Transit of Venus

[Rob MacKillop]

So, advice on photographing this rare event?

I know, obviously, not to look at the sun, but you can see it on the screen. Will it be impossible to get anything worthwhile on my fuji cameras without filters (on my ''to buy'' list)?

 

[Pete Askew]

Hi Rob, you'll need a filter like Chris used to shoot the eclipse last month. However, due to the small size of you lens, you can probably get away with one side of some of the glasses they sell for looking at the sun / eclipses. There is a risk that, even though looking at your screen will probably OK for your eyes, that pointing your camera at the sun, given that the sensor is permanently exposed, will damage it.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Oh, I wouldn't want to damage my sensor, so won't do that. I wonder if the transition will be visible if I use binoculars to focus the light onto a sheet of paper, then photograph that. I don't think it will make for an iconic image, lol!

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Agree with Pete - do not point the camera at the sun without a proper filter - sensor damage is likely

You can use a long cardboard tube as a pinhole device - 6' is ideal as you'll get a larger sun image

Cover the top end with tin foil or a plastic stopper that's light proof - make a small pinhole in the center, or use a very fine drill bit

Cover the bottom with a sheet of white paper - this is your screen

Point this contraption at the sun and you'll get a nice sun image on the bottom end screen

longer than 6' gets you a bigger sun image - think a piece of plastic drain pipe perhaps?

instructions here: Solar Eclipse: A How-To Guide for Viewing Eclipses | Exploratorium

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Thanks, Chris.