August 1, 2015

MS-5 8" Linear Motion Lead Screw Macro Rail from Hejnar PHOTO Preview

Hejnar Photo MS-5 8" Linear Motion Lead Screw Macro Rail
The Hejnar PHOTO family of Arca-Swiss® compatible Linear Motion focusing macro rails and macro stages has been in constant development the past few months.
After the new New 50 mm Linear Motion Lead Screw Macro Rails in May, here comes the MS5_8 an 8" focusing stage which can be declared as a direct upgrade of the original MS-3_8 Linear Motion Macro Focusing Stage (review) using the same lead screw concept but utilizing the sliding bars found on the latest Hejnar micro adjusted models.

Since the MS5_8 features the same lead screw as the MS3_8, it offers 1.06 mm travel (0.0417") per one rotation of the knob(s) with a maximum travel distance of 3.5 inch (89 mm).

However, the similarities with the MS3_8 stop here as we shall see further. The MS3_8 by the way, will remain in production as a more economic alternative.

The Rail structure

Manufacturer Specification:
Model:MS5_8
Rail Length:203 mm (8")
Overall length:267 mm (10.5")
Width:95,25 mm (3.75")
Height (Thickness):45,72 mm (1.8") w/o QR clamp
61.6 mm (2.425") with F63b QR clamp
Weight:1000 gr (2.3 lbs)
Materials:Precision C.N.C. machined 6061-T6 Aluminium,
Black hard coat anodized, Stainless Steel and
Self Aligning Linear Sleeve Bearings (slider).
Hardware:Stainless Steel
Made in:U.S.A.

The outer shell is aluminum with a 0.002" thick ceramic coating for added corrosion resistance and endurance at a temperature range of –400° F to +375° F (-240° C to +190° C ).

Hejnar Photo MS-5 8" front top view
Although both 8" long, the structure of the MS5_8 is far wider than the MS3 enhancing its strength and stability characteristics while it comes with a wider QR clamp by default. The lead screw is driven by two large knobs one at each end of the screw, providing access from both sides.
All the corners and edges are rounded for safety reasons in order to prevent from accidental injuries or damages to other equipment in your bag.
Hejnar Photo MS-5 8" slider release lever detail
Fast positioning of the slider is also provided, effected by just pressing the brass slider release lever shown above, below the carriage.
Hejnar Photo MS-5 8" Linear Sleeve Bearing detail
The MS5_8 features Self Aligning Linear Sleeve Bearings. Having a nonabrasive, chemical-resistant PTFE liner they don't require any additional lubrication, consisting them virtually maintenance free.



The F63b Quick Release Clamp

Manufacturer Specification:
Model:F63b
Jaw Length:3.25" (82 mm)
Weight:135 gr (4.7 oz)
Countersunk/threaded holes:Three (1 x 3/8"-16 center hole and
2 x 1/4"-20 outside 45 mm apart)
Safety Stop Relief Grooves:Two
Long Captive Screw Knob:Stops at maximum opening
Material:Precision C.N.C. machined 6061-T6 Aluminium
Color:Black hard coat anodized
Hardware:Stainless Steel
Made in :USA

As all Hejnar QR clamps, the F63b is compatible with virtually any Arca style Quick Release plate. Being an add-on unit, it can be dismounted and mounted on a ball head or other equipment at will.

Hejnar Photo MS-5 8" with F63b QR Clamp
The slider is equipped with the larger Hejnar Photo F63b 3.25" (82mm) long Arca Swiss® compatible Quick Release clamp, which sports two extra mounting / alignment screws within the safety relief grooves. (b at the end of the model name stands for long black knob).
The clamp is retained on the slider both by its center 1/4"-20 flat head screw, and two M4 flat head side alignment screws. All screws can be easily loosened by the included Allen hex keys in order to be reoriented at users will, in 90° increments, so as to place the clamp jaws either parallel or perpendicular to the slider and the srew-knob at any side the user finds more convenient.
When the clamp is set perpendicularly to the slider, then the large clamp area becomes a convenient wide platform for lateral adjustment of the camera within the clamp.

The Arca Dovetail
Nevertheless, when the MS5_8 Linear Motion lead screw adjusting macro rail is mounted on a Tripod Head equipped with an Arca-Swiss® compatible clamp, the camera to subject distance can be roughly adjusted by moving the whole stage within the clamp limits via its bottom Rail and further engage in extra-fine adjustments using the lead screw knobs.

Hejnar Photo MS-5 8" bottom view
The bottom rail is equipped with an Arca Swiss® compatible dovetail, so it can be used with any head equipped with an Arca compatible clamp while an 1/4"-20 threaded center hole on the center rail brace allows direct mounting on a pod with a similar stud.
Hejnar Photo MS-5 8" Safety stop screw detail
M3 safety stop screws are found at both ends of the bottom rail not allowing the large stage to fall off from a loosely tightened quick release clamp.

According to the manufacturer, the MS5_8 rails operate in vertical orientation (perpendicular to the ground) with a load up to 10 lb (4,53 kg), while in horizontal orientation (parallel to the ground) the load can be increased up to 15 lb (6,80 kg).

Stnadard Hejnar choice of materials, manufacturing quality, fine adjustment and last but not least, Arca Swiss® compatibility bring this Linear Focusing stage to the top choices.
Arca-Swiss® compatible dovetails from Hejnar Photo work with Arca type clamps from:
  • Markins® including lever release clamp
  • Really Right Stuff®, including lever release clamp.
  • Arca Swiss®
  • Wimberley®
  • Kirk®
  • Photo Clam®
  • Foba® (Foba uses different safety stop mechanism, so safety stops may need removing)
  • Vanguard ABH Series Ball Heads (ABH is Vangaurds only Arca-Compatible series)
  • Custom Brackets®
  • Jobu Design®
  • Acratech®
According to Hejnar Photo near future plans include a model with an M10 metric screw for easier distance / rotation calculations as well as an even higher-end model sporting a Digital Scale.

Update Sep 28, 2015
Innovative Linear Motion MS5 DS4 Macro Rail with Digital Scale from Hejnar PHOTO Preview
Announced and released for preorder,




I hope you found the article useful, thank you for viewing.
All Photos used by permission: © 2015 Chris Hejnar / Hejnar PHOTO

Price & Availability:
Current price for the MS5_8 Lead Screw Macro rail is US$ 425.00 (+Shipping where applicable) and is available for preorders from the Hejnar Photo online Store.

If you are interested in the product, do check the Recommended Sellers page for the current valid Hejnar Photo discount coupon before placing your order.

Update Mar 8, 2016
Hejnar PHOTO MS5P 8" Linear Motion Lead Screw Macro Rail Preview

The Slider release mechanism was updated resulting in a lower more affordable price.




Relevant Articles:

Updated Linear Motion MS5 DSP Macro Rail with Digital Scale from Hejnar PHOTO
Updated Linear Motion MS5 DSP Macro Rail with Digital Scale from Hejnar PHOTO
Hejnar Photo MS-5P_8 Linear Motion Macro Focusing Rail Review
Hejnar Photo MS-5P_8 Linear Motion Macro Focusing Rail Preview
New 50mm Linear Motion Micrometer Macro / Micro Rail from Hejnar PHOTO
New 50mm Linear Motion Micrometer Macro / Micro Rail from Hejnar PHOTO
Hejnar Photo MS-3_8 Linear Motion Macro Focusing Rail Review
Hejnar PHOTO MS-3_8 Linear Motion Macro Focusing Stage Review

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