How do I use the Baader T-2 Fine-Adjustment Rings to level my camera?
First, thread your camera onto your flattener or focuser and note how much further it needs to rotate to be level. If it's a little less than half a turn, start with the 0.3mm ring. Simply unthread the camera, drop the ring onto the male T-2 threads, and re-thread the camera. It will now tighten at the correct orientation. If more rotation is needed, try the 0.5mm or 1.0mm rings, or stack them.
Are the Baader T-2 rings threaded?
No, they are not threaded. They are precision-machined flat shims, also known as Delrin rings. They are designed to sit between the shoulder of a male T-2 thread and the face of a female T-2 thread to prevent the components from seating completely, thereby adjusting the final rotational position.
Can I stack multiple Baader T-2 adjustment rings?
Yes. The rings are designed to be stacked to achieve finer control over rotation. For example, if the 0.5mm ring provides too much rotation and the 0.3mm ring isn't quite enough, you can try stacking two 0.3mm rings (for 0.6mm total) or a 0.3mm and a 0.5mm ring (for 0.8mm total) to find the exact spacing needed.
How much back focus do these Baader T-2 rings consume?
Each ring adds its exact thickness to the back focus distance of your optical train. The 0.3mm ring adds 0.3mm of back focus, the 0.5mm ring adds 0.5mm, and the 1.0mm ring adds 1.0mm. This is a negligible amount for most systems and is far superior to using thicker, threaded spacers for rotational adjustment.
Will a 0.5mm Baader T-2 ring fix my off-axis guider from colliding with my filter wheel?
Yes, this is a perfect application. If your OAG prism housing or guide camera hits the filter wheel body when fully tightened, adding a 0.5mm ring will provide about 2/3 of a turn of extra rotation. This is often enough to move the OAG into a clear, usable position without significantly altering your back focus.
What problem do the Baader T-2 Fine-Adjustment Rings solve?
They solve the common issue where T-2 threaded components, like a camera and a focal reducer, tighten at the wrong orientation. Without these rings, your camera's sensor might not be parallel to the horizon, or an off-axis guider port could be blocked. These rings act as shims to control the final rotational position precisely.