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4-m Prime Focus Photography (1Dec94)
(from KPNO, NOAO Newsletter No. 40, 1 December 1994)

The prime focus photographic camera at the 4-m telescope has been
restricted to ongoing programs for some time. The continuing decline of the
Kitt Peak budget is forcing us to spread our resources so thinly that
frequently used instruments are not receiving the attention they need.
Support of the prime focus camera requires us to maintain the darkroom,
plate loading room, hypersensitizing room, and chemical preparation room,
as well as the instrument itself. As part of our seeing-improvement program
for the 4-m, we are working to reduce the heat generated in the building,
and we want to reduce the energy costs associated with operation of the 4-m
(electricity to run the 4-m costs $40,000 annually!). We are also losing our
expertise in scientific photography. Because of his other responsibilities, Bill
Schoening cannot be as up-to-date in his knowledge of photographic
technology, and it is increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to obtain
suitable plates.

For all these reasons, we are planning to retire the 4-m prime focus
photographic camera in the fall of 1995. In the near future we expect to
install a new, wide field corrector on the 4-m for use with the 8K X 8K
CCD Mosaic, which will provide a field of view only slightly smaller than
the photographic camera.

To assist in the completion of ongoing photographic programs at the 4-m,
we have scheduled Director's Discretionary Time in the spring and summer
(and will schedule some in the fall semester) to take a few final
photographic plates. We have contacted observers whom we know to be
carrying out programs with the prime focus camera, to ask for observing
lists. In case we have missed someone we are also announcing an
opportunity to request "final plates" for ongoing programs using the prime
focus camera.

Finally, we are willing to entertain proposals from the community to take
over responsibility for the prime focus camera, which could then operate at
the 4-m as a "visitor instrument." We welcome observing proposals for
visitor instruments and schedule them if they fall within the top 1/3 of
approved programs. As with other visitor instruments, we would assist with
the installation on the telescope. In this mode, darkroom facilities would be
provided in our downtown headquarters. If you are interested in assuming
responsibility for the prime focus camera, please contact me for details.

Caty Pilachowski

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