self modification for Fuji X-A2

[BABOafrica]

My goal, if possible, is to convert either an X-A1 or X-A2 into a mono camera.

I have a professionally modded X-A1 (LifePixel). I learned a lot from them in the process of getting them to do the mod, (after having tired myself).

A couple of weeks ago, I got a cheap Fuji X-A2 on ebay ($42 including S/H) listed as "For parts only". (Somebody had an accident with his camera, cracking the dust plate and damaging the IR filter on the sensor; but the camera was still taking pictures perfectly.) For me it was the perfect deal.

I decided to try my own astro-mod with this camera. Call it a $40 experiment (having spent $60 a couple of years ago trying to mod an X-A1).

Here's what the camera looks like half way through the mod.

This time around, I knew that the key to success lies in ONE thing: be VERY careful with each one of the ten connectors.

Good news... This time IT WORKED !!!

I suppose I did what they call a "full spectrum" mod since I removed the filter and replaced it with nothing. (The clear plate for dust removal was already broken by the previous owner -- I had to pick out pieces of broken glass...). So, now, there is just a clear sheet of very thin glass in front of the CFA on the sensor.

Below are two photos of some far away trees taken with the camera on my Meade 102mm -- before and after the mod.

My thinking is this: since I have proven that I can do the mod myself, my next step is to try a CFA removal procedure.

I got two Canon EOS Xsi DSLRs on ebay for a total of $30 -- both with defects but in working order. I am going to try to remove the CFA one of those first before I give it a try on another Fuji X-A1.

At this point, I'll try using my three cameras (normal X-A2 / astro-modded XA-1 / full-spectrum modded X-A2) just to do a comparison.

Oh, btw, just so you know, as manufactured by Fujifilm, the X-A1 & X-A2 are practically the same... Both use the same sensor.

BABO

[JayTee]

Joe,

You are a brave, patient, and dedicated man to attempt this. I also see this as a new potential business opportunity for you as I expect others will ask you do the same for their older cameras. In fact, I have a Canon T3i (600D) that would love to be modded.

Keep us up to date on your progress.

Cheers,
JT

[SkyHiker]

Wait, you said you wanted to change it into a mono camera. But you did a spectrum mod, which is different. How are you planning on removing the Bayer filters?

BTW If you can do that you are a very skilled person.

As you know I tried to do my own mod on an X-a1 and failed because I broke at least one of the low or medium force connectors, whatever they are called. So I know how tricky it is, good job on making it work!

[SkyHiker]

Wait, you said you wanted to change it into a mono camera. But you did a spectrum mod, which is different. How are you planning on removing the Bayer filters?

Never mind, I overlooked the line about the CFA removal, which is just that. Well if you can do that and go commercial, I will be a customer!

[SkyHiker]

Are you also going to remove the micro-lenses? If yes, any idea how much that affects the sensitivity?

[BABOafrica]

Are you also going to remove the micro-lenses? If yes, any idea how much that affects the sensitivity?

...

The CFA is between the micro lenses and the photosensors.

Nice pictorial here in case you're interested:

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/58671517

***************************

As far as sensitivity, from what I have read, the sensitivity ends up being about the same.

*************************

Anyway, I am going to try the "scrap method" -- just scrapping off the micro lenses and the CFA.





https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/1663 ... ix/page/2/


I already practiced once with an old sensor left over from my previous attempt to mod an X-A1.

I made a mess but got invaluable experience:

Joe // BABO

[SkyHiker]

Are you also going to remove the micro-lenses? If yes, any idea how much that affects the sensitivity?

...

The CFA is between the micro lenses and the photosensors.

Nice pictorial here in case you're interested:

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/58671517

***************************

As far as sensitivity, from what I have read, the sensitivity ends up being about the same.

*************************

Anyway, I am going to try the "scrap method" -- just scrapping off the micro lenses and the CFA.





https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/1663 ... ix/page/2/


I already practiced once with an old sensor left over from my previous attempt to mod an X-A1.

I made a mess but got invaluable experience:





Joe // BABO

Lol was that the sensor of the camera that I broke and sent you?

I am inspired to try it myself now, I have another X-a1 sitting in a drawer unused. I got it as a spare and because I liked the red color, haha.

[BABOafrica]

Lol was that the sensor of the camera that I broke and sent you?

I am inspired to try it myself now, I have another X-a1 sitting in a drawer unused. I got it as a spare and because I liked the red color, haha.

You guessed it !!!

I was saving it for this occasion.

Thought you would appreciate that!

Joe // BABO

[BABOafrica]

BTW, before you try a mod on an X-A1 (or any camera), get a spudger. Very important. Cheap also. They are helpful.

You need one to OPEN the "flap" on some of the connectors.

[SkyHiker]

BTW, before you try a mod on an X-A1 (or any camera), get a spudger. Very important. Cheap also. They are helpful.

You need one to OPEN the "flap" on some of the connectors.

Thanks, I just did. I was going to ask you about how to open the connectors. That's why I broke that Fuji, because I tried doing it with my nails or screw drivers. Two sets of spudgers on the way. Never heard of a spudger before.

Can you also use a spudger to scrape the CFA off? I look forward to hearing about how you go about it.

[BABOafrica]

I have not tried using the spudger on the CFA. I tried a variety of instruments. The spudger is probably too soft...

Anyway, my plan is to try to work on a cheapie Canon 450D that I bought for a few bucks on ebay, as see if I can get that to work before trying on a Fuji camera.

Whatever I do, I will post in this sub-forum. But this will take a while because I'm going back to the US for visit over Thanksgiving weekend.

Joe

[JayTee]

Wherever you go in the US, please be very careful. Take your mask and wear it all the time.

I'm even fearful of having my own children come visit me on Thanksgiving.

Stay safe,
JT

[SkyHiker]

Joe, how are you going to use a filter wheel with your mono DSLR once you have it? I presume you want color from LRGB or narrowband also to limit the bandwidth of the IR you take in. I did a quick search but of course there doesn't seem to be much available.

[Juno16]

You guys (Joe) are tough!

Is it the challenge of the mod, or, an inexpensive way of getting a mono camera? I expect the challenge! Go for it!

[BABOafrica]

Joe, how are you going to use a filter wheel with your mono DSLR once you have it? I presume you want color from LRGB or narrowband also to limit the bandwidth of the IR you take in. I did a quick search but of course there doesn't seem to be much available.

I'm not planning on a filter wheel.

Even now, when I use a filter, I have special adapter, which I made myself in the shop.

This adapter allows me to screw in a single filter such that it sits in front of the camera sensor.

It was not a big deal. I just took a tube from an old EP and removed what was superfluous. It allowed me to use the filter threads from the EP tube to hold the filter in place.

I can send pictures if you're interested.

Joe // BABO

[BABOafrica]

Is it the challenge of the mod, or, an inexpensive way of getting a mono camera? I expect the challenge! Go for it!

I guess part of my motivation was the challenge. But it is mostly driven by the expense of buying a dedicated astro camera.

So, yeah, to quote you: I am looking for "an inexpensive way of getting a mono camera".

I have low expectations...

But if it works, then I have a mono camera for REALLY cheap price.

BABO