Focusing Rail for 10x - 20x, and some other questions.

Artiii · Post by **Artiii** » Thu Jul 31, 2014 10:54 am

I found this one;

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Nikon-Optiphot-M ... e76&_uhb=1

One rotation of the fine focus knob moves the stage 0,1mm. The graduations is divided into 1micron. How can I mount my camera on this thing? I want a horizontal setup. Mounting a DSLR on this focusing block, is it easy and cheap? or not

Chris S. · Post by **Chris S.** » Thu Jul 31, 2014 12:22 pm

Arthur,

Artiii wrote:How can I mount my camera on this thing? I want a horizontal setup.

To see a very similar Nikon focus block used in a horizontal rig, look at my posts Another macro rig (the Bratcam) and a field rig (a bit of the Bratcam).

The focus block in the stand you've found is quite good for your use. Further, it's on offer from a seller I trust, who is a member of this forum, and from whom I've purchased a number of focus blocks. I'm likely more picky than average about these things, and Curt (the vendor) knows my criteria. You might shoot him a question such as "Just checking--would the focus action on this block be up to Chris S.' requirements?" If he says yes, then you can buy it without hesitation. Even if he says, "Not quite"--it still may be pretty good, but you'd have some thinking to do.

Artiii wrote:One rotation of the fine focus knob moves the stage 0,1mm. The graduations is divided into 1micron.

This surprises me. I'd have bet that it would be 0.2mm per fine-focus knob rotation, with graduations every 2 microns. But even if so, it would work well.

Artiii wrote:Mounting a DSLR on this focusing block, is it easy and cheap?

You would remove the focus arm from the base--it's probably attached with four hex screws--easy. Then you would cut the focus block from the arm with one straight cut just above the focus block. My fabricator does this for me with his electric metal saw, so I would call it "easy," but I have no idea how long it would take to make this cut by hand with a hacksaw.

Then--if you do as I do--you would mount an Arca-Swiss style clamp on the moving side of the block, and an Arca-Swiss style rail on the other side. Figure maybe $100 for these parts. You might need to make a simple adapter plate or two to fit these parts on the block. The adapter plates can be easily made out of flat aluminum stock, cut to fit, with a few holes drilled and tapped. Again, my fabricator does this for me--but lots of people would do it themselves. I would expect to pay my fabricator around $100 for all the work listed above.

--Chris

Artiii · Post by **Artiii** » Thu Jul 31, 2014 12:55 pm

Hi Chris,

Thank you for information and help, I'm thinking of adding a step motor and a self made programmable controller. I have a little problem about this focus block and I sent you a PM.

Chris S. wrote:This surprises me. I'd have bet that it would be 0.2mm per fine-focus knob rotation, with graduations every 2 microns. But even if so, it would work well.

Instruction manuel is here, page 13 top right;

https://bramley.gen.cam.ac.uk/sandbox/g ... be5f20a193

Chris S. · Post by **Chris S.** » Thu Jul 31, 2014 11:56 pm

Arthur,

Artiii wrote:I'm thinking of adding a step motor and a self made programmable controller.

Once you've successfully completed this project, I think you'll be very happy using it.

Chris S. wrote:This surprises me. . . .

Artiii wrote:Instruction manuel is here, page 13 top right. . . .

Your point well made. I have two similar blocks, and when time permits, will have to check to see if they are different from the description in that manual, or if my memory is off.

(And PM replied to.)

Cheers,

--Chris

TheLostVertex · Post by **TheLostVertex** » Fri Aug 01, 2014 4:29 am

Artiii wrote:
Chris S. wrote:This surprises me. I'd have bet that it would be 0.2mm per fine-focus knob rotation, with graduations every 2 microns. But even if so, it would work well.
Instruction manuel is here, page 13 top right;

https://bramley.gen.cam.ac.uk/sandbox/g ... be5f20a193

I think that Chris is correct. The older optiphot 1's are 2um per tick, while the optiphot 2's are 1um per tick. I believe I am looking at an optiphot 1, though I am not an expert at these things.

Artiii · Post by **Artiii** » Fri Aug 01, 2014 11:11 am

TheLostVertex wrote:I think that Chris is correct. The older optiphot 1's are 2um per tick, while the optiphot 2's are 1um per tick. I believe I am looking at an optiphot 1, though I am not an expert at these things.

Yes, my info is incorrect, Chris was right, as you said.

enricosavazzi · Post by **enricosavazzi** » Fri Aug 01, 2014 12:14 pm

Artiii wrote:I found this one;

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Nikon-Optiphot-M ... e76&_uhb=1

One rotation of the fine focus knob moves the stage 0,1mm. The graduations is divided into 1micron. How can I mount my camera on this thing? I want a horizontal setup. Mounting a DSLR on this focusing block, is it easy and cheap? or not

If the focus really works, this focusing rack is fine for stacking. However, do make sure you have a right to return it if it should be defective. Years ago I bought a separate focusing rack of the same type, described as "in good working condition", and the nylon fine focus gear turned out to be cracked. I had to replace the gear and axle with a metal replacement part made by another company, which added about 150-200 US$ to the total price.

Artiii · Post by **Artiii** » Sat Aug 02, 2014 5:59 am

enricosavazzi wrote:If the focus really works, this focusing rack is fine for stacking. However, do make sure you have a right to return it if it should be defective. Years ago I bought a separate focusing rack of the same type, described as "in good working condition", and the nylon fine focus gear turned out to be cracked. I had to replace the gear and axle with a metal replacement part made by another company, which added about 150-200 US$ to the total price.

Thanks for the warning. I talked the seller and have bought it just now.