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My DIY adventures

Started Oct 31, 2018 | Discussions thread
OP JRM PT Regular Member • Posts: 180
Macro Rail

In the beginning there was a 140mm nodal rail, bought to make macro work easier. There was also the base part of an L-Plate that came wrong (it was supposed to have an anti-twist lip but didn't) and some aluminium profiles pieces on my metal parts box. The idea was simple: The base of the L-plate could become a nice QR base plate for the Macro Rail. Fixed two U-shaped profiles to the base with self-tapping screws, drilled and open an M6 thread on each, and the fixed part of the rail was done. For the moving part, I've used the thick Al slab-like profile, screwed another pair of U-shaped profiles (also with an M6 thread open on both) to it and bolted the nodal rail on top of it (used a nylon washer and a locking nut). An M6 threaded rod with one locking nut and washer on each end (one covered with a rubber tip to make it easier to turn), joins the fixed and moving parts and enables a smooth movement.

Measuring wasn't perfect and a small misalignment is present:-x

As all the tools I had were a standard electric drill, a small vise and an electric screwdriver, the tolerances aren't exactly tight. It has some play so focus stacking or other kind of precise work will be out of this rail business. But small adjustments without having to mess with the tripod's head knobs are now easy and possible. All at a very convenient cost (6.38€ including nuts, bolts, nylon washers and the M6 rod).

macro rail

 JRM PT's gear list:JRM PT's gear list
Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 105mm F2.8G IF-ED VR Nikon D5300 Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F1.8G Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-140mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR +11 more
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