Recommendations for P5 Rig -- RRS parts and light source for camera scans

[ghzimmerman]

Would appreciate your help and advice on a couple questions:

- I would like to use Peter's P5 Rig with a Canon 100mm f2.8 macro lens.  What parts do I need to order from RRS?

- I don't currently own any lighting equipment other than a Canon 580ex flash.  Do you have any suggestions for a light source/set-up.

Thanks!

Gus Zimmerman

[peterkrogh]

(For those following along at home, Gus found a Nikon PS4 and sent it to me for modification. I'll be mounting it to an MPR 113 rail.  Gus will then get the rest of the system directly from Really Right Stuff)

Gus,
Since you only want to do 35mm copying, you can get away with the 10 inch rail, if you use a 50mm lens.  I'd suggest using a 50 for a couple reasons.  You can use the shorter rail, which is less expensive.  Also, the shade bellows will work with a 50, but is too short for a 100mm lens.  Thirdly, the 50mm arrangement is more comfortable to use, since the camera and stage are closer together.

Richard Anderson has been using the Canon Compact 50mm Macro lens, available for $250 from B&H

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12145-USA/Canon_2537A003_50mm_f_2_5_Compact_Macro.html

Both rail systems are outlines at the end of this post.  Contact Erik or Joe at Really Right Stuff to make sure you're getting the right package.

As to light source, if you are shooting B&W, then you can use any color light (Tungsten, Fluorescent, etc).  The critical issue is that it's even.

If you are doing color slides, then you'll e better off with something daylight balanced.  You could use a daylight-balance lightbox, or a studio strobe (which you don't have) or maybe Solux lights:

http://www.solux.net/cgi-bin/tlistore/infopages/color-proofing.html

You can use the flash, but you'll need some other kind of light for focusing, and the flash needs to really overpower the other light.

Krogh CB18 Package (without MPR 113)
 
CB 18  $125
Mini Clamp Package   $110
CB-EC Camera Bar End Connector   $30
B2 mAS          $60
Screw for mounting B2mAS to CB-EC (included)
 
 
Krogh CB10 Package
CB10   $100
Mini Clamp Package   $110
B2 mAS          $60
Screw for mounting B2 mAS Included

Erik Johnson
erik@reallyrightstuff.com
Really Right Stuff, LLC
www.reallyrightstuff.com
1-888-777-5557 toll free in the US and Canada
1-805-528-6321
Fax: 1-805-528-7964

Peter

[matthewyake]

Gus,

I am working with Richard Anderson on his camera scan project. In addition to the 50mm Canon Compact Macro lens, we are using a Kenko 20mm extension tube.
You can get it as part of a set, http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/375102-REG/Kenko_AEXTUBEDGC_Auto_Extension_Tube_Set.html.
They also make a 25mm one that would work as well, http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/392234-REG/Kenko_UNITUBE25DGC_25mm_UniplusTube_DG_Extension.html.


Matthew

[peterkrogh]

By the way, Gus, Matthew came over to the studio yesterday to do the modifications o the PS-4 and PS-5 rigs, including yours.
He did a great job with them, and it should be ready to send out early next week.
Peter

(If anyone has a PS-4 or PS-5 they need modified to go on a RRS rail package, Matthew can help you out.)

[ghzimmerman]

Peter & Matthew,

Thanks for the update.  I have ordered all the parts (RRS parts, 50mm lens and light source) and look forward to getting the modified PS4 unit.

I happen to own a Canon 25mm extension tube.   I assume that this would work okay? 

Thanks for your help on this!

Gus

[markpirozzi]

Peter, let me see if I understand this correctly:

1a) I need to purchase an MPR-113 rail and send it and a PS-5 to you for modification or do I send just the PS-5 to you and you/Matthew obtain the MPR-113?  The latter is preferable in case a problem with my PB-5 is spotted after your receipt - unless there is a big savings if I purchase the MPR-113.

1b) I email you to get a price for 1a?

2) The only other items needed is a CB18 or CB10 package.    It appears RRS has package deals for CB18, etc.  A CB18 package on RSS's site is $245 whereas the individual items you quoted were 125+110+30+60= $325.  I hope I am reading RRS's CB-18 package correctly in that everything is included that I need except for the MPR-113/PB-5 combo.

http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/Customkititems.asp?kc=CB-18-Pkg&eq=

Mark

[peterkrogh]

Mark,
The standard CB 18 package does not have the additional clamp on the end of the rail to hold the MPR 113 and the film stage. With the 18 inch rail, it also needs an end piece to screw the clamp on to.  That's what accounts for the additional cost.

If you are going to only shoot 35mm film, and are using a 50 or 60 mm lens, you can use the 10 inch rail, which is both less expensive, and does not need the additional end piece.

As to how to get a PS-4 or PS-5 modified, the best way to do that is probably to send it to Matthew and have him put it directly on a 113 rail.  that way, it would come to you ready to insert into the rail system and start working.

Not sure yet about the cost.  Cutting off the flange is a known process, and can be priced.  And filing out the corners of the stage to get a squared-off opening is also a known process.  We are finding a bit of variation in how the opening on the hinged backing plate lines up with the front plate in the negative stage, and that's requiring an variable amount of work (at least for the moment.)  Some are good to go immediately, and some need to be reworked. We'll talk next week about what that process looks like, and hopefully we can set a policy on how to handle the pricing.  We'll also have samples to show of what the resulting black border looks like - each one has its own personality, just like negative staged filed out for your enlarger.

Of course, if you are only doing mounted slides, there is probably no need to file out the frame.
Peter

[markpirozzi]

Peter, how do I get in touch with Matthew to price and do a modification on a PS-4  correction PS-5 ?

Mark

[peterkrogh]

Mark,
I just sent him a note pointing to this thread.
Peter

[markpirozzi]

Peter, thanks.

Mark

[matthewyake]

Mark,

Send me an email and we can discuss modifying your PS-5.

matthewlincolnyake@gmail.com

Matthew