EFW “Darkening sets” - when & where to use

Mapleleaf

I’ve just picked up a 7x36mm EFW and a 2600MM and the EFW included 2 slightly different pairs of “darkening set” shims … one pair for each side of the EFW.

The instructions on the EFW product webpage only shows the darkening set (black shims) being used in OAG-EFW-Camera setups which are presumably screwed together. There is no guidance for a threaded setup.

In my case, I don’t use an OAG and I’m using threaded connections Focuser-EFW-camera with the 2mm T2-T2 adapter in between the EFW & camera (with the tilt plate in place).

Do I need to use the darkening set shims and if so, how are they secured when threaded adapters? There is no pressure to hold those shims tight and prevent the leaks (especially on either side of the T2-T2 2mm adapter.

Tech@ZWO

Mapleleaf If you connect them via threads, and no screw holes on the EFW are exposed, you don't have to use the darkening sets.

Mapleleaf

Thank you. If I were to bolt the camera directly to the EFW, would I have to remove the tilt adapter? The hole pattern on the darkening set don’t align with the holes on the tilt adapter.