KM6VV Loc: Central Coast, CA

I have been thinking of building a linear slide for my D3300 for use on a Bowens Illumitran copier. I have the bellows for it, but can't use it with my 60mm Macro lens. The StackShot would be nice but it would be too big to fit on the Bowens. I haven't found any drop-in focus rails I want to use.

I saw something on stacker programs. I'm not at all ready to start stacking (I have Lightroom to learn first!), but I thought, might as well look into it to see if I could make my rails dual purpose.

I'm curious about the step size used in stacking. Microstepping a stepper motor gets me down to 0.0001" steps or possibly finer, if needed. However despite the claims of microstepping drives, I know from experience that 16x microstepping won't give perfectly spaced steps; so 0.00001" steps aren't realistic, IMO. They do make for a really smooth running stepper motor 'tho! What step size do people use?

Anyone use Helicon or Stacker software? I have some CNC software I think I can press into use to move the rails.

So, as I like to build hardware, I thought I'd design and build a focusing rail. And with my interest in CNC (I've CNC'd a Sherline mill and lathe), I thought I'd put a stepper on it, and make it easy to drive (I'm a retired EE, and I've designed stepper motor drives before). I've already written CNC control software (wow, that was a long time ago), so I can initially use that. My software currently runs my mill and lathe.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

I started out with Helicon & now use Zerene. In my opinion, Zerene is a superior stacking software. One can do quality stacks with a focusing rail and advancing it manually. However, it takes great care and patience to shoot a 100 image stack without jostling the rig. Here is a DIY automated stacker.

I worked several years as a machinist-- and I've used CNC Lathes and milling machines. I you are talking about using one of those to stack-- I believe you will be disappointed. The vibration will ruin any stacks at higher magnifications.

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

I would like to know more about this subject also so if anyone else has anything to contribute it would be appreciated.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

What specifically would you like to know? FWIW, there are a number of stacking threads, tutorials, links on the UHH Macro Website. There is also a ton of information on the web.
The link to StackShot: http://www.cognisys-inc.com/products/stackshot/stackshot.php
FAQ thread regarding focus stacking: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-166660-1.html

naturepics43 Loc: Hocking Co. Ohio - USA

A Velmex linear stage like this ( 141945882487 ) found on e-bay might work. Copy & paste the # on e-Bay & see what you think. As far as step size, I'm using .005 mm steps for 10:1 magnification using a 10x microscope objective. With your background, you should have no trouble hooking a stepper motor to the Velmex. I started out with a free stacker program, CombineZP, which works pretty good. I just recently purchased Zerene Stacker & love it. My rig is made from pieces & parts purchased from e-Bay and is a manually operated horizontal rig.
I forgot to ask, what subjects do you plan to photograph & at what magnification?
If I can be of further help, let me know.

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

Thanks for the links, I follow the Macro topics here on UHH every day but for some reason missed the links you just sent me. I'd like to learn more on how to build my own Stackshot type system so I'll be spending a good part of today reading the links you just sent me.

KM6VV Loc: Central Coast, CA

No firm plans to stack at this time, but I wanted to leave that option open.
Not going to use a lathe/mill to stack, but rather build a set of focusing rails w/stepper motor drive, VERY similar to StackShot system.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

My bad.... :oops: :oops:

KM6VV Loc: Central Coast, CA

The Velmex looks usable. And I'm reading up on Zerene Stacker. Can it drive your stepper? I know it drives StackShot, but no doubt with a proprietary interface.

Yes, I think I could rig up the Velmex easy enough. What I have (still digging for parts) is a 3.2mm zero backlash lead screw, and a pair of .5" dia stainless steel rails, all about 8" long. I also have bearings and a coupler for the NEMA #23 stepper motor. It's a simple matter to machine a carriage to take the nylon nut (block) and a pair of recirculating ball bearings; and end plates out of 6061-T6 aluminum to make up the rails. Also need a stepper mount. I have some surplus Cavro Scientific Instrument drives that I'm salvaging the parts from. I could just about use them as-is, but I like a pair of rails, not just one. The Cavro's use box construction with a single rail.

Original plan was to make a set of rails to go on the Illumitran film/slide copier, but then I thought I might as well make the design work for focusing rails as well. Not much difference! Although the Illumitran doesn't really need a stepper motor drive!

Probably start shooting flowers, plenty around here. Who knows, plenty of little things to photograph. Insects come to mind. I'm also wondering about photographing some of the small steam engines I've machined. Magnification won't need to be that high, maybe 5:1 tops. With microstepping, I can get the resolution, if needed.

This should be a fun project, I've not done much machining lately. First to draw up CAD drawing for the carriage and end plates.
Thanks for the offer of help!

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

zerene is the software that you use to combine the images. StackShot is a controller with a stepper motor that interfaces between the camera, the controller, and the motorized macroslider.

KM6VV Loc: Central Coast, CA

Thanks, got that.

rmpsrpms Loc: Santa Clara, CA

For 5:1, with microscope objectives in the range of NA=0.1 to 0.15, you can get by with 10um steps. This is relatively easy to achieve. A stepper motor with 200 steps per revolution, and 2mm pitch leadscrew, will give you 10um steps with no microstepping. 10um is even pretty good up to 10:1. A 10:1 objective with NA=0.25 has DOF around 10um.

KM6VV Loc: Central Coast, CA

Thanks for the microscope lens info. I'm not there yet, but it's all interesting. I intend to shoot with a 60mm Nikon micro lens. I just measured my pitch, it's 0.125", so my resolution is a little lower then when using the 1/4-20 Sherline leadscrew I was thinking of using. 200 PPR stepper, I'll probably drive it with a 10x micro-stepper drive, but only use 1/2 or 1/4 step.