Opticron HDF Zoom and Canon Powershot A640?

[alan_rymer]

My A95 is getting a bit long in the tooth now, and the number sequencing has gone round the clock twice ( 20, 000 plus pictures ). I know its obsolete, but, has anyone used the A640 with Opticrons HDF Zoom eyepiece ( I have the ES80GA ED at the other end of it. ), If so, opinions please.
Main reason for looking at this particular camera is:
Mainly AA batteries
But high ISO
Large tilt screen
and large MP count.

[erniehatt]

Hi Alan,
I haven´t used that particular eyepiece, but with the one I did try, it was not very successful with the A640, which I use with fixed focus lenses. The results are excellent. But you will need an adapter that allows the camera to slide up and down, I made my own. Ernie

[Neil]

Alan,
As Ernie says it's difficult, but not impossible. The other main issue is the screen resolution and visability. It's the worst of any camera I've used. It's usable in the shade ( I use it mostly in hides ), but out in the light forget it. It's a shame because it's got a great lens and wonderful features.
If you want to invest some time and effort and you like Canon it is worth looking at the Canon G6 if you can still find one. Great features , very sharp, bright lens and RAW. Will work with a 40mm Plossl type eyepiece with long eye relief. Really likes 30 mm or more. Needs a sliding-type adapter (the Scopetronix Maxview is the best I have but I have got some images from the Kowa 27x LER eyepiece too. I've got a Kowa 25x LER and Nikon 25x on order to see if they work.
The best of the new cameras to use with a zoom eyepiece is the Nikon P5100 but you may miss some of your Canon features.
This is from the G6 in the last few days. Neil

[Brian Stone]

Just to say the screen may be a problem for some but in the sort of light I get around here I've had no problems at all (and that includes sunny days). Remember the screen rotates as well so you can adjust it if the light is catching badly.

I don't use any adaptors, just a roll of tape to centre it with my fixed Leica eyepieces.

Is that Ledra aurita in your avatar Alan? If you like macro you'll love the A640 - sharp as anything at 1cm.

[alan_rymer]

Ernie

I have been seeing your results with the A640. Impressive!, but like Brian, I tend to handhold 99% of the time, so the moving lens shouldn't worry me!.

Neil

I think that the lens of the G6 would be a bit on the large size for the Opticron Zoom eyepiece. But you have certainly got some great pis with it!.

Brian

Yes, Ledra aurita, heard it , before finding it in my house ealier this year. Macro is very useful for working with insects, but not so much for Dragons ( at least, in my experience that is ), I never seem to find them in the early morning!.

Thanks all!. Still not made my mind up yet!