Orpington Astronomical Society

Astronomy => Technical => Topic started by: MarkS on Jan 08, 2011, 07:46:40

Title: Canon DSLR monochrome conversion
Post by: MarkS on Jan 08, 2011, 07:46:40

These guys (http://www.maxmax.com/b&w_conversion.htm) are selling B&W conversions of Canon DSLRs  - they have the ESO 500D and EOS 550D available to buy, but very expensive.

I believe that they dissolve away the CFA (colour filter array) using solvents - at least that is the approach taken by DIYers on forums I have read.  It has a high rate of destroying CCDs though.

If only Canon would produce monochrome versions of their cameras!

Mark
Title: Re: Canon DSLR monochrome conversion
Post by: mickw on Jan 08, 2011, 08:56:56
Quotethey have the ESO 500D and EOS 550D available to buy, but very expensive

They're actually not that expensive for a 15 or 18 mp camera.
Cooling and narrowband/colour filters could be a problem though
Title: Re: Canon DSLR monochrome conversion
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jan 08, 2011, 09:51:27
Hmm, whats the point you might as well get an astronomical CCD.
Title: Re: Canon DSLR monochrome conversion
Post by: MarkS on Jan 11, 2011, 00:06:59
Quote from: Rocket Pooch
Hmm, whats the point you might as well get an astronomical CCD.

Agreed.

What I meant was that if monochrome Canons were available as cheaply as the colour ones (e.g. £200 off eBay) then they would be a force to be reckoned with.