What is the Player One M48M-M48F 17.5mm adapter primarily used for?
This adapter is a precision spacer, designed to add exactly 17.5mm of length to an M48-threaded imaging train. Its primary purpose is to help you achieve the exact back focus distance required by your field flattener or focal reducer, which is often 55mm.
How do I know if I need this 17.5mm adapter for my imaging setup?
You need to calculate your current back focus. Add your camera's sensor-to-flange distance, the thickness of your filter wheel or drawer, and any other adapters. If this total is less than the required back focus of your flattener/reducer (e.g., 55mm), you need a spacer. This 17.5mm adapter is a common length needed to complete that distance.
Are the M48x0.75 threads on the Player One adapter compatible with 2" astronomy filters?
Yes. The M48x0.75 thread pitch is the standard for 2" astronomy filters. This means you can thread this adapter directly onto filter cells, filter wheels, and other accessories that use the 2" filter standard, ensuring broad compatibility.
Can I stack the Player One 17.5mm adapter with other M48 spacers?
Yes, you can stack multiple M48 spacers to achieve a custom length. However, be aware that each threaded connection is a potential point for flexure or tilt. For optimal rigidity, it is always best to use a single spacer of the correct length whenever possible.
Will the Player One 17.5mm adapter help me image the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) with a refractor and flattener?
Yes, indirectly. While the adapter itself doesn't affect the image, it ensures your field flattener works correctly. Without the right spacing, like the 17.5mm this provides, you would see elongated stars in the corners of your image of M31. By correcting the spacing, this adapter enables your optics to produce sharp stars across the entire field of view.
My SCT with a reducer requires 105mm of back focus. Can I use this Player One adapter?
Yes, you can use the 17.5mm adapter as part of the total 105mm distance. You would combine it with your camera, off-axis guider, and other M48 extension tubes to build up the full 105mm required by the SCT reducer for optimal performance.
