STEP CAM

thingiverse

A Custom-Made Focus Stacker for Pro Cameras This advanced device excels at Macro Focus Stacking photography, capable of handling professional-grade cameras such as Nikon's D3X and D4S with ease. Boasting a standard resolution of 25 frames/mm, this focus staker's precision is unmatched. The stepper motor's impressive 200 steps/8mm resolution takes it to the next level, reaching up to 400 frames/mm in optimal conditions, ideal for capturing minute details at magnification levels of 25x or higher. This rugged device can carry cameras and lenses weighing up to 4 kg with confidence, featuring a Kirk Arca Swiss plate holder on top and a Manfrotto Fluid Video Head plate at the bottom. The high-end stepper motor and expensive components contribute significantly to the overall cost of approximately $250-$300, depending on your location. To assemble this impressive device, you'll need to procure the following parts from reputable suppliers: * Manfrotto's 509PLONG Quick Release Plate (available at B&H Photo) * Kirk's QRC 3.0 Quick Release Clamp (found on B&H Photo as well) * FMT-Metric-Thin-Wall-Linear-Plain-Bearings by PBCLinear * BK*BK0810 Ball Bearings from Schaeffler * Stepper Motor with a 28 cm lead screw (from Pololu) * Ceramic-Coated Aluminium Bars with Thin Wall Linear Bearings (PBCLinear offers this product as well) For the remaining parts, you'll simply need nuts and bolts. It's worth noting that the ceramic-coated aluminium bars provide an excellent sliding surface, while the thin wall linear bearings offer unparalleled linearity. As a professional photographer, I use the Kirk Quick Release Clamp since it effortlessly accommodates my cameras equipped with L-Plates in both horizontal and vertical positions. The Manfrotto video plate at the bottom ensures a secure hold, supporting heavy loads and being compatible with numerous fluid video heads. Given that this focus staker is designed specifically for macro focus stacking, omitting the two µswitches at the beginning and end of the travelling area won't compromise its performance. Typically, the creatures or objects captured through macro photography rarely exceed 1 cm in size, so focusing on the middle section of the 13.5 cm maximum slide distance suffices. Printing the device using my Makerbot Replicator 2 at fine resolution produced impressive results for parts FS1-4. To facilitate easier printing for fellow Replicator 2 owners, I've included the x3g files in the provided package. The Rhino design file (.3dm) is also available, allowing you to customize the focus staker according to your unique requirements and gear preferences. Enjoy this innovative tool and take your macro photography to new heights!