Advice Prototype Camera/ Scope adaptor.

[dead rabbits]

I've been looking for ways of attaching my Sony Handycam to my scope. Having worked in engineering for a few years when I left school, I'm now in my 60's, I thought I would have a doodle and try and get some ideas down on paper. It's passes the time now I'm retired. I hope I have come up with a working drawing but I do not have a lathe so if anyone fancies making one or two I will gladly share the costs etc.


I do not know that this will work but if anyone with experience in the field would like to comment on any aspects please feel free. The drawing is based my measurements taken from my camera, scope and adaptor ring but should allow others to adapt it if they wish.
nv sight 001.jpg

[jetski]

if I'm honest I'm not really following the design. I also have a sony handycam and using the night vision with a scope interests me. although I haven't done any research I would think a cut down scope mount with a flat length of steel bent to the right shape could be screwed to the top of the cut down scope mount and other end screwed into the bottom of the cam (tripod mounting hole) with it positioned in the right place it wouldn't put any weight on the scope. I don't really like the idea of the whole camera's weight on the scope and camera lenses. or maybe that works fine, I've never tried it, just doesn't sound very secure

[dead rabbits]

Hi Jetski,
There is picture of something like you suggest on this forum where someone has posted a number of shots of various handycams and scopes. Hanging the camera on the back of the scope is common have a look on You Tube etc.. Your suggestion could be used in addition with mine should it be needed. Thanks for the reply.

[johnt]

Maybe a silly question but im not sure it would work with those dimensions , is it long enough front to back ( scope to cam ) to get eye relief or would that not matter with the auto focus of the cam ??

[dead rabbits]

Hi johnt,
It works when you hold the camera next to the eyepiece and use the zoom to fill the screen.

[dead rabbits]

I might have found a local contact who can get it made for me, if anyone else would be interested in geting one please send me a PM. If there is enough interest I will get a price for a small batch.

[dead rabbits]

I had the Camera/ Scope adapter made as per my drawing and have just finished making the mountings for it and fitting it to my gun. Yesterday was the first test session spent zeroing my scope having moved the back scope mount slightly forward. This then gave me enough room to fit another scope mount where I attached the aluminium bracket that uses the camera tripod mount to fix to the camera.


Parts list -
1. Camera/ Scope adapter. 2 .25mm-37mm step up lens filter adapter. 3. 27mm-51mm Zero Clip. 4. Air Rifle scope mount. 5. I/4 inch UNC screw. 6. Aluminium for bracket. 7. Epoxy resin adhesive.


What I did.
Glued the step up lens filter adapter to the camera/ Scope adapter using the Epoxy resin. Cut 4 slots in the camera/ scope adapter where the zero clip will fit. Attached the Air Rifle scope mount. Made the aluminium bracket by forming a dovetail on the scope end to fit the Air Rifle scope mount. Bent the bracket to shape and then drilled and slotted it to fix to the camera tripod mount.


Fitting-
Prior to fitting the camera/scope adapter I put black adhesive tape on the scope eye piece where the zero clip fits to bring the diameter up to the same as the focus ring and protect the scope. I also used adhesive tape under the Air rifle scope mount prior to fitting. Screw the scope adapter onto the camera lens. Attach the aluminium bracket to the tripod mount on the camera and slide onto the scope. The dovetail end of the bracket will slide into Air Rifle scope mount. Align the camera using the LCD screen and tighten first the zero clip and then the dovetail scope mount. By using fixings that revolve around the axis of the scope lens it give you options for the position for the camera on the scope. This I found very useful when making it because I mounted it upside-down which made it easier to take measurements and also fix the tripod mount screw. It also means you can mount the camera on its side and have the LCD screen on top. I use the eyepiece on the camera.


Below are 4 photo's that show, 1 snapshot view from first shooting video shooting at 40yds. (Ignore the colour computer software issue) 2 Gun camera/scope mounted and parts. 3 Target after shooting at 40yds. 4 Gun camera/scope mounted reverse view.


scope test.jpgDSCF0115.jpgDSCF0114.jpgDSCF0116.jpg

I am going out to try the NightShot function and once I have had time to tweak it I will post again hopefully with some videos.

[dead rabbits]

A short video shot during the day, I'm waiting for some decent weather to try it out at night.