Manfrotto focus rail
Posted: 09.10.2006 07:56
I have had the use of a Manfrotto 454 sliding micropositioning plate for the past two days. As can be seen from the two compared images, 41 steps sure beats 14. The rail has a fine adjustment knob that moves the camera 1.25mm for every full turn. I have been using 1/8 turn between each take which moves the camera only 0.15mm.
There has been some discussion about this piece of equipment being very loose and jumping around all over the place. While this is true during adjustment, I have found that when tightened between each adjustment the camera has lined up perfectly for me ever time. I am using the unit mounted vertically on a copy stand. There is no slip when the locking knob is loosened even with the downward weight of the camera and macro lens.
There has been some discussion about this piece of equipment being very loose and jumping around all over the place. While this is true during adjustment, I have found that when tightened between each adjustment the camera has lined up perfectly for me ever time. I am using the unit mounted vertically on a copy stand. There is no slip when the locking knob is loosened even with the downward weight of the camera and macro lens.