Macro Zoom/Focus table for tripod

[Kira]

Hi all, I'm thinking of fabricating an attachment to your camera and tripod used for zoom/focusing when taking macro shoots using tripod.

Specs of the attachment are:

1) Able to mount Camera to tripod (Duh!)
2) Knobs for fine movement for focusing.
3) Quick release for large movement along focusing axis for zoom
4) Rotational base plates for angle and "hard to reach" shoot.

What I need is more ideals or specs that I might have left out.

I'll be getting contractors to fabricate and hopefully the cost itself would be much cheaper then what's avaliable in the market. I'm thinking of keeping the cost between $50 to $100 as those macro brackets from CP are like a few hundred dollors the last time I check. Even B&H is selling them at around US$70++ excluding shipping

If I'm able to come out with such a bracket, who would be interested to get one from me and how much are you willing to pay?

Note that this is only an Ideal at the moment and I need more inputs and feedbacks before I carry on.

Your input is valuable and I hope this benefit everyone from Clubsnap.

Cheers

 

[Wai]

good idea....if use it with a gear head will be even better

 

[SzennyBoy]

Just some suggestions for you to ponder about...

One thing to watch out for is to ensure as little backlash or play in the rail focusing mechanism, normally some sort of a worm and worm-wheel setup. On other bit to design properly would be the actual focusing knob... most currently available focusing stages tend to have small and hard-to-grip knobs - a real pain to use when you are wearing gloves in the cold!

edited to add...

Actually, after re-reading your design brief, it seems very similar to the Nikon PG-2 Focusing Stage specifications! Hmm... :dunno:

 

[megaweb]

hope these 2 designs will help

Kirk Focusing Rail

Really Right Stuff Focusing Rail & Slider

 

[Kira]

Actually, I'm thinking of designing one that's similar to what megaweb have shown us.... Or maybe one with 2 cylinder as the guilding mechanism....

Of cos not forgetting backlash, will be using either rack and pinon or some sort of gearing systems.....

The nikon one as pointed out by SzennyBoy seems good too.... It's gearing systems seems interesting.

Thank for all valuable inputs.... Anymore to add anyone?

 

[SzennyBoy]

Here are some pics of focusing stages I use on a fairly regular basis... I particularly like the side-way adjustment feature on the Velbon Super Mag Slider.

Nikon PG-2 Focusing Stage

Vertically mounted Nikon PG-2 Focusing Stage

Velbon Super Mag Slider

 

[Kira]

Thanks SzennyBoy. You've been a great help...

Sulhan, your PM box is full!!!!!!

 

[sulhan]

Hi Kira,,,,,


Its strange that my PM is full as i only have 5 messages in it....

regards,
Sulhan

 

[megaweb]

Originally posted by sulhan
Hi Kira,,,,,


Its strange that my PM is full as i only have 5 messages in it....

regards,
Sulhan

pls check your SEND folder

 

[binbeto]

Stumble on this...

Is there any update?