Z mount lens adapter for QHY163M COLDMOS Astronomy Camera

thingiverse

The QHY163M COLDMOS Astronomy Camera is a $1100 USB3 camera boasting a 16MP cooled monochrome micro Four Thirds (MFT) CMOS sensor. It comes equipped with an M42 thread approximately 18mm from the sensor plane, however this distance falls short for a Nikon Z-mount lens to hit infinity focus. The Nikkor Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct is of particular interest in astronomy due to its relatively minor aberrations at the very bright f/0.95 maximum aperture. Although manual, the lens requires power for various functions; it can however be manually focused and used wide open without power. The adapter design here replaces the M42 mount on the camera. By removing the four central screws, the camera looks as shown in the photo. The printed adapter is then connected to the camera using the same four screws that held the M42 flange. Once the printed adapter is screwed in, the Z-mount lens is attached normally; a small slot in the adapter edge aids alignment for inserting bayonet.