Basic concept:
Multifunction Nodal / Macro Rail that would be Arca-Swiss® compatible.
Length about 17cm. (6,7")
Double dovetail structured profile.
Complemented by a 5 cm (1.97") Arca-Swiss® compatible Quick Release Clamp with short screw knob.
Multifunction Nodal / Macro Rail that would be Arca-Swiss® compatible.
Length about 17cm. (6,7")
Double dovetail structured profile.
Complemented by a 5 cm (1.97") Arca-Swiss® compatible Quick Release Clamp with short screw knob.
After an extensive search on the net, I found some parts that fulfilled all the prerequisites for building up exactly what I had in mind.
Kiwi Fotos LP-169 Lens Plate
Top view of the Kiwi Fotos LP-169 lens plate showing clearly the anti-slide ridge on one side and one groove and 3 holes on the other side for the attachment of Accessories. |
Bottom view showing the M3 stop screws, the captive slots and two extra M3 tapped holes which function for securing accessories. |
Relocation of 1/4"-20 captive screw. Also shown is the M3 stop screw and the two extra M3 tapped holes. |
If we intend to use both the M3 screws as stop screws, then we shall need 2 extra M3 screws... |
...which will fit in the appropriate M3 tapped holes in order to secure the clamp on top and avoid twisting. |
Fotopro QAL-500 Arca-Swiss® Compatible 5cm Quick Realease Clamp
Fotopro QAL-500 Arca-Swiss® Compatible 5 cm Quick Release clamp with 3/8-16 mounting tapped hole and short screw button with bubble level. Quick Release plate and a 10mm long thread converter from 1/4"-20 to 3/8"-16. |
Bottom view with two additional guide holes for M3 screws. |
For better fastening on the rail and avoid twisting under load, I drilled 2 x M3 tapped holes. |
Bottom view with two extra M3 screws |
Inserting and screwing the thread converter bushing... |
... until it is flash with the clamp top and secured in place. |
Hejnar Photo Index Bars
Hejnar Photo Index Bars with soft tipped screws and Allen hex key. This proves a covenient solution for marking the exact nodal point for the lens in use for future reference. |
Assembly:
The index bar should be attached before securing the clapmp, since the rail's ridge will not permit it afterwards. |
Index bar attached on the top dovetail and secured by the soft tip screws. |
Next, the Quick Release clamp should be tightened on the rail with one 1/4"-20 captive screw through the center hole. |
And secured in place with two M3 screws in order to avoid twisting. |
Final inspection confirming that the bushing has not loosened. |
Ready ! Total weight 223 gr (7,86oz) Total cost approximately USD 65.00 |
This Nodal Rail was based on different parts gathered from eBay with a fraction of the cost of products of similar quality and function.
Was tested in various set ups and proved rigid and stable.
In further posts, I shall show how it can be utilized in:
Creating a Single Row Panorama Head,
Creating a Multi Row Panorama Head,
Using a Multi Row Panorama Head,
Creating an Economy 5-Way Precision Head
and as a Macro Slide Rail.
I hope you found the article helpful, thank you for viewing.
All Photos: © 2010 S.C.Vlachos
Referenced Articles:
Kiwiifotos LP-169 Lens Plate Review
Fotopro QAL-500 5cm Quick Release Clamp Review
Hejnar Photo Index Bars Reference
This is pretty awesome, thanks for taking the time to put it together.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment, it's a pleasure that you find it useful.
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