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Craig Gerard
Joined: 01 May 2010
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Location: Australia
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 Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2012 9:24 pm Post subject: Nikon PB-5 bellows |
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Nikon PB-5 bellows
Does anyone have access to one of these units? I need the measurement between the two 1/4-20 holes in the base. At what distance are the two centers?
Craig
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Craig Gerard
Joined: 01 May 2010
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Location: Australia
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| Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2012 11:56 pm Post subject: |
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Found this post on Flickr during my travels. Interesting reading; but I still require the 'center' distance of those two 1/4-20. I want to attach an AS dovetail:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/don_hoey/6226715963 (also see associated images in the photostream)
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ChrisR
Joined: 14 Mar 2009
Posts: 3042
Location: Near London, UK
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| Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 12:35 am Post subject: |
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Sorry can't help, but found this which is either a different Nikon PB-5 from the one I'm used to seeing, or NOT a PB-5 !
Ebay 110846239788 |
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Craig Gerard
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| Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 12:48 am Post subject: |
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Chris,
That's definitely not a Nikon PB-5. An odd way to title a listing. 
The only thing a PB-5 and that unit have in common is the absence of a focusing rail.
Craig
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conkar
Joined: 18 Dec 2010
Posts: 189
Location: Sweden
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| Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 1:04 am Post subject: Re: Nikon PB-5 bellows |
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| Craig Gerard wrote: | Nikon PB-5 bellows
Does anyone have access to one of these units? I need the measurement between the two 1/4-20 holes in the base. At what distance are the two centers?
Craig |
I have the Nikon PB-5 bellows, and cc to cc is 168mm.
Next time I order something from Chris Hejnar I plan to buy this rail for the Nikon PB-5 bellows.
http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_11&products_id=23
Regards,
Conny |
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Craig Gerard
Joined: 01 May 2010
Posts: 2598
Location: Australia
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| Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 1:16 am Post subject: |
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Thanks Conny 
I made a calculated guess of 170mm while you were typing.
The confirmation cc to cc = 168mm is most helpful.
I have also been considering that particular rail, or possibly a 3/8" (9.5mm) thick version from Chris Hejnar. The 2 inch bidirectional plate with ridge (H007) @ $38.00 is also a very good piece, not required for the PB-5 AS modification, but perfectly suitable for use with a PB-4.
When using a StackShot, for example, there is no need for the bellows to have a focusing rail. There are alternatives to bellows; but I like using them. My new vertical rig, with incorporated StackShot, does not use a bellows due to cantilever concerns; but for an horizontal setup the PB-5 seemed like an obvious choice of bellows, primarily because it does not have a focusing rail, but does have two ¼-20 connection threads at either end of the base. When an AS plate/rail is attached directly to the bellows, and then to an AS clamp equipped StackShot, there would be a height profile saving of approximately 1” (25mm) as opposed to using a PB-4.
Craig
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conkar
Joined: 18 Dec 2010
Posts: 189
Location: Sweden
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| Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 10:34 pm Post subject: |
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| Craig Gerard wrote: |
When using a StackShot, for example, there is no need for the bellows to have a focusing rail. There are alternatives to bellows; but I like using them. My new vertical rig, with incorporated StackShot, does not use a bellows due to cantilever concerns; but for an horizontal setup the PB-5 seemed like an obvious choice of bellows, primarily because it does not have a focusing rail, but does have two ¼-20 connection threads at either end of the base. When an AS plate/rail is attached directly to the bellows, and then to an AS clamp equipped StackShot, there would be a height profile saving of approximately 1” (25mm) as opposed to using a PB-4.
Craig |
I also think that the Hejnar rails and the Nikon PB-5 bellows will be a good pair.
One good thing about a focusing rail on the bellows is that you has an opportunity to balance the weight on top of the stackshot, but with the long rails discussed here you can also do some adjustment to that matter.
If I remember right, you wrote here for some time ago that Cognisys had plans for an upgrade of their optional Arca Clamp Adapter Plate.
Craig, do you know if and when the upgraded Arca Clamp Adapter plate will be released?
Regards,
Conny |
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Craig Gerard
Joined: 01 May 2010
Posts: 2598
Location: Australia
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| Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 11:37 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | Craig, do you know if and when the upgraded Arca Clamp Adapter plate will be released? |
Conny,
I had a look yesterday; but it was not listed on their website. I'll send Cognisys an email and see if they can provide a release date.
In the meantime, I've removed the mounting platform which came supplied with the StackShot and replaced it with a short AS rail using the existing threaded holes. Attached to this particular AS rail is a back to back AS clamp which enables the orientation of the camera/bellows to be either fore/aft or side to side.
It's my opinion this approach would be a more appropriate solution for the StackShot. The proposed V2 Arca Clamp Mount would require complete replacement of the mounting platform if you wanted to change orientation to suit attached equipment. The back to back AS clamps allow you to change orientation in a matter of seconds.
Some quick images. The bellows in this image is a Nikon PB-4 (my PB-5 is yet to arrive):
When using an AS modified PB-5 the height profile will be significantly reduced due to the absence of the bellows focusing rail and associated attachments.
Conny,
This is the Hejnar Photo rail mentioned in your earlier post. I had one in storage and stumbled across it today.
Craig
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conkar
Joined: 18 Dec 2010
Posts: 189
Location: Sweden
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| Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2012 6:01 am Post subject: |
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| Craig Gerard wrote: | | Quote: | | Craig, do you know if and when the upgraded Arca Clamp Adapter plate will be released? |
I had a look yesterday; but it was not listed on their website. I'll send Cognisys an email and see if they can provide a release date. |
I also have looked at their website from time to time but has so far not seen the upgraded Arca Clamp Adapter plate availible for purchase.
| Craig Gerard wrote: |
This is the Hejnar Photo rail mentioned in your earlier post. I had one in storage and stumbled across it today.
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It seems to be quite tight fit for the PB-5 bellows, maybe the rail need some slight grinding to make the PB-5 to fit.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Conny |
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Craig Gerard
Joined: 01 May 2010
Posts: 2598
Location: Australia
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| Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2012 12:43 am Post subject: |
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Here is the Hejnar Photo 8" (G10-80) 1/2" thick rail attached to the base of the Nikon PB-5. The screws are positioned to the extreme edge of the grooves; it's like they were designed to go together.
Here is another 8" Hejnar Photo rail (A3-80) 3/8" (9.5mm thick). As you can see there is more adjustment available within the grooves.
Craig
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conkar
Joined: 18 Dec 2010
Posts: 189
Location: Sweden
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| Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2012 1:03 pm Post subject: |
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| Craig Gerard wrote: |
Here is the Hejnar Photo 8" (G10-80) 1/2" thick rail attached to the base of the Nikon PB-5. The screws are positioned to the extreme edge of the grooves; it's like they were designed to go together.
Craig |
Craig, I'm glad it worked out well for you. 
I think this pair together is a good alternative to it's more expensive cousins the pb4 and pb6. Maybe this get the PB-5 a bit of revival.................
Thanks for sharing your interesting findings with good product images!
Regards,
Conny |
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Craig Gerard
Joined: 01 May 2010
Posts: 2598
Location: Australia
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| Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2012 4:57 pm Post subject: |
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Conny,
When I position the two bellows units side by side, the height profile of the AS outfitted PB-5 is 20mm less than the PB-4 (with AS plate attached).
I'll take a photo and upload.
The PB-5 does not have a focusing rail or the swing/shift capabilities of the PB-4, but in other respects it is identical.
I'm curious regarding the design of the PB-5 and wonder what Nikon originally intended from a mount perspective. To what were those two 1/4-20 designed to attach?
Craig
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Craig Gerard
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| Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2012 8:37 pm Post subject: |
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The prices for all of the Nikon bellows currently listed on eBay (at time of writing) are rather steep. I purchased this PB-5 for USD$100.00. My PB-4 was USD$185.00. I'm uncertain if that is a good indication of market trend or whether I just happened to be looking at the right time.
PB-5 plus AS rail.
PB-5 plus AS rail.
PB-5 plus AS rail.
PB-5 and PB-4 height comparison (still too high for the intended application  ; but I'll keep the details in regard to that for another thread).
Craig
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conkar
Joined: 18 Dec 2010
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Location: Sweden
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| Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2012 12:25 pm Post subject: |
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Just a sidenote to this topic...........
As I understand it Nikon recommends a short extension tube between the DSLR and the bellows when connecting a modern camera to their bellows due to not harm the electronic connectors.
What they recommend is the Nikon 8mm AI Extension Tube PK-11A.
As a user of Canon equipment I always had the ef-12 connected to the DSLR body when I'm connect the camera to my nikon bellows, to avoid the risk or harming the electronic connectors.
Regards,
Conny |
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Craig Gerard
Joined: 01 May 2010
Posts: 2598
Location: Australia
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| Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2012 9:38 pm Post subject: |
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Conny,
I normally have a Nikon to EOS adapter followed by a Nikon PK-11A when attaching a Nikon bellows to a Canon DSLR. The extension ring in the images above is a PK-12.
Something I have noticed with such a Nikon to EOS adaptation is sometimes, when I jiggle the camera (even when it is set to 'off'), the red light on the rear of the camera momentarily 'blinks'. This is a matter of concern for me, so I'm glad you mentioned the inclusion of an EF-12.
What advantages do you see the EF-12 providing when attaching Nikon gear to a Canon EOS (apart from those already mentioned)?
Could anyone expand upon the merits of such a practice as I am genuinely interested and it is not commonly discussed, at least not on this forum, I do not frequent other discussion boards.
Craig
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