Just experimenting before the eclipse.

[JohnP]

As you probably know there is a solar eclipse on Friday. As I can't justify spending money on a solar filter which would hardly ever get used I decided to have a go at making one. I purchased a cheap empty filter frame on eBay and some solar filter sheet on Amazon. The problem I had was the solar filter sheet is extremely thin and the retaining ring of the filter frame would not tighten down enough to grip the solar filter sheet. I therefore had to cut a ring from thin card to take up the slack. This morning the sun was visible through thin cloud and I decided to try out my DIY filter for some test shots as I've never done any eclipse shots before and I needed to get some idea how to do it. I didn't bother to go outside, I just set the camera up in my kitchen and took some shots through the window. The window is double glazed, hence the slight ghosting, obviously that won't happen when taking shots outside. I'm not sure how shots of full sun will turn out and going by this test shot I think a better result could be obtained by there being thin cloud at the time of the eclipse on Friday. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that it's not thick cloud. I can just make out a sunspot at about 4 O' clock.

 

[NannyFerret]

Well thought out, John. I hope the clouds won't be too thick so that you can get some good shots.

[JohnP]

Is anyone else going to give it a go... lack of cloud permitting?

[ChrisLumix]

Given that my camera's top shutter speed is 1/16000 second, I just might - but like you, I'd hope for a little light cloud cover.

[JohnP]

Given that my camera's top shutter speed is 1/16000 second, I just might - but like you, I'd hope for a little light cloud cover.

 

I'd be careful Chris! You really need a filter and use the Live view (LCD) not the viewfinder.

[geodar]

i'll give it a go depending on the clouds, they reckon we will get 90% up here. going to try a 14hd filter and a polarizer and see what happens. too much cloud to practice at the moment.

geoff

[colinb]

nicely thought out John, not looking good this way for friday but I might try stacking 3 heavy grads together if I get the time.

[THELONGMAN]

Defiantly, get the old welding mask out and give it a bash??

 

 

Geoff

[FUJI]

There is a school of thought out there that a bucket of water lined with a black bin bag will reflect the eclipse beautifully and safely , as long as you don't kick the bucket whilst focussing.

FUJI

[JohnP]

Ron... as I've never used ND filters I can't comment, however if you read this article there is reference to using and stacking them. As I said originally I got some solar filter sheet and made a makeshift filter.  https://photographylife.com/how-to-photograph-a-solar-eclipse

[JohnP]

I hope some members here are lucky enough to see Fridays solar eclipse, looking at the weather forecast I might get a glimpse or two... fingers crossed. This site shows an animation of what it will look like in London. It will look very similar where I live but further north more of the sun will be covered by the Moon. The weather doesn't sound good in the north though.... lets hope the forecast is wrong.

 

http://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/uk/london

[JohnP]

Anyway hope the weather allows us all to get a sighting.

 

Not without approved eye protection though...

[JohnP]

I hope it's better than this tomorrow, it's overcast and misty here this morning.

[JohnP]

According to BBC Hereford & Worcester this is the forecast for tomorrow... I hope it's right!!!

 

[JohnP]

The air is horrible here today, it's not just affecting Wales.  

 

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/toxic-smog-cloud-hit-wales-8872577

[JohnP]

I don't hold much hope of seeing the eclipse tomorrow, even if there is no actual cloud this damn toxic smog with scupper the event unless some breeze picks up tonight to clear it away.

[colinb]

Ron... as I've never used ND filters I can't comment, however if you read this article there is reference to using and stacking them. As I said originally I got some solar filter sheet and made a makeshift filter.  https://photographylife.com/how-to-photograph-a-solar-eclipse

 Great link John, thanks for posting. I'm just sorting out my camera, going to use my old D80 in case I fry the sensor but with a ND9 filter and and a hard grad that covers 90% of the lens I'm hoping I will be fine. I was going to use the 18/135 kit lens but I think I will go for my 300mm. Weather wise we 'might' be ok over this way so fingers crossed and good luck to all!

[JohnP]

I will go for my 300mm.

 

Colin... I used my 70-300mm lens at full zoom and did a crop when I took the test shot a couple of days ago.

[ChrisLumix]

I think the lack of sun won't be a problem - even with cloud cover it'll still go dark.

[FUJI]

Don't forget to take your torch ;-)

I remember the Blackout during WWII ;-)

FUJI

[Karenp]

Good luck with the eclipse. Looking forward to pics!

[FUJI]

I have an idea for you unfortunate folks in cloudy areas where he Eclipse will be obscured....................

 

Simply set your camera up, in front of the TV,......then, wait until the best BBC pics of the event are on screen then snap away..............no one will know the difference.....honestly. 

 

Me?......... I've set a bucket of water on a workbench, I will attempt (not too serious) to photograph the reflection of the Eclipse.

 

 

FUJI