normal photography. These are available from general astronomy dealers.

Using a Custom White Balance (CWB) – photographing a sheet of white paper and setting this as the white point in the camera by setting a CWB. This works in all non fully automatic functions.

Software – Using auto-levels in software will restore a reasonable white balance. Theoretically, you can manually adjust levels to restore white balance in any picture.

Controlling and powering your camera...

Camera Control...

To use your canon camera for Astrophotography you can either just attach it to the back of a scope and use it in manual mode (with a remote) or use software.

Software Control...

In the case of recent models, all of the camera's functions can be controlled using the supplied USB cable, though Astronomiser recomends the use of a serial control cable to correctly utilise 'mirror lock' and for shutter only control using software such as DSLR Shutter.

Other software that controls the full range of camera functions and downloads and displays images are available. These include:

• Astrophotography Tool (APT)
• BackyardEOS

Images can be stacked and processed using software such as Deep Sky Stacker and GIMP.

Powering your camera...

One issue with using a camera for astro-imaging is the constant need to change batteries. Astronomiser produce battery adapters to power your camera from 12v power sources, such as jump starters, car batteries, power stations and bench power supplies.

Booking and paying for your mod...

The cost of this service includes return Special Delivery postage. The normal turn-around time will be three weeks within the UK unless otherwise stated at time of ordering or in the below address notes.

This service can be booked online by simply clicking one of the below buttons and paying by credit or debit card, or by sending your camera with a cheque for the right amount made out to 'Andy Ellis' to the below address. If paying by cheque, please email us to let us know to expect your camera. If you would like to pay by bank transfer, please contact me for details.

Cameras should be sent to my usual address. These will be delivered to me within a week or two meaning that turnaround could be as much as three weeks, though it will more likely be ten days.:

Andy Ellis
Astronomiser
19 Candlemass Court,
Mansield Woodhouse,
Nottinghamshire
NG19 9RX

Please ensure that the camera is well packed with plenty of padding (i.e., bubble wrap) and insure the camera for it's full replacement value. In the UK, I recommend Special delivery, internationally, an expedited signed for, insured postal service is essential to guarantee your camera's safety.

Prices and Online Booking...

For earlier models, astronomiser now offers filter removal only which is a full spectrum mod.

For dual filter cameras, rear filter removal and sensor repositioning or full spectrum mods are available.

Guarantees.

The work will be guaranteed for 3 months after time of delivery against all defects of workmanship - this guarantee is separate from any guarantees you may already have on the camera, and the work carried out will void your Canon guarantee.

If your camera is less than one year old then astronomiser's guarantee is extended to cover all parts and labour for any fault that develops in the camera after modding for three months.

Any damage which occurs during the filter replacement procedure will be communicated to the customer immediately. Although it may slightly add to the expected delivery time, the camera will be returned in the same condition as supplied or better with the modification work carried out.