Connecting DSLR to dovetail bar...

[Harpage]

Hi,

Just ordered a HEQ5 Pro, which I’ll be using for astrophotography! I have only ordered the mount at the moment, as I don’t have enough to get a scope. So in the mean time, I thought I’d attach my DSLR to the HEQ5 and do some widefield shots.

So far, the easiest method I’ve seen is to attach a 1/4”-20 bolt to your dovetail and screw on the camera. However, I’m actually struggling to find a 1/4” bolt with 20 threads per inch - Bunnings sells a bunch but don’t mention the thread pitch which is a bit annoying.

I would have used the quick release plate on my old tripod, but unfortunately it’s way to large to attach onto a dovetail saddle (the maximum width Vixen saddles accept is 44mm, right?).

So does anyone know where I can get 1/4”-20 bolts here in Australia? Or does anyone know the thread pitches of the bolts you can get at Bunnings?

Thanks in advance.

[Outcast]

I would try a specialist bolt supplier in Canberra; a quick google search for 'specialist bolt suppliers Canberra' turned up about 4 at least.

Here in Cairns, I go to a company called Boltmasters (not in Canberra unfortunately) & they have never failed to supply me with even the most obscure thread pattern I've needed...

Cheers

[JA]

1/4 inch 20tpi is a standard British Standard Whitworth BSW size and is in all likelihood the only 1/4 inch thread you will find in Buntings. Better yet go to a special type bolt supplier in your area.

Best
JA

[Startrek]

If you have a Canon DSLR ( 2004 to 2012 ) all you need is a 1/4 “ roofing bolt
I mounted a home made cooling fan to my Canon 600D using a 1/4” roofing bolt from Bunnings ( I had to cut the bolt down to 15mm long )

[Harpage]

Thanks for the suggestions guys! I'll probably head to my local Bunnings tomorrow and bring my quick release plate - find a bolt that matches it exactly.

Also, are M6 and 1/4" the exact same thing?

[Startrek]

No M6 is has a metric thread ( fine thread pitch )
1/4” is an imperial thread ( a wider thread pitch )
I tried an M6 bolt in my Canon 600D and it wouldn’t screw in , so then tried the 1/4” bolt and screwed in perfectly

[Saturnine]

The 1/4" Whit. screws they sell in the hardware stores are the same thread pitch as camera mounting threads and all 1/4" Whit screws are 20 TPI . Just make sure the screw isn't too long and bottoms out in the camera, if you over tighten you can damage the bottom of the threaded hole into the interior of the camera body.
Have you thought of mounting an Ball Head onto the dovetail and mounting the camera onto the Ball Head, gives you much more flexibility for pointing at targets.

[Harpage]

Hi guys. I went into Bunnings this morning with my quick release plate, and found the bolt I was looking for! Turns out that pretty much every bolt was the Whitworth standard, and the 1/4" ones were 20 TPI. Now I just have to wait for my mount to arrive..

[glend]

If you want a deluxe solution in the future, consider this DSLR holder from Teleskop-express,

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p9891_TS-Optics-Telephoto-Lens-and-Camera-holder-with-Vixen-style-dovetail-bar.html

I have one of these and love the flexibility it provides, and it has lens support.

[Ukastronomer]

Is this similar to what you are doing I use this on my AltAz and Eq mounts

Ebay

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