sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Thanks, This is the setup that I use. The lens is a 5X magnification tool maker measuring microscope objective attached to an old Novoflex bellows with a Nikon mount that uses a Nikon F to Fujifilm X adapter. I use three LED constant lights, two at opposing angles and one over the top of the subject placed as close to the subject as possible without being visible in the frame. The camera is a small Fujifilm X-T20 24mp APS-C sensor mirrorless camera.

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naturepics43 Loc: Hocking Co. Ohio - USA

Thanks for the reply. I appreciate the info. Nice looking rig. How do you like using the lab jack?

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Thanks for asking for I truly enjoy sharing. The lab scissor jack gives me the "Z" axis (elevation). The sliding work table that it sits on gives me the "X" and "Y" axis movements. The lab jack was $10 and the sliding work table was $36.

I use several methods to hold and fine position the specimen using plasticine modeling clay to stick the pin into and to mush around to fine move the specimen.

I bought a caster at the local hardware for $2.50 and I hit the ball bearing with a hammer to knock it out of the housing. I then placed the ball bearing on top of the housing. I place a dab of modeling clay on it and it allows me to orbit the specimen with pitch and yaw and it stays in place where I want it. It is truly handy for small specimens that need an ever so small move in front of the camera.

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naturepics43 Loc: Hocking Co. Ohio - USA

Thanks for the detailed reply. I think I'll order a lab jack & a roller ball. Really neat idea.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

The ball bearing roller at Amazon ($3) https://www.amazon.com/GloryMM-Caster-Transfer-Bearings-Antique/dp/B07RYMBM8G/ref=sr_1_66?dchild=1&keywords=casters&qid=1607298835&sr=8-66

The lab scissor jack at Amazon ($13) https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-100mm-Stand-Bearing/dp/B08DCP8DFN/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=lab+scissor+jack&qid=1607298563&sr=8-9

The sliding drilling/milling work table at Amazon ($34) https://www.amazon.com/Milling-Portable-Compound-Adjustive-12-2inches-3-54/dp/B01MRIFLPO/ref=sr_1_23?dchild=1&keywords=sliding+work+table&qid=1607298637&sr=8-23

naturepics43 Loc: Hocking Co. Ohio - USA

Thanks for the links. I just ordered a lab jack. Already have a milling table like yours. Bought it a couple years ago. It needed a Z axis which I didn't have. Thanks to you I will have the needed Z axis.