What is the primary purpose of the William Optics M48 T-Mount for Micro 4/3?
This adapter connects a field flattener or other corrector with a standard M48 (2-inch filter) thread to any camera body that uses the Olympus/Panasonic Micro 4/3 mount. Its main function is to provide an optical length of 35.6 mm, reaching a total system back focus of 55 mm once attached to your Micro 4/3 camera.
Why is the 35.6 mm optical length of this William Optics T-Mount critical for imaging?
Field flatteners are designed to work at a specific distance from the camera sensor (typically 55 mm total). If the spacing is incorrect, you will see elongated or out-of-focus stars in the corners of your images. Combined with a Micro 4/3 camera sensor distance, this adapter delivers the exact 55 mm total back focus needed to produce sharp stars from edge to edge.
I have a William Optics RedCat 51. Is this the right T-Mount for my Olympus OM-D E-M1 camera?
Yes, this is the correct adapter. The RedCat 51 has an integrated flattener that terminates in an M48 thread. The William Optics M48 T-Mount for Micro 4/3 will connect directly to the telescope and your Olympus camera, establishing the full 55 mm back focus for a fully corrected image.
Can I use this William Optics M48 T-Mount with a non-William Optics telescope?
Yes, provided your telescope's flattener has an M48 output thread and requires a standard 55 mm back focus when paired with a Micro 4/3 camera body. Always verify the back focus requirement of your specific flattener before imaging.
Does the William Optics M48 T-Mount cause vignetting with my Micro 4/3 camera?
No. The M48 thread provides a wide, fully illuminated light cone that is significantly larger than the sensor used in Micro 4/3 cameras. This ensures there is no vignetting or light fall-off at the edges of the frame caused by the adapter itself.
Will the William Optics M48 T-Mount work with my ZWO cooled astronomy camera?
No. This adapter features a bayonet mount for DSLR and mirrorless cameras like those from Olympus and Panasonic. It will not attach to a cooled astronomy camera, which typically uses direct threaded connections (like M42 or M48).