APS-C Camera recommendations

[MikeBradley]

My first post to this forum. Hello.

I've been lucky enough to acquire a Zeiss (W.Germany) long TV tube (47-79-01-9901) with the C-mount adapter to attach to my Carl Zeiss Standard WL. Coupled to an APS-C camera it projects a full FOV to the camera sensor, ideal for when I will use it for outreach. To make full use of this new acquisition I'll probably buy a new camera and I'm wondering what suggestions as to suitable cameras might be forthcoming from the group? I'd like the ability to save images, either to a laptop or a memory card and some form of live view is essential. The camera would be attached to the C-mount directly so mirror vibration would be a concern. My last camera was a Canon 60Da (originally for astrophotography) and it could work for some applications but the vibration issue would be a problem for others I suspect.
Thank you,
Michael

[mjkzz]

I have a Sony A7III, it is mirrorless and has electronic shutter, it can be turned into APS-C mode.

I guess some Sony APS-C cameras have similar features, so that might help you. I would emphasize on electronic shutter feature because it is silent, no vibration, it also save shutter life -- little wear and tear on physical shutter (when I turn on or off the camera, sometimes I hear shutter lifting even though I set it to electronic shutter)

just two cents

[Macro_Cosmos]

Anything that offers electronic shutter would be good.

Fujifilm ones do, the Nikon D500 and D7500. For cheap, the EOS M works too.

[Ichthyophthirius]

I've been lucky enough to acquire a Zeiss (W.Germany) long TV tube (47-79-01-9901) with the C-mount adapter to attach to my Carl Zeiss Standard WL. Coupled to an APS-C camera it projects a full FOV to the camera sensor, ideal for when I will use it for outreach.

Hi Michael,

How do you do that? 47 79 01 is a photo tube for a C-mount adapter. Do you have the top section with a reducing lens and a C-mount? They look like this: https://docplayer.net/docs-images/69/60 ... s/64-0.jpg

The flange focal distance of the C-mount is quite short (17.526 mm), shorter than for most cameras https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flange_focal_distance although it can work with some mirrorless cameras. But then the image circle would be quite small.

I'm wondering if you have increased the distance between adapter and camera and got full sensor coverage that way. Or if you use some kind of direct projection without a reducing lens.

Regards, Ichty

[Smokedaddy]

If money is an issue I'd go for an old Canon 50D. Shutter vibration isn't an issue whatsoever and it has been tested here by Charles Krebs. I've picked up "several spare" 50D bodies with super low shutter count (1500 clicks) for peanuts (less than $300) with batteries and accessories. All of my microscopy has been done with a 50D and I'm totally happy considering the cost.

https://squattingdog.smugmug.com/Semico ... ectronics/

https://squattingdog.smugmug.com/Diatoms/

https://squattingdog.smugmug.com/Meteor ... hin-slice/

https://squattingdog.smugmug.com/Microcrystals/

-JW:

[MikeBradley]

Ichty, yes I am using a reducing lens, exactly the same as the one in the image that you attached. I'm testing it by connecting a 60Da using a Fotodiox C-EOS adapter but that camera suffers from shutter vibration and isn't a good choice for permanently mounting to the microscope for use in outreach. Hence my enquiry.

Thanks also to Smokedaddy for the D50 suggestion, that does seem like a good avenue to explore.

Michael