Enter: stage focusing

KingRoach · Joined: 21 Dec 2013 Posts: 87 Location: United Kingdom

http://photographeronbudget.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/macro-power-up-enter-stage-focusing.html

Salvaged a mono-axis custom-made stage out of a custom made rig originally used to photograph print sample to assess print heads.

Now it's horizontal and does macro photography.

Let me guys know what you think, ask any questions, and check out the other posts in the blog as well.

Cheers

ZoneV · Expire: 2011-12-02

You get the completed kit with servo-motor controller and a controll box to get the stacking process automated?
I have a linear stage, some stepper motors, a Arduino microcontroller kit with stepping motor controller - and now need to build the mechanical connection. And to write the programm, and think about a simple user-interface - this is far more work, cause new to me.

What kind of user interface has your controller?

I have done some ~300 steps micro photography manualy:
move the stage some µm, mirror-pre-release, wait 5-10 seconds, exposure, and move again...
Now I want to this automated Smile

KingRoach · Joined: 21 Dec 2013 Posts: 87 Location: United Kingdom

Oh I wish! No this was a custom made job out of extruded aluminium. Even the stage was custom-made and is manual.

The original rig had a table-stand with a vertical bar. On the bar was mounted the light box, the power box, and the camera with its fixed lens. it was all made by a printers' manufacturer to provide the user with the means to inspect and monitor prints for ink spills. The focusing plane was the table, on which you would put the print, put the whole rig on top of, fine-focus and snap.

I wish I took pictures of the disassembly process. Might rebuild the whole thing just to take a picture of it.

Basically I got rid of the table stand, the right-angle triangle that held things upright, and a handle that enabled one to carry the heavy rig in one hand. All so I can plant it flat on a horizontal surface.

Stage movement is fine but manual. I took my first stacked photo as you described. 100 shots. Mirrorup/liveview, focus, wait, snap, etc. Not happy with the stack, so will post when I have something I am satisfied with.

It would be great if I could build a motorised one, which as you describe, is not rocket science. I have a friend who I'm sure would write the program for me. Is it expensive to get the parts?

ZoneV · Expire: 2011-12-02