DSLR Copy stand rigs

Thelazyexplorer · Dec 10, 2021

Hi Everyone,

I am new on this forum. I need a bit of help. I am looking to build a DSLR scanning rig. The one I really want to build I saw in this post. In it there was a picture of the perfect rig. I was wondering if anyone knows where I can buy the same parts in the picture. There really aren’t many tutorials on how to build a good one.

This was the post: Questions about basic "DSLR" scanning rig (photrio.com) I have also included the picture I was looking for the list of parts.

Thanks for any advice

Phil

MattKing · Dec 10, 2021

Welcome to Photrio.

grat · Dec 10, 2021

Looks like extruded aluminum for the upright-- specifically 2040 (20mm x 40mm). The plate attached to the upright is probably an accessory ("gantry plate"), and the camera appears to be attached to a single axis macro focusing plate with a small ballhead on top.

DWThomas · Dec 10, 2021

Well, I just recently received a copy stand, an LPL CS-A4, from B&H. I haven't really had a chance to use it, as it was out of stock for a couple of months and other priorities crept in before it arrived. As with most techno-stuff, you can get fancier, larger, heavier ... but I figure this can get me through trying the process. I will likely intersperse a one or two axis geared slide between the gizmo on the column and a quick release camera mount.

The stand in the OP looks like quite a sturdy unit, but I will likely only be using a Canon EOS M-5 which is a relatively light weight mirrorless rig.

(Ooooh -- I LOVE adult Tinker Toy stuff! )

RalphLambrecht · Dec 10, 2021

Thelazyexplorer said:
Hi Everyone,

I am new on this forum. I need a bit of help. I am looking to build a DSLR scanning rig. The one I really want to build I saw in this post. In it there was a picture of the perfect rig. I was wondering if anyone knows where I can buy the same parts in the picture. There really aren’t many tutorials on how to build a good one.

This was the post: Questions about basic "DSLR" scanning rig (photrio.com) I have also included the picture I was looking for the list of parts.

Thanks for any advice

Phil

You could try to find an old larger and convert to a coffee stand!

bdial · Dec 16, 2021

Thelazyexplorer said:
Hi Everyone,

I am new on this forum. I need a bit of help. I am looking to build a DSLR scanning rig. The one I really want to build I saw in this post. In it there was a picture of the perfect rig. I was wondering if anyone knows where I can buy the same parts in the picture. There really aren’t many tutorials on how to build a good one.

This was the post: Questions about basic "DSLR" scanning rig (photrio.com) I have also included the picture I was looking for the list of parts.

Thanks for any advice

Phil

McMaster-Carr is my favorite source for t-slot extrusions, they carry everything visible in that picture; https://www.mcmaster.com/structural-framing/t-slotted-framing-rails/
In Western MA, McMaster can get stuff to you overnight with "standard" shipping depending on when you get your order in.

8020.net is another good source a lot of 8020 fabricators like.

FWIW, I am modding an old enlarger to be my copy stand, but there are many pathways to the "ideal" solution. Fabricating something out of 8020 would probably be my first choice if I didn't already have a suitable enlarger sitting around.

Pieter12 · Dec 16, 2021

If you are going to use a Canon or Nikon digital camera and are digitizing 35mm film, it would be worthwhile to look into one of their old slide copying attachments. No need to worry about alignment, has a bit of diffusing material so you just have to add a light source. Should be available used.

runswithsizzers · Dec 16, 2021

bdial said:
McMaster-Carr is my favorite source for t-slot extrusions, they carry everything visible in that picture; https://www.mcmaster.com/structural-framing/t-slotted-framing-rails/
In Western MA, McMaster can get stuff to you overnight with "standard" shipping depending on when you get your order in.

8020.net is another good source a lot of 8020 fabricators like.

FWIW, I am modding an old enlarger to be my copy stand, but there are many pathways to the "ideal" solution. Fabricating something out of 8020 would probably be my first choice if I didn't already have a suitable enlarger sitting around.

Thanks for those links! I wish I had known about these products before I bought my copy stand. I am sure I could have made a much more functional stand for less than what I paid for the crappy one I bought.

250swb · Dec 19, 2021

Crappy or cheap copy stands aren't the end of the world, the only question that needs answering is 'what on earth are you doing in the room to make them vibrate?'.

But a copy stand should be chosen based on the lens being used and the weight of the camera. A longer focal length macro/micro lens such as a 100mm will need a taller column than a 60mm, so it needs to be sturdier. But with a 55/60mm macro you don't need a very tall stand at all even for medium format scans, so it can be cheaper and even crappier, so long as you aren't dancing the tango at the same time as scanning.

DSLR Copy stand rigs

Thelazyexplorer

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DSLR Copy stand rigs

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