BetterPhoto Q&A
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Sharon Day		Focusing Rails Does anyone have an Adorama focusing rail or can recommend a focusing rail to buy? I was looking at the Adorama outfit and can not tell from the photograph how it adjusts. The photo shows a knob in the front but this would not work for reversing a lens since you need to be so close. focusing rail To love this question, log in above June 24, 2006

Alan N. Marcus		Hi Sharon, I never used a “focusing rail”! I was intrigued, so I followed the link and: This devise looks just fine to me. It is in essence an adjustable stage. An adjustable stage is commonly on laser imaging systems and microscopes. In this case: Camera mounts on top. Unit mounts to tripod. Ruled scale allows for calibrated movements in 4 directions. Rack and pinion (fancy name for gearing system) transfers knob rotation into X and Y movement. Fours ways so you can compose the picture. Focus is achieved by moving the camera and lens, fore and aft, best way for fine focus in micro mode. Picture shows only one knob. I know their must be a second knob hidden from view in picture provided. Looks so good, I think I will buy one. Thanks for the tip. Alan Marcus ammarcus@earthlink.net To love this comment, log in above June 24, 2006

Sharon Day		Thanks, Alan! I was concerned about what I couldn't see on the ad image. With a 50mm lens reversed on the front of my macro lens I have to be less than 1/2" from the subject. Actually the lens is nearly touching the subject. If the knob on the front was for positioning the camera it couldn't work with that combination. You wouldn't be able to change the position of the lens because the platform at the back is too long as well. Hopefully you're right about a knob that's not shown. To love this comment, log in above June 24, 2006

Sharon Day		Here's another one at Reallyrightstuff.com but it's rather pricey. B150-B Macro Focusing Rail To love this comment, log in above June 24, 2006

Sharon Day		That link wouldn't work for some reason. Maybe anyone can cut/paste it. http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/specialty/index.html To love this comment, log in above June 24, 2006

Bob Chance		Hi Sharon: I used to have a focusing rail years ago. In your case, when you have to be right on top of your subject, just adjust the camera mount on the rail so it's all the way to the front. Then mount your camera. In this position, your lens should be a good ways out in front of the rail. Set your shot up so the camera is less than what your minimum focus is expected to be then adjust the knob to rack the camera backwards till your subject is in focus. To love this comment, log in above June 24, 2006

Sharon Day		Thanks, Bob! To love this comment, log in above June 24, 2006

Daniel G. Flocke		Sharon - I use a Novoflex focusing rail and Auto bellows. Adorama has the more modern version see below. Its a double rail system, great support and small enough to pack, it's about the size of my 28-75 zoom. Best of luck, Daniel Novoflex Castel Mini Focusing Rack Click for large image SKU # NVFRM Mfr. Part # CASTELMINI Our Price: $169.95 Description · Smaller version of Novoflex's Castel-L Standard. · With a dual locking geared system, the Novoflex Mini Focusing Rack is an invaluable tool for any macro photographer. · 5.3" of total movement is available, and the entire system is small and lightweight enough to accompany the photographer everywhere. · Due to the two focus drives, it is possible to have total movement more than the length of the device. · The most essential accessory for focusing in the field of macro photography. Recommended for use with macro lenses. · Two fine-friction drives facilitate precise positioning of the entire system in relation to the object to be photographed. Features Movement of 5.3" despite overall length of 5.1". Both 3/8"x16 & 1/4"x20 threaded tripod mounts. 5.1"L x 3.2"W x 2.2"H, 0.63 pounds. To love this comment, log in above June 28, 2006

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