Modify a Cheap Macro Rail?

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Deanimator
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Modify a Cheap Macro Rail?

Post by Deanimator »

I've got a cheap Chinese macro rail that I'd like to modify with a vernier dial.

Does anybody know how to take the adjustment knob off?

It looks like it should pry off, but I don't want to break something I can't afford to replace.

BugEZ
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Post by BugEZ »

Can you post a photo or link to a description of the rail? Many rails are made in China.

Keith

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Post by Deanimator »

BugEZ wrote:Can you post a photo or link to a description of the rail? Many rails are made in China.

Keith
Sorry, I missed this until just now, getting ready for a job interview.

I'll try to post a picture of the actual item today.

In the meantime, here's a picture of a completely identical rail from Amazon:

Image

BugEZ
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Location: Loves Park Illinois

Post by BugEZ »

I don't own one, but prying would my best guess if there is no set screw at the base of the knob.

K

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Post by Deanimator »

BugEZ wrote:I don't own one, but prying would my best guess if there is no set screw at the base of the knob.

K
Here's the real item:
Image
Image

Grahame
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Location: New Zealand

Post by Grahame »

Is that a pin in the center of the narrow collar in the bottom pic.
If so it should tap out with a small punch or fine nail etc.

BugEZ
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Location: Loves Park Illinois

Post by BugEZ »

A web search on "remove knob from macro rail" produces much interesting advice. Worth a try!

K

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Post by Deanimator »

Grahame wrote:Is that a pin in the center of the narrow collar in the bottom pic.
If so it should tap out with a small punch or fine nail etc.
I didn't notice that at first. I'll have to take a look.

I just wanted to take the plastic knob off so that I could glue the dial to the side of the body around the nut, and put the knob back on.

Deanimator
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Joined: Tue Oct 23, 2012 7:01 pm
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Post by Deanimator »

BugEZ wrote:A web search on "remove knob from macro rail" produces much interesting advice. Worth a try!

K
I actually looked for that, not necessarily with exactly that verbiage. Long experience has shown me that a trivial change in terms can RADICALLY change search results. I'll give it a try.

Thanks.

Deanimator
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Post by Deanimator »

I used a piece of modeling clay to fix a cut off paperclip to the frame so that I'd have something to measure against the marked scale.

Manual stack of 33.

Canon T4i
Tokina 100mm macro on full set of ProMaster extension tubes
AV
f/8
ISO 100
300w equivalent CFLs

Still, a dial would be easier.Image

elf
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Joined: Sun Nov 18, 2007 12:10 pm

Post by elf »

If you haven't been able to remove the knob, then try this:

Make the dial in two layers. Split each layer in half and fit around the knob. Fasten the layers together with some small screws.

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Post by Deanimator »

elf wrote:If you haven't been able to remove the knob, then try this:

Make the dial in two layers. Split each layer in half and fit around the knob. Fasten the layers together with some small screws.
What I had considered is printing the dial markings on card stock, gluing them to a sheet aluminum (or brass) disk. I would then cut the composite disk so that it could be twisted and fit over the shaft and glued in place.

So far, the paper clip has been an acceptable stopgap, but I do intend to come up with a better, solution.

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