

Multifunction Nodal / Macro Rail that would be Arca-Swiss® compatible.

Length about 17cm. (6,7")

Double dovetail structured profile.

Complemented by a 5 cm (1.97") Arca-Swiss® compatible Quick Release Clamp with short screw knob. Basic concept:Multifunction Nodal / Macro Rail that would be Arca-Swiss® compatible.Length about 17cm. (6,7")Double dovetail structured profile.Complemented by a 5 cm (1.97") Arca-Swiss® compatible Quick Release Clamp with short screw knob.

After an extensive search on the net, I found some parts that fulfilled all the prerequisites for building up exactly what I had in mind.

Kiwi Fotos LP-169 Lens Plate

Top view of the Kiwi Fotos LP-169 lens plate showing clearly the anti-slide ridge on one side and one groove and 3 holes on the other side for the attachment of Accessories.

Bottom view showing the M3 stop screws, the captive slots and two extra M3 tapped holes which function for securing accessories.

Relocation of 1/4"-20 captive screw. Also shown is the M3 stop screw and the two extra M3 tapped holes.

If we intend to use both the M3 screws as stop screws, then we shall need 2 extra M3 screws...

...which will fit in the appropriate M3 tapped holes in order to secure the clamp on top and avoid twisting.

Fotopro QAL-500 Arca-Swiss® Compatible 5cm Quick Realease Clamp

Fotopro QAL-500 Arca-Swiss® Compatible 5 cm Quick Release clamp with 3/8-16 mounting tapped hole and short screw button with bubble level.

Quick Release plate and a 10mm long thread converter from 1/4"-20 to 3/8"-16.

Bottom view with two additional guide holes for M3 screws.

For better fastening on the rail and avoid twisting under load, I drilled 2 x M3 tapped holes.

Bottom view with two extra M3 screws

Inserting and screwing the thread converter bushing...

... until it is flash with the clamp top and secured in place.

Hejnar Photo Index Bars

Hejnar Photo Index Bars with soft tipped screws and Allen hex key. This proves a covenient solution for marking the exact nodal point for the lens in use for future reference.

Assembly:

The index bar should be attached before securing the clapmp, since the rail's ridge will not permit it afterwards.

Index bar attached on the top dovetail and secured by the soft tip screws.

Next, the Quick Release clamp should be tightened on the rail with one 1/4"-20 captive screw through the center hole.

And secured in place with two M3 screws in order to avoid twisting.

Final inspection confirming that the bushing has not loosened.

Ready ! Total weight 223 gr (7,86oz) Total cost approximately USD 65.00

This Nodal Rail was based on different parts gathered from eBay with a fraction of the cost of products of similar quality and function.Was tested in various set ups and proved rigid and stable.In further posts, I shall show how it can be utilized in:and as a Macro Slide Rail.I hope you found the article helpful, thank you for viewing.All Photos: © 2010 S.C.Vlachos