Enter: stage focusing

[KingRoach]

http://photographeronbudget.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/macro-power-up-enter-stage-focusing.html

Salvaged a mono-axis custom-made stage out of a custom made rig originally used to photograph print sample to assess print heads.

Now it's horizontal and does macro photography.

Let me guys know what you think, ask any questions, and check out the other posts in the blog as well.

Cheers

 

[Dan Fromm]

Interesting. I didn't know that any Canon 5D used film. Live and learn.

 

[KingRoach]

Film? Excuse-moi?

 

[removed account4]

Film? Excuse-moi?

pssst, this is an analogue ( film ) site

 

[bdial]

The focusing stage would work equally well with film cameras, and could be a handy thing. I can think of at least one situation where it would have been hugely helpful for me.

But since it's a custom one-off, the description would be a little more valuable if there were some photos of it detailing how one might go about making one. Or else sources for something similar.

 

[Rick A]

I used to have an X-Y axis focus rail for macro work. Mount to the tripod and add a camera.

 

[KingRoach]

Oops! A is for Analogue!

I thought you might be interested in gear in general. Well, this is about the stage/focusing rail, which works the same way with film cameras. I doubt you want to 'stack' with film, but you can fine-focus an extreme macro shot.

Thanks for the heads up, jnanian.

bdial, you have a point. I could now describe how the thing was made. They did use some swiss-made rail with ball bearings, but the threading and mounting was all custom made. It should be very simple if you have a cnc or routing machine, but depending on the cost of having one routed for you, buying one ready-made might be the better option.

I will try to put some details together and post them for you when they are ready.


Rick A: there is a section at the end of my blog post commenting on the difference between macro rails, focusing stages, and such. There is a significant difference in application due to much greater difference in how fine you can focus. Cheap macro rails are not worth spending a single penny on, as they're not good even as fixed mounts. They will wobble. They will not move well. If yours is a good brand and does a good job for you, could you please share some info about it?

 

[ic-racer]

Fine focus stage for macro is nothing new and has been available for years.

 

[Rick A]

It was a Slik two axis macro focus rail, very heavy duty and rock solid lock up with fine adjust. I sold it when I started doing macro with a view camera.

 

[ciniframe]

Fine focus stage for macro is nothing new and has been available for years.
View attachment 96988

Yup, got one of those also. Good old Spiratone, I still miss them.