Seeking classic 8" Schmidt camera for film astrophotography restoration

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AppalachianAstroworks avatar
AppalachianAstroworks avatar

Searching for a Classic 8” Schmidt Camera (Celestron / Epoch / Similar)

Hello everyone,

I’m currently searching for a classic 8” Schmidt camera system, particularly older Celestron or Epoch models, along with any original film holders, accessories, manuals, or related parts that may still be out there.

Over the last year I’ve fallen deeply into film astrophotography and historical astronomical imaging techniques. I currently shoot tracked 4x5 astrophotography with an Ondu Eikan field camera and also use a restored Olympus OM-1 for 35mm film astro work. Recently I’ve become fascinated with the legacy of Schmidt survey cameras and would love the opportunity to restore and actively use one again under dark skies rather than see these remarkable instruments disappear into storage or history.

Cosmetic condition is not especially important — I’m very happy to restore/refurbish as needed. I’m especially interested in complete systems, original film holders/cassettes, documentation, or related accessories.

If anyone here has one collecting dust, knows of one sitting in an observatory closet, or knows someone from the film-era astrophotography days who might be willing to part with one, I would be extremely grateful for any leads.

Thank you very much and clear skies!

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Tony Gondola avatar
Tony Gondola avatar

Besides the hardware, the biggest problem is that the old Kodak spectroscopic films have not been produced for a long time now. The 103a series of emulsions made up the backbone of film astrophotography in both sheet and roll form. Because of that you really can’t replicate the results. I do applaud your effort though and you can still give it a go with the few modern emulsions that are available.

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AppalachianAstroworks avatar
AppalachianAstroworks avatar

Hey Tony thanks for the reply. I’ve actually had some success with modern films like Ektar 100, and Ilford FP4+. I’ve also shot some with Acros II, though I’m not finished with that roll yet. I understand that the older films did better with hypering, but some modern emulsions handle Astro remarkably well. So while I may not be able to directly replicate results, I’m more Interested in actually using a Schmidt camera for its own sake. They’re massively impressive instruments.

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Tony Gondola avatar
Tony Gondola avatar

I agree, just wanted to point that out. If you could find a 8” Celestron SC with holders, that would be a score. You might check with local universities. Would be just the kind of places that would dump old hardware into a closet or storage room somewhere.

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AppalachianAstroworks avatar
AppalachianAstroworks avatar

Great idea on the university angle! I’ll check it out thanks!

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José Manuel López Arlandis avatar
José Manuel López Arlandis avatar

In July 2025, a fellow member of the Spanish astronomy equipment classifieds forum, Fernando Paniagua (email: apogee@telefonica.net), posted an ad that might interest you: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/paniagua/WhctKLbfMvSfvjlhlCXCHvvRCrCmFvJRzHzBdlwkrQrvggBFVFVpKPHcZKNsLLLJXdStpKG. I believe he still has the equipment available. Regards.

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AppalachianAstroworks avatar
AppalachianAstroworks avatar

Thanks Jose! I’ve actually sourced what I need thanks! I’ll be deleting this post, but wanted to thank you first

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José Manuel López Arlandis avatar
José Manuel López Arlandis avatar

I'm glad, you'll do a great job.