I just came into possession of a Ricoh XR-P (it was given to me) and was wondering if anyone has ever used one for astrophotography. Is this a good camera for the job or should I not waste my time with this particular model?
Ricoh XR-P viable for astrophotography?
Started by gmanzero, 10/27/2002 10:37PM
Posted 10/27/2002 10:37PM
Opening Post
Posted 10/28/2002 06:58PM
#1
Greg -
The XR-P would be fine for short exposure astrophotography (few minutes or less). It has the necessary "B" or "bulb" setting for long exposures but most likely requires batteries to function during long exposures, which can get expensive (particularly since the XR-P takes four small button cells or two lithiums, twice as many as most older cameras). The easy way to tell if it requires batteries on the B setting is to take them out, turn on the camera, and see if it will release on B (most likely it won't and the release will be locked out.)
Having said that, if you just want to try some piggyback shots or lunar and planetary stuff, it will work just fine. Long exposure shots through a telescope (prime focus) are difficult without a bunch of other guiding equipment, etc. A camera that will work without batteries on B is the Ricoh KR-5 series, which can be found dirt cheap.
Here is a link to an online copy of the XR-P manual in case you don't have one.
Joplin
The XR-P would be fine for short exposure astrophotography (few minutes or less). It has the necessary "B" or "bulb" setting for long exposures but most likely requires batteries to function during long exposures, which can get expensive (particularly since the XR-P takes four small button cells or two lithiums, twice as many as most older cameras). The easy way to tell if it requires batteries on the B setting is to take them out, turn on the camera, and see if it will release on B (most likely it won't and the release will be locked out.)
Having said that, if you just want to try some piggyback shots or lunar and planetary stuff, it will work just fine. Long exposure shots through a telescope (prime focus) are difficult without a bunch of other guiding equipment, etc. A camera that will work without batteries on B is the Ricoh KR-5 series, which can be found dirt cheap.
Here is a link to an online copy of the XR-P manual in case you don't have one.
Joplin
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