Nikon Z-Mount Astro 2" Filter Drawer

thingiverse

UPDATE 11.03.2022 The whole rig was recently tested by me as there were a few clear nights. Everything seems to be working fine. Finally I can change filters without having to unscrew everything after the flattener and re-adjusting back focus. Clear skies everyone! - - - UPDATE 31.01.2022 I've quickly designed a box to keep unused filter safe. It's probably overcomplicated and a bit chunky, because it is basically a modified drawer design, but it does the job. - - - UPDATE 26.01.2022 I've painted all of the internal surfaces along with the inside of my filter frame with Black 3.0 paint and the flares are gone. I suspect they were coming mostly from the filter framing, which even thought was black, it was still a bit shiny. Still waiting for clear skies to test it :( - - - UPDATE 23.01.2022 Still haven't had the chance to test it live during imaging session. Waiting for clear skies. I've notices some flaring but it seems to be caused by my flattener. They appear also with my Nikon FTZ adapter. Changes: * Added additional threading to inner surfaces to increase light dispersion * Adjusted grooves profiles between parts, should be easier to fit/or sand them if needed * Center part was extended a few mm. The whole assembly is now +38mm back focus (Z flange to M48). I wanted my flattener extension ring to screw in a bit deeper to have a more secure connection. My FLAT 73A has now to be extended by 12.2mm (~13mm when using filter). * Filter drawer handle and insert can now be used independently, so one can print one handle and many inserts. I plan to somehow make the handle tilted, to not to loose it while changing filter :) * Added optional sensor (full frame) framing window that can be screwed in after the filter (from camera side). I hoped it will minimise flaring, but seems to not have any effect :) But I still kept it. * other minor design changes I also painted inner surfaces with black matt paint with hope to get rid of flares. But since the flares come from the flattener itself there was obviously no effect. Still, I plan to cover it with Black 3.0 paint, just to be sure :) - - - UPDATE 17.01.2022 * Smaller "Center" inner diameter on telescope side + added threading for better light dispersion * Inner threading on "Z-Mount" part for better light dispersion - suggested layer height is now 0.15mm or even less if it's possible * A bit thinner filter threaded holder ***The internal flares are gone now, but I will still coat inner surfaces with matt paint :)*** - - - - - - **This design was NOT tested outside yet. I haven't taken any images with it yet, although printed parts fit together** **I observed some internal flares from strong light sources being outside image frame, so please be aware!** Dedicated filter drawer for Nikon Z-mount and 2" filters is either hard to get or just expensive, so I decided to give it a try and design something by myself. For easier printing the whole design was divided into three main components: * Nikon Z connector (lens side, connects to the body) * Filter drawer chamber * Telescope side connector, which needs an additional dovetail M48x0.75 ring (not sure if it is sold separately, I dismantled mine from a T-Ring adapter for Nikon F mount) Additional advantage of separated man sections is that the telescope connection can be easily replaced with a custom design. Non-printable parts required: * 8x 3x16 chipboard screws for main parts connection * 1x 3x8 chipboard screw (I just cut one 3x16 by half) - for the telescope side mount, one screw has to be shorter because it would get through to the filter chamber * 2x M3x10 for the drawer hooks * 2x M2x6 to connect drawer handle and filter holder with thread * M48 dovetail ring (depends on your scope connection) * 3x M3x12 (or longer) to hold the ring * 3x M3 nut onshape project: https://cad.onshape.com/documents/94667d987fae84091a850d4d/w/c1f2a475e3d8423e5329e387/e/0df73ee343df39139e2ddd36 **Tests** * Light leaks - tested, none observed so far * real imagining - tested, ok * internal flares - observed, but they seem to be caused by my flattener or filter frame. Gone after painting internal surfaces along with the filter framing itself with Black 3.0 paint. **If you like it, send some coins to support my hobby** ETH: 0x6eb7Ac0FBc7bD95595Eb221681CC2Ba7aeDfd54D BTC: bc1qzq536yrm52kc3g85fptztf97h5swtdtemhx4rn