dedicated macro shoe

Am using the 190XPRO tripod. I want to have made a head that will allow me to use a microscrew thread to move the camera and lens lens rather than adjusting the lens by hand. I have an ex toolmaker friend who can do the work but has anyone actually done this conversion and can at least set us on the right road.

That's an interesting idea actually.
Maybe he could start a little business, I would be up for one

And Me

Davex.

mmm funny I was thinking the same thing today also...

What do you mean by "than adjusting the lens by hand." Won't the Manfrotto 410 tripod head do what you mean or a focus rail.

shim

Shim. I remember at a recent camera show there being a focus rail, but they would not sell it to me!!!. I have no idea who there were. At that time I did not realise the benefit of using a micro adjuster system but focusing is so critical in macro. Seems I get it right and then let go of the lens and the focus goes off. I can also remember someone showing such an arrangement somewhere on the Pentax site. I am sure my friend will work something out but just wondered if someone had already cracked this. Presumably, I will need another Manfrotto camera plate for this. Any ideas where I can get one. I dont want to dispence with my present normal arrangement.

Something like this, you are looking for? I think it is expensive

Oh and here are some other options.

Martin.

If you want to buy them in the UK then Morris Photo get my vote for tripods.

You get this movement built into the Pentax Bellows, so you don't need a rail with that. Using just a macro lens you need a focusing rail with rack and pinion movement for speed. This is the Pentax one that I use link

shim

Hi,

Agree with Shim that if you want a tripod head that will allow adjustment of tilt, pan, and side to side then the Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head will do that for you.
Or if you just want to move backwards and forward after alligning the camera onto the object then a Manfrotto 454 Micropositioning Sliding Plate will do the job.

The 410 geared head is the only (pan/tilt) head I've used where its possible to allign the camera without it moving slightly when you turn the locking screw.

A combination of both should be just the ticket for tripod based macro photography.

Have been all around the houses. There are many different makes but the issue is fitting it to the 486 head. I like the 454 slider as this does match. I only want forward and back movement. Are there any issues with this slider, please? Why would you lock a micro screw adjustment? Is there risk of creep? I will be using a remote switch for firing. The camera will not be touched once in focus. Apologese if these seem silly questions but I have no way of looking at the thing before purchase and would want to avoid compatibility issues.

Hi Rhayles,

the Manfrotto 486 head has 1/4inch screw so the 454 slider will fit onto it no problem (the underside where the threaded holes are is just a flat area).

The lock/release lever refered to in the Manfrotto description is the lever at the right rear of the central part of their picture; this enables the central part to slide without use of the screws - good for initial set up.

Fine adjustment is then done with either of the screw knobs at each end of the sliding portion. You are right that this hardly needs to be locked (nurled knob to left rear of central portion in their picture) however if using verticaly or at steep angle I would lock to prevent creep especialy if several pictures were required over time.

As with other Manfrotto stuff its well made and if looked after will last for years

Thanks for the explanation. I guess I will discover all this when I have it in my hand, so to speak. With the two size screw holes, presumably I can purchase and attache a seperate plate onto the slider to save switching between this and the camera.

Any similar racks to the Pentax one with rack and pinion, can be moved easily by pushing the camera so they have to be locked. The Pentax one runs on two chrome rods so it does move about easily, that also makes it easier to move back and forth via the control knob.

shim

Shim. You are so right. Hadn't realised the potential for movement with the Pentax one. Could not find any details of the Pentax model. Amazon said out of stock and no knowledge of future stocks..Kinda put a stop on following your recommendation for this. The micro screw should be less inclined to move, but I could be wrong about this. If the camera can be moved when locking the slider it kinda defeats the purpose. Still looking around. Lots of fancy ones from the east available. Will take my time. Grateful for all the imput.