Meade 4550 focus tube thread size/pitch?

[Kilohertz]

Hi all,

While I'm search for a new telescope I decided to pull out my old Meade 4550 to use as a platform for testing my machine vision camera and some AP PP.

I want to mount the C mount camera directly to the focusing tube but can't find any info on what thread size this is. I may still have the EP holder somewhere, not sure if it will allow the camera to get into prime focus area or not.

Does anyone know what thread this is?

Thanks

[Lady Fraktor]

I believe this is the attachment for those threads

https://www.telescope.com/Meade-Variabl ... 113807.uts

[JayTee]

From the 4550 manual.

FOR PHOTOGRAPHY
To allow use of the Model 4500 for photography, the following accessories must be purchased:

#126 2x Telenegative Barlow Lens (1.25” O.D.): To permit photography, the #126 Barlow lens must be
placed into the focuser’s Eyepiece Holder Adapter (1.25"), then the Variable Projection Camera Adapter
must be attached to the #126 Barlow lens via the thumbscrew lock provided for that purpose.

Variable Projection Camera Adapter (1.25" O.D.): The Variable Projection Camera Adapter includes a
machined sliding mechanism, permitting variable projection distances during eyepiece-projection
photography. The Variable Projection Camera Adapter (1.25") permits direct attachment of 35mm SLR
cameras to the Model 4500’s focuser for short exposure astrophotography of the Moon. (Requires T-Mount
for your specific brand of 35mm camera and an appropriate focal length eyepiece. Also, the Variable
Projection Camera Adapter must be used with the #126 Barlow Lens, mentioned above.

[JayTee]

Maybe this is still available. It's not too far away.

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-hobbies-craft/l ... 1673494455

[Kilohertz]

I think (hope) I have figured it out.

From all the reading and research I think the eyepiece holder thread is 36.4mm, and I found a Vixen 3720-3 which is 36.4mm holding a 1.25" eyepiece. It's on it's way and it was cheap $17 USD plus shipping $8. Should be here in a few weeks. I already have the T2 to eyepiece adapter and C to T2 adapter, hopefully I will be able to get the machine vision camera sensor into the correct location.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Cheers

[StarBru]

I hope the Vixen part does the trick! Good luck.

[Kilohertz]

And to wrap up this topic, the Vixen adapter arrived today and it fits perfectly in the Meade 4550 focuser, cool beans. I also cleaned the mirrors, the primary was quite dusty, the dust came off but there is a film left that won't come off, tried dish soap, then Fantastic, I don't want to try anything stronger, but I'm open to suggestions. It may also work just fine as is but it's nowhere near as clean as the 8" Dob I just cleaned.

Thanks for the help.

Cheers

[Lady Fraktor]

If it has been collecting dust for a long time I have had to place lenses/ mirrors in a large container filled with water/ cleaner for 24+ hours before they would fully clean up.
If you have a camera shop close by you could try using Zeiss wipes or cleaning fluid to see if they will work.

[Kilohertz]

If you have a camera shop close by you could try using Zeiss wipes or cleaning fluid to see if they will work.

Camera shop? Camera shop? Ha! We lost the last one about 3 years ago, sadly a thing if the past in our neck of the woods, and I am near the second largest city in our province. Closest one is now a 10 hour round trip away.

I might try soaking it, thanks for the idea.

Cheers

[Lady Fraktor]

I just noticed you are in Vernon, BC where is spent 2015-2019.
I purchased Zeiss lens wipe and cleaning fluid at the London Drugs camera section.

[Kilohertz]

I just noticed you are in Vernon, BC where is spent 2015-2019.
I purchased Zeiss lens wipe and cleaning fluid at the London Drugs camera section.

That's cool, my son worked in the camera dept. there at that time, 2016-2018, you may have met him.

Let me know if you ever plan to come back for a visit, I should have a decent setup in a year or so, maybe sooner at the rate equipment is arriving here.

Cheers