Series IV Main Features
* The Series IV 'Stiletto' Modular Mount System allows you to attach any of our 'Stiletto' camera mounts to the same Series IV body. By simply adding other Stiletto camera mounts, the Series IV allows you to switch between formats and/or cameras on the go by just unscrewing one mount, and screwing in another. Stiletto camera mounts are available for all camera brands and models - 35mm DSLR, 35mm Film, CCD, and Medium Format.
If you are using several different cameras, you do not need another complete Series IV focuser - just add another Stiletto camera mount to the Series IV body and you're ready to go. When you order, a complete Series IV 'Stiletto' already comes with one Stiletto camera mount you specify when ordering. 'Extra Stiletto Camera Mounts' are available in our ordering section.
* Standard T-threads In addition, all Stiletto camera mounts we supply use standard bayonets to match your camera. Whatever way you are attaching your camera to your scope now, the Series IV focuser will swap in and out perfectly retaining the factory spec backfocus distance. The Series IV Stiletto CCD mount employs standard M42 x.75mm t-threads to mount nosepieces, filters, OAGs, and camera bayonets in seconds. By simply unscrewing the nosepiece, you can attach your Series IV CCD focuser the very same way you attach your CCD now. To avoid swapping CCD adapters back and forth between the camera and focuser, special extensions and accessories are available for the mount to match your overall backfocus distance. (See more about this below.)
* Flexibility The whole concept behind the Series IV is interchangeability and flexibility. In practical terms this means the Series IV can grow as you grow, and will never become obsolete as you move from 35mm DSLR to CCD photography to Medium Format, or whatever. New Stiletto mounts to match new cameras are developed everyday. In short, you get the best focusing for film and digital photography in one modular and upgradeable focuser- the Series IV 'Stiletto' !
* Interchangeable "Stiletto" Assemblies with ronchi screens. A resolution of 180 lines per inch is included with the Standard the Series IV unit. This model works well with f/ratios of 10 or higher. A special 'Black Chrome" 300 line/inch ronchi screen was developed especially for use with low f/ratio scopes and are installed in the Stiletto camera mounts in our Deluxe and Pro Edition models. Our 'True Knife Accessory' was designed with the perfectionist in mind and is a true knife-edge assembly that is interchangeable with our ronchi screens. This is included in our Pro Edition model along with a fitted carrying case. For instructions on how to change screens and tweak the assembly, click here or view our video tutorial. For a short tutorial on knife edge focusing with the True Knife option, click here.
CCD Stiletto (w/ nosepiece) Snap-In Ronchi Screens 35mm Stiletto Camera Mount
* Adjustable Helical Focusing Assemblies are standard in the Stiletto assembly and permit the photographer to tweak the focuser for use with his specific camera. Although the assemblies are shipped pre-calibrated to within .001mm of the factory specification for your camera , helical focusing permits you to exactly match the backfocus of a specific camera to the focuser with a simple resetting of the ronchi focusing tube. In short, you can tweak your focus to your particular satisfaction and, depending on what camera modifications you may have made, this is a definite plus!
* Swivel Mounted and Collimateable Magnifying Diagonal Assembly for more comfortable viewing and perfect centering and focusing. Adjustable through 360 degrees for comfortable positioning with the twist of your wrist. A magnifying transfer lens in the diagonal produces a large, visible starlight pattern on the ronchi screen. Includes a high quality 25mm plossl eyepiece which is perfectly alighned with the optical path. The diagonal mirror is be easily collimated to achieve perfect centering or placement of your image as you prefer for perfect depth of field. So, no more backbreaking positions or grass stains on your knees!
* Solid Construction Materials are used throughout. The body is manufactured of die-cast aluminum with a strong black texturized finish. The camera bayonets and CCD assemblies are black anodized aluminum. The Series IV weighs approximately 360 grams. Its size and weight are comparable to an average 35mm camera. Little or no rebalancing of telescope tube assemblies is normally required.
* Attachment to Your Existing Corrector, OAG and Flip Mirrors is easy and guarantees perfect focus each time, every time! The Series IV attaches to your telescope the same way your camera does now. The Series IV M42 female t-thread on CCD models will accept the same nosepiece or adapter that you use to mount your camera now. The M42 mount allows you to use third party attachments and extensions such as those supplied with flip mirrors. The Series IV is just like your camera, except that its only function is to achieve perfect focus quickly and easily.
* In Series IV CCD models, compatibility with CCD Color Filter Wheels was a prime concern in the design of the Series IV. Since the use of a separate color filter wheel increases the focal distance, the backfocus distance of the Series IV needs to be increased as well. This distance is easily compensated for by using the same attachments you currently use, or with adapters normally supplied by your CCD manufacturer. If the CCD camera or flip mirror comes with attachments, they may be screwed directly in to the Series IV. STI also offers optional adapters which establish the proper overall backfocus. These come pre-calibrated for use with your CFW model. Of course, if you have a CCD camera with integral CFW, no special adapters are necessary. Regardless of the strange combination of adapters and accessories you may be using, rest assured that we have an effective solution for you. We also machine custom adapters, so just let us know what you need!
* Faster & Better than Focusing Software, the Series IV needs only one iteration to focus on the chip. Unlike software focusing programs, the Series IV requires no cooling down period or multiple back and forth exposure comparisons. The Series IV gets the focus right the very first time! Click here to see actual field results using the Series IV versus MaxIm, the best focusing software around, and click here to see how the Series IV compares to many other approaches for focusing on a CCD chip. You'll be surprised... the resolution of the Series IV is below the resolution of the pixels in your camera!
* Technical Support you can count on through our website, email, and product instructions on cdrom. We want you to take successful photos with the Series IV. Proof is always in the pudding! Visit our Gallery to see some fine examples.
* Satisfaction Guaranteed with a one-year parts warranty and a 30-day money-back Clear-Sky guarantee. Free recalibrations at any time.
