Macro Rail + Follow Focus

[3rdwave]

Is it possible to use a follow focus on macro rails? Rails such as this one:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/193311-REG/Velbon_SUPER_MAG_SLIDER_Super_Mag_Slider.html

thinking of getting the indie focus:

http://www.indisystem.com/products/indiFOCUSmini.html


Thanks!

 

[designbydave]

The specs don't say anything about that having the arri lightweight standard of 15mm rails, spaced 60mm apart. They look too small, so I doubt they would work. There are several other manufacturers that sell standard 15mm rail systems in this price range.

 

[Michael Carter]

The specs don't say anything about that having the arri lightweight standard of 15mm rails, spaced 60mm apart. They look too small, so I doubt they would work. There are several other manufacturers that sell standard 15mm rail systems in this price range.

Ummmm... the rails on the macro rig are part of the macro mechanism, they're not for adding a matte box or something... you're confusing it with a rail system. The OP wants to be able to mount his camera on the macro rig and use a follow focus, not use the macro rig as a rails system.

There should be no problem mounting your camera with its rails & FF on the macro rails... if it can handle the weight of your rig. They don't give a max weight spec, but that thing is pretty big (4" base plate) and made of magnesium; you might contact the manufacturer.

If you want to use it with a DSLR, check the D|Focus products; their FF is really a very good one, and they make a DSLR plate for it, which allows you to mount it to your camera without a rails setup. The D|Focus also has a full-size marking plate, which you can clip those metal-spring-type paper clips to as focus stops, which could be handy for macro work. Similar price to the indi focus.

 

[ben_r_]

I have actually owned the macro focusing rail you linked to and for the price its the best youll find. However, I sold it to upgrade to a much more stable unit made by Really Right Stuff, but that one costs quite a few times the price of the Velbon.

That being said, once your gear is mounted to a macro focusing rail, you use IT to focus your shots. Macro is shot at a set magnification that you chose with the lens then you dont touch the lens again and you focus moving the camera body closer or further from the subject.