What threads does the ZWO Gen 2 M54 Filter Drawer use?
The drawer body has an M54 x 0.75 female thread on the telescope side and an M54 x 0.75 male thread on the camera side. It also includes an M54 male to M48 female adapter for connecting to M48-threaded cameras or accessories.
Can I use my old ZWO Gen 1 filter holders with the Gen 2 M54 Filter Drawer?
No. The ZWO Gen 2 M54 Filter Drawer is not backward-compatible. It is designed to work exclusively with the new Gen 2 filter holders due to changes in the design that improve light sealing.
What size filters fit in the ZWO M54 Filter Drawer V2?
The included filter holder is designed to accept standard 2" mounted astronomical filters, which use M48 x 0.75 threads.
How do I connect the ZWO M54 Filter Drawer to my ZWO camera with M42 threads?
This drawer is optimized for full-frame cameras with M54 or M48 threads. To connect to a camera with smaller M42 threads (common on APS-C or smaller sensors), you would need an additional step-down adapter, such as an M48-to-M42 adapter, placed after the included M54-to-M48 ring.
I'm using an f/4 Newtonian with a full-frame camera. Will the ZWO M54 Filter Drawer cause tilt?
The ZWO Gen 2 M54 Filter Drawer is designed to minimize tilt. The combination of strong magnets and the adjustable side tension screw creates a very rigid connection. By tightening the screw, you can eliminate any play between the holder and the drawer body, ensuring the filter remains orthogonal to the light path, which is critical in fast optical systems like an f/4 Newtonian.
What is the small screw on the side of the ZWO Gen 2 M54 Filter Drawer body for?
That is the tension adjustment screw. It allows you to increase the pressure on the inserted filter holder. This provides two benefits: it ensures a tight fit with zero movement for imaging, and it acts as a safety lock to prevent the holder from accidentally being pulled out.
