Off-topic... What filter do I use for a solar eclipse??

[Efliernz]

We have a partial solar eclipse (60%) late this afternoon (it's 08:30 here at the moment) and I am wanting to record it by time-lapse.
While my "disposable" Ricoh will be out in the sun for 4 hours shooting every 30 seconds, the light will be too strong for the sensor. Any suggestions what type of filter (not a welding mask!!!) I could use to shunt some of the light down???

I know - not aviation but we are the diy experts on this forum :YeaBaby:

[wlfk]

I bought an eclipse filter a long time ago, specifically for the purpose. But I doubt that's useful.

I assume you're using a very long lens or it's attached to a telescope? If not, then I wouldn't worry - the sun gets in pictures all the time and sensors don't often get zapped. Depends slightly on whether it's an SLR I guess - I presume not?

Do you have a blank CD-Rom?

http://www.mreclipse.com/Special/filters.html

K

[Efliernz]

I got some shots but I wasn't very successful... Oh well, only 3.5 years before I get another chance...
This wasn't taken by me... but by someone who knew what they were doing!!!

[MarkWebber]

I know it's too late but a filterless option (inexpensive too:)) is to cut a circle in a solid material and position it above a smooth/clean surface. You then photograph the image on the surface. Adjust camera setting for good exposure. Many solar observers use the same technique to indirectly view the sun. Helpful for viewing sunspots during intense solar activity.

[Aerial RC Photog]

I sometimes use CPL filters, in combo with other screw on filters, with the DSLR.
Depending on your location determins strength of the filters.
Extreme Example: People at the Equator would wouldn't use the same filters as the folks at the North Pole,
I know there's a big differance. but that question raises a lot techniques.
:thinking

[bullaculla]

Sorry Pete, haven't been around the past week. You can stack a couple of ND filters to kill the light a little, but it still wont protect your eyes. So you cant look through the lens for very long. It will not look bright, but the radiation can still get through. I got a few killer shots of a sunset on Kona with 300mm lens and the sun almost filled the frame. I only had one ND fliter for that lens though, but at sunset, teh sun in not so bright.