Hejnar Photo

Chicago skyline

2012-01-31T22:41:00.003-06:00

Nothing special .....

Chicago skyline

USPS shipping cost 30% increase

2012-01-22T22:44:00.000-06:00

I was just preparing shipping for tomorrow (Monday). I know post office will increase price on January 22 2012 but increase of 30% for international packages is ridicules.
Express mail international used to cost $29.95 now it is $39.00 for up to 2kg package.....
I don't want o know how much is going to cost 10kg package now ( it was $55.00)
www.usps.com
if you don't believe me

Monday at the post office
USPS introduced new services and new shipping options. One of them is express mail flat rate box. So i went to post office on first day of new shipping rate to use that nice options

Guess what. Nobody in service had idea that this option is available and when i asked for boxes so i can use this option "they are not available yet ( maybe you can order on line)" . Yes i can order (maybe) but i want express to be on the way TODAY not two weeks later
So USPS thanks for being ready for price increase and for introducing new products ( on paper because I can not use them since required express flat rate box is not available)

Universal L bracket

2012-01-22T15:36:00.002-06:00

I have been working on universal L bracket for last few weeks. First bracket is for very small DSRL , 3/4 cameras (Panasonic Lumix GH2, G3, GF1, Olympus EP-2 etc) and large P&S. It is 2 part design as any other L bracket made by me. When project is finish I will have three or four sides available and the same number of base plates. Side and base can be interchangeable between each other. You can select long base rail and very short side or any other combination working with your equipment. The elongated captive style slot cut in base plate let you move L bracket away from camera and connect to your computer if you are using tethered shooting mode. If you don't need L bracket you can remove side and use it as standard arca type camera plate. Base plate is equiped with two soft tiped screws. Soft tip screws will press base plate against mounted surface and prevent plate or L bracket from twisting.

3.625 inch long, 2.375 height, Weight 3.1 oz (88 g)

1/4-20 soft tip screw

Rails with metric scale on two sides

2012-01-18T19:07:00.001-06:00

Few new addition to 5/8 thick rails. Short 5/8 thick rails were requested once in a while.
Lengths 6 and 8 inch with one or two slots. Each rail is also equipped with two rows of M3 taped holes.
You can mount screw type index stop bar using thous holes and possible double side dovetail .
I did make section of rail little different than usually and was able to engrave scale on each side of rail. Future preferred if rail is used as nodal slide. Rail is also equipped with front mounting hole (1/4-20 ) and dowel pin hole. This let you mount clamp on rail end. Very nice option when rail is used with lens bracket as lens support package .

Screws

2012-01-12T18:32:00.000-06:00

Once a while I receive questions about adding extra screw tothe order or if screw they can be purchased separately. Everything is fine until we start to discus head type and screw length. Industry do not fallow onestandard and this confuse few people.

There is 3 common type screws .

Socket head cap screw. Screw dimension (length) is measured under head. In sample above this is 1/4-20 SHCS 5/8 length

Flat head screw. Length size is specify as full screw length . Screw above is 1/4 -20 tread and 3/4 length.

Button headsocket screw. Screw size is measure again as distance under head. Sample above 1/4-20 and 5/8 length

Modular Lens support in action

2012-01-10T07:39:00.000-06:00

David Jang send me few pictures with new modular lens support attached to his 500mm/F4.00 canon lens .
He used 1.00 inch clamp and 2 inch lens support bracket.

This combination let him revers lens hood for storage after removing supporting bracket. Clamp stay mounted to 8 inch rail all the time

Update to G103 connector Block

2012-01-01T16:49:00.003-06:00

Nothing major. Just additional material has been removed from block to keep weight to minimum

Black Knobs on Clamps

2011-12-24T15:09:00.003-06:00

I will start adding clamps with black knob to my store inventory.
Many of you prefer black over silver surface.
F61ab - 1.50 inch clamp with black knob is already available in my store, and I added 3.25 inch and 2.375 inch clamp with short black knob today.

Modular lens support

2011-12-22T20:42:00.002-06:00

Original Design

Many of you are using lens support brackets with lens/camera combos. In this combo the distance between lens barrel and mounting surface (either lens foot or camera bottom) is limited. When the lens is equipped with a tall lens foot, there is no problem using the clamp on the rail. This provides for quick height adjustment, handy if you change lenses often. If you mount a clamp on the rail end, your lens foot is closer to the lens barrel and you will have problems with lowering the bracket. This is happening because the V groove on the LLSB side does not run the full length. The solutions until now were to either
1) Increase distance by using dual sided clamp (or clamp set) between camera or lens foot and vertical mounting rail.
2) Use 90 degree connector mounted under horizontal rail for clamp mount
3) Use center slot and screw mount option instead of clamp. But L wrench needed to adjust height.

I was trying to make this bracket work for everybody, but no matter how I designed it there was some kind of problem. Finally, I decided to make this two part assembly where you can mix and match the wheel section and the rail itself. Now you can have a shorter 2 inch, longer 3 inch, or any other rail you may need. Rail has V slot along hole length. On the top of this rail I can mount a wheel section. Again, the wheel section can be now wide or narrow and tall or short. I didn't produce many different wheel section designs, but they are going to be available soon.
Combinations are endless and you can match them to any lens/camera combo.
I can also make a smaller wheel diameter to allow you to bring your lens closer to the rail.

Rails ( 3 and 2 inch)

Wheel section. Wheels are equipped with soft rubber

Wheel section and rail mount using two screws

You can use 1.5 inch clamp on rail end

Distance between horizontal rail and lens barrel will shorten if you use 1 inch clamp on rail end instead of 1.5 inch.

Arca Swiss type clamp for Manfrotto 468MGRC2

2011-12-06T08:23:00.001-06:00

Manfrotto 468MGRC2 hydro static head is very popular. By adding one more hole to back of my F62 and F63 series clamps i was able to adapt clamps for 468MG head. After pressing small pin into that additional clamp hole and removing original RC2 clamping system from Manfrotto I have Arca Swiss type clamp mounted on Manfrotto 468MG Head. Hardest part was to remove small screw from original setup. After that was out of the way placing clamp on 468 head takes few second. You have to align small pin with hole on round platform and attache clamp using original screw . Pin will prevent clamp from twisting.

Pack original Manfrotto mounting system in save place and go shooting.

Available in my store for $65.00
www.hejnarphotostore.com

Manfrotto 405/410 research

2011-11-14T07:21:00.001-06:00

Update as of Dec 2011
After few months since change was introduced looks like all 405 gear heads are equipped with REV 1 mounting pattern and Junior head 410 is equipped with REV 0 mounting pattern.. This info was confirm by Manfrotto help desk in Italy. Just in case I would sagest to receive gear head first before placing order for adapter plate.

Manfrotto 496 RC2 conversion plate

2011-10-31T18:57:00.002-05:00

You can now convert Manfrotto 496RC2 ball head to use with arca swiss type equipment
Simple plate will do the trick. You of course will need a clamp if you are seriously thinking about switching to the best system available. Plate and plate/clamp combinations are available in my store .

Adapter plate is attached to Manfrotto head in a few simple steps.
1) Remove original Manfrotto platform..
2) Align slots on plate back with island on Manfrotto post.
3) Attach conversion plate in place of original Manfrotto platform using original center screw.
4) Attach clamp to adapter plate using two side holes and provided 10-32 screws.

Lens plate selection

2011-10-30T19:59:00.001-05:00

As you all know, I am not a fan of dedicated plates (I do change my lenses and camera every few years and I hate when a perfectly good camera or lens plate can not be used with newer equipment simply because the hole location changed just a bit).

I do receive a few questions every week about what plate should be used for XXX lens. In some occasions, the answer is simple. But sometimes it is not. To determine type, length and plate type please follow these short guidelines

1)Determine the number of screws you need. If your lens foot has more than one mounting hole, it is recommended that more than one hole be used to mount the plate in order to keep the plate from twisting on the foot. If your lens foot has only one mounting hole, see the anti-twist section below.

2) If your lens has only one hole, you can prevent the plate from twisting on the lens foot by positioning the plate ridge on the back of the plate, against the back of the lens foot If you need or prefer to have the plate extended behind the lens foot, you can set the plate ridge against the front of the foot. You also have the option of purchasing the plate with a removable ridge. In that case the ridge can be mounted in various positions along the plate.

3)To determine the length of the plate needed for your lens please measure your lens foot. In normal circumstances that is length of the plate you will need. If you are using optional flash brackets and you wish to mount it on the lens plate you may prefer to add an additional 3/4 of the inch to lens plate. Also you may opt for one that is a bit longer than your original lens foot, especially if you are using a gimbal head where you have to move the camera and lens backwards and forwards to get optimal balance.

4)If your lens foot has a 3/8" mounting hole (very rare) install a reducer bushing into this larger mounting hole. This allows use of the 1/4" plate fastener in the larger 3/8" hole. You can purchase reducer bushings in the miscellaneous section if you have a 3/8" hole, the center slot is not wide enough to use 3/8" screw.

web store in finally ready-www.hejnarphotostore.com

2011-10-27T16:00:00.000-05:00

After few months my web store is up and running. Not all items are loaded there yet but will be in a few weeks
( I have to re-shoot some photos). Pay Pal and credit cards are accepted.
For now there is only one shipping option (standard- first class mail to US and Express to rest of the planet).
I hope I will work out some issues with the post office and have all options available (priority, express etc) available soon.
10% discount on most items www.hejnarphotostore.com is open :)

New clamps

2011-10-09T14:20:00.001-05:00

Few addition to my clamps

Table top clamp(F60) - 1.00 inch wide with center hole as always countersunk for 1/4-20 and M6 screws but also threaded 3/8-16. It works great with small point and shoot camera with combination of arca swiss type clamps.

Second addition is 2.375 inch clamp with bubble level. (F72)
This clamp was long overdue since i had tons of request for a clamp with built in bubble level.

Since I had to removed side holes from this model to have room for the level I also found room on the opposite side for a dowel pin locator. Now two of them can be connected back to back in various orientation to each other by using pins and bushing.

Also 4 inch clamps are back in stock as always with short and long knob options.

And since I had request from Germany to build 122mm (4.8 inch) clamp same of them are also available. Please not that they do have 3/8-16 taped holes spaced 35mm apart.

10 inch Macro rail

2011-10-04T19:46:00.001-05:00

New 10 inch micro rail has been introduced to costumers.
Now you have a choice between original 8 inch model and a new 10 inch
There is no difference between those two other than length. All components and mechanisms are identical.

Dual stage can now be built with 10 and 8 inch rail. You may opt for 8 inch rail at top and 10 inch rail at bottom or vice verse.

Newport Micro stage adapter

2011-09-29T19:00:00.001-05:00

New addition to my store created by request from my costumers is a clamp adapter form Newport micro stage.
I was machining few custom plates lately to adapt Newport micro stage to arca swiss type. Newport stage is very popular among micro photographers.

Plate is designed to work with all Newport stages as long as hole mounting pattern is 1x1 inch or 2x2 inch

New 8 rail for panorama or lens support (G13-80)

2011-09-12T09:21:00.005-05:00

New 8 inch rail was designed to replace G010-80 rail in same application.

Additional holes have been added to rail end. These two holes let you mount F12 clamp with dowel pins on rail end and prevent it from twisting. Works very nice with lens support bracket when quick high adjusting is required, when you use multiple lenses with this setup.

Second improvement is incorporating bubble levels.

You can now build panorama (http://hejnarphoto.blogspot.com/2011/04/panorama-setup-on-budget.html) replacing one G010-80 from this setup with G13-80.

Clamp Adapter

2011-09-03T20:57:00.004-05:00

Clamp adapter.

It can be mounted to all clamp from Hejnar Photo and clamps from other manufacture equipped with slot on center. (Benro RRS) Slot must we wider than 0.207 inch. Please refer to your clamp specification in that matter.

Adapter let you switch setup orientation very quickly. It is very helpful in application where rotating clamp below is not possible, will require substantial amount of time or it is just simpler to keep clamp below in original position and have instant 90 degree rotation for your setup.

Arca Swiss Conversion for Manfrotto 3433, 3460.3465 Heads , 501 &503 Pro Video Heads

2011-08-26T19:08:00.004-05:00

Manfrotto conversion set for system using 3433PL Mounting plate

(supplied with the 3433, 3460, 3465 heads, 501 & 503 Pro Video heads and system using special 501PLONG accessory plate). This combination of plate and clamp will let you use Manfrotto with arca swiss quipment. Clamp can disconnected from plate and use independent on other equipment if needed.

F12A -1.5 inch clamp with smaller black knob for Arca Swiss systems

2011-08-26T08:44:00.005-05:00

Just small change to my F12 clamps. Instead of 1.00 diameter silver knob i offer now option wirh 3/4 diameter black knob. It will work better for same application where original knob is to big and interference with other equipment.

As usually Socket is countersunk on top for 1/4-20 or M6 screw but also threaded 3⁄8”-16.

Nikon D300 D300s D700 L bracket

2011-08-26T08:27:00.002-05:00

New L bracket for Nikon D700/D300/D300s . It is 2 part design as usual for all my L brackets. Base plate, and side plate. The elongated slot let you move L bracket about 5/8 inch away from camera and connect to your computer if you are using tethered shooting mode. If you don't need L bracket you can remove side and use it as standard arca type camera plate.

Left side door cannot be accessed with this bracket mounted against camera

HejZal Monopod Head

2011-08-21T14:06:00.004-05:00

Monopod head.( HEJZAL line ) is few days away from being finish. I just have to assembly them

Clamp can be mounted on Head in three different orientation with knob on left or right. ( parallel to to the tilt orientatione) and with clamp knob on back. If you have to switch clamp orientation all you have to do is to release center screws (1/4-20) few turns, and then rotate clamp to desired position ..

MH can be mounted directly on 3/8-16 stud found in most monopods. If you need 1/4-20 connection you will need reducing bushing. Bushing when not needed is store on monopod head itself . They are two round openings under clamp to the left and right of center axis for that purpouse. Monopod head is equiped with Hejzal line of clamp. HejZal clamp is equiped with wrench storage, wrench cab be locked in the clamp body, so there is no need to carry screw driver or wrench in your pocket.

Features an Arca Swiss compatible bidirectional dovetail on foot to add versatility. MH can be place in any arca swiss clamp in any direction.

Specification:

Weight 14.5 (411g) with clamp

1.5 inch wide square base

Height 3.625 inch

Mounting 3/8-16 socket on base

Bidirectional dovetail design on base

6" 5" 4" rail 1/2 inch thick

2011-08-11T09:56:00.007-05:00

Few additional products from G010 series.

This time 6 5 and 4 inch rails. 6 inch rail work very nice with 70-200 Lenses in combination with Lens support bracket. Shorter 4 and 5 inch rails was requested by some who want to use lens support but 6 and inch rails are to long.

Of course 6 inch rail can be combine with 90 degree connector block and create panorama base

6.5 inch nodal slide E33 rail

2011-08-11T09:48:00.003-05:00

Just a small change to 6.5 inch rail.(E31)

Bubble Level has been added and this required center slot to be shorter. New version number E33.

Arca Swiss Conversion plate for Manfrotto 405/410 adapter plate - Update - Works with Really Right Stuff, Kirk,Markins, Wimberley

2011-07-29T21:33:00.011-05:00

New updated adapter plate for Manfrotto 405/410 gear heads

They do include bubble levels now, and with my F63 series clamp thank to small cut out in the clamp original level is also better visible.

I do have Revision 0 (rev0) plates

and Revision 1 (Rev1) plates.

Update as of Dec 2011
After few months since change was introduced looks like all 405 gear heads are equipped with REV 1 mounting pattern and Junior head 410 is equipped with REV 0 mounting pattern.. This info was confirm by Manfrotto help desk in Italy but I didn't receive confirmation that all of them are made that way. Just in case I would sagest to purchase gear head before placing order for adapter plate.

New clamp design

2011-07-21T15:01:00.004-05:00

F64

F63a( short knob option)

F62

Few changes to my clamps

1)I was able to remove same additional material from clamp and brig weight few grams down.

2)Older clamps had very shallow relieve groves and rails from some manufactures could not work correctly with my clamps or stop screw had to be removed. Current groove depth is 0.105 inch ( 2.67mm) This will solve issue with Benro and Fotopro rail. Thank to S.C.V Photography for pointing this out. Clamps are made in three different sizes -

F62 and F62a - 2.375 jaw length

F63 and F63a - 3.25 jaw length

F64 and F64a - 4.00 jaw length

Version with "a" represent clamp with short knob option

They are great addition to E034 rails

Vertical rail

2011-07-19T14:46:00.003-05:00

Panorama vertical rail . Three components are included into assemble. F69 Clamp with two captive style slots, connector block G103 and G010-80 rail. Great addition to your panorama equipment.
You can build different length. Picture show 8 inch but 10 or 12 inch can be assembled the same way if needed

Double side clamp - Part # F50

2011-07-18T22:28:00.006-05:00

Double side Clamp

Length 2.375

Height 0.825 total and 0.45 between clamping surfaces ( between rails -picture 1)

One side open complitly to place rail into clamp from top. Other side has two V cut to prevent rail from falling out when jaws are not closed. That also required rail to be slid into clamp and not placing it into clamp from top/bottom. Small V on end also prevent any object to fall out if clamp is not closed or opened by accident. I strongly suggest using that side of clamp as bottom clamping surface.

Update to Manfrotto 405/410 conversion system

2011-07-11T17:51:00.008-05:00

Old Design

I just learned that As of June/July 2011 Manfrotto made some changes to their 405/410 gear head. Changes are not big but it will cause some compatibility issues with my current adapter plate for arca swiss clamps. If you look on picture below you will see that additional hole has been placed between big tapped holes (currently use for mounting conversion plate) and edge.

If you notice that additional hole on your gear head you can be sure that my current plate will not work.

My current setup will only work with previous revision of gear heads. Please check opening location before placing order. See drawing and picture for references.

New Design

New adapter plate will be ready in few weeks. I am not sure currently if i can make one design to work with two models. I am awaiting for new gear head to arrive and then i can determinate that.

Will keep you updated

July 26 2011

New plates for 405/410 Manfrotto gear heads are going to be ready by the end July.

I hade to make two different design to accommodate changes Manfrotto did in last few months to this heads. Outside they are going to be identical but mounting hole location will be different so if you going to order please be sure you are ordering plate to ether older head ( REV 0 plate ) or new (REV1) Plate . I will post picture in few days when plates arrive .

E034 Rail

2011-07-11T09:17:00.005-05:00

This is updated E32 rail. Current model number E034. Bubble level has been added.

Main purpose of this rail is to help you convert standard clamp from different manufactures into rail/clamp combination. Something similar to rail with integrated clamp. Works great as nodal slide

8 inch nodal slide

2011-06-17T20:31:00.003-05:00

8 Inch nodal slide ( actual rail length 8.3 inch). As i mentioned in previous post i will constantly try to add bubble vials to my products. This rail replace previous model E-002.

bubble vials

2011-06-16T22:05:00.004-05:00

Same products will include build in spirit levels from now on. That will improve equipment alignment. Levels is going to be 12mm in diameter in most cases but same smaller rails and clamps or where space is limited will have 8mm .

X-Y Macro stage

2011-06-10T18:38:00.002-05:00

Base on my macro stage introduced few month ago i did create dual stage rail.

As original single stage this unit has arca swiss rail connection incorporated into bottom rails and will work with most clamps curently on the market including level release clamps

Nikon D7000 L bracket update

2011-06-06T17:44:00.002-05:00

Just small change in design. Two parts design instead of three. I did machine connecting block and side plate as one . Everything else stay the same

Double Side Adjustable length Lens support system.

2011-05-26T10:01:00.002-05:00

This is similar to what i presented yesterday. Same idea but instead of one 6 inch slider rail i do use two 4 inch sliders. I can support heavy end of the lens and also mounting side. Works very nice for heavy lens and lenses with teleconverter. I can create other combinations of slider rails. You can have two 6 inch rails or 6 and 4 inch rails. Of course basic ( minimum) length will change but it give you more flexibility

Single Side Adjustable length Lens support system.

2011-05-25T10:18:00.008-05:00

Base rail is 8 inch long and does include arca swis style connection on one side. Slider is 6 inch long and can overhang 4.25 inch past base rail if needed. Slider can be positioned on base rail with support part up if you have enough room between lens and rail, or in situation when clearance between lens and rail is limited it can face down to make space between lens and base rail.

Clear aluminum knob is 5/8 inch tall. You will need at list 0.875 inch clearance between bottom of lens foot and lens itself. If you have less than that knob may interference with your lens. End of slider is equipped with small clamp ( F012). This let you adjust LSB ( Lens Support Bracket ) high on the fly in the field without any additional tools or wrenches. Lens foot is mounted to Base rail with captive style 3/4 inch length screws.

I will have similar system with two side length adjustment ( 3 inch per side) ready soon....

Bidirectional plates

2011-05-18T11:20:00.003-05:00

Two bidirectional plates with one and two loop strap has been released.

You can use them on various cameras . Mounting plate is exactly 2x2 square

Spacer block for rails and clamps

2011-05-17T17:50:00.004-05:00

Sometimes when i shoot panorama I wish I can raise clamp above E32 or E31 rail just a bit. Short lenses tent to catch end of rail in a photo. Simple solution was to create something to mount it between rail and clamp itself. I did create 1/4 and 3/8 thick spacer block and i am happy with it.

I don't have to carry two different set of rails for my panorama expeditions. Now
I only take longer one and if i mount short lens i just raise clamp to level high enough so rail is not visible in my picture

Update to Manfrotto 405/410 adapter for Arca swiss type equipment

2011-05-17T16:22:00.005-05:00

Small update to my conversion plate for Manfrotto 405/410 geared head.

I did remove additional material on back and add set of holes for thous of you who are using clamps with side holes spaced 30mm apart.

Plate and F011 clamps set is currently listed in my e-bay store for 109.99 plus shipping.

Plate only for $60.00

HEJZAL product line

2011-04-28T10:53:00.002-05:00

HEJZAL is a new product line, a collaboration between me Chris Hejnar along with a new engineering partner (hence the ZAL in the name). We are planning to release a series of new higher-end products over the coming months. First two products are now ready. Monopod Head and a Macro Rail.

News and updates

2011-04-28T10:44:00.003-05:00

I have more and more request about option to buy items not on e-bay and directly from me.

Good news. Web store is coming soon. I hope that everything will be ready before sumer time.

I didn't expect that this project require so much time.

Works in projects:

Improvements to micro rail, dual stage X-Y will be ready in few weeks

I am also working on more advance option for micro rail.

Panorama setup on a budget

2011-04-25T08:59:00.002-05:00

(C) 2010 S.C.Vlachos

There is many solutions on the market to build panorama setup but either you have to pay a small fortune for a rigid and vibration free construction or risk a lot of work on a less expensive copy ending up with blurred images. I was contacted by the end of 2010 by http://scvphoto.blogspot.com/ with similar problem . We did decided to use my current G010 series of rails and create one more variation to already existing 90 degree connectors. That how G103 connector was born. It is working only with G010 and G011 rails but you can put any size of load on this setup. The difference in this block from other 90 degree blocks, is that it has 2 x 1/4" tapped holes on the vertical side thus taller and 1 x 1/4" tapped hole on the horizontal plain accompanied by an anti twist island. Then the horizontal (or bottom) screws are fitted one on the Block and one on the Rail hole. Set include two G010-80 rails and G103 Conecting block. This parts connected together serve as starting point for single and multi rows panorama. Additional rail, clamps or rail with integrated clamp ( nodal slide )will be required for multi row panoramas. You will also need one or two pano clamps.

Clamp for Manfrotto 222 or Bogen 3265 Joystick Head

2011-04-11T21:50:00.002-05:00

I was machining clamps couple of weeks ago and i decided to adapt them for my old Manfrotto 222 joystick head. I believe some of newer version can accept his arca swiss type clamp also but i didn't test it. I am referring to Manfrotto 322RC2 amd Manfrotto 324RC2. As of now clamp can be placed on Joystic head only in one direction ( please check picture) Thickens of clamp must be increase about 5/16 (8mm) if i want clamp knob facing opposite direction. ( camera lens side)

Manfrotto 405/410 adapter for Arca swiss Kirk Really Right Stuff clamps

2011-04-10T21:22:00.005-05:00

This combination of plate and clamp will let you use Manfrotto geared head with any arca swiss equipment. Manfrotto gear head is more precise than ball head and preferred by many photographers. Many architectural and interior photographers actually prefer geared 3-axis tripod heads rather than ball heads because they can make precision adjustments to each axis. Two popular heads are Manfrotto 405 and 410 which each use Manfrotto QR plate. Arca-swiss plate fans can now bypass this. Clamp can disconnected from plate and use independent on other equipment if needed.

Please check

http://hejnarphoto.blogspot.com/2011/07/update-to-manfrotto-405410-conversion.html

and

http://hejnarphoto.blogspot.com/2011/07/manfrotto-405410adapter-plate-update.html

for update.

There are some changes in Manfrotto design

Macro Rail with slider lock down

2011-03-24T08:57:00.004-05:00

New and improved Micro rail or focusing rail.

Same changes compare to previous version.

1) bottom rail thickness has been change from 1/2 to 5/8 inch and additional bars across has been added to increase strength of rail

2) Slider now has lock. After adjusting position you can lock down this position. No accidental movement any more.

Camera to subject distance can be adjusted in fine increments . Lead screw delivers 1.06 mm of travel per full revolution. Fast positioning can be done by pressing slider release lever and slide the slider on top of the rail. After seting position slider can be lock in position with side lock. Works very nice as a nodal slide.

Update

X-Y version ( Dual stage ) is also available

more information at http://hejnarphoto.blogspot.com/2011/06/x-y-macro-stage.html

Nodal slide

2011-03-23T09:36:00.002-05:00

5.00 inch multi purpose rail with removable flange and 1.5 inch mini clamp. Something similar to rail with integrated clamp after assembled. Works nice as nodal slide for same cameras and short lenses. Removable ridge can be mounted in various location. It can be used as lens plate for collared lenses. It works as body plate for same cameras

Monopod Head

2011-03-16T19:55:00.006-05:00

Update to this product can be found at

http://hejnarphoto.blogspot.com/2011/08/hejzal-monopod-head.html

Monopod head is finish. As usually my first time around with new product i did only few of them.

My friends has been testing them for a few weeks now. For now clamp can be mounted on directly with knob on left or right. If you need to mount clamp in orientation when knob is in camera front or camera back you have to use additional plate. I am working on new clamp design with option of mounting on monopod head in any orientation without optional monopod plate.

MH can be mounted directly on 3/8-16 stud found in most monopods. If you need 1/4-20 connection i do provide reducing bushing. Bushing when not needed is store on monopod head itself. Please look on first picture. They are two round openings under clamp to the left and right of center axis. On right side you can see bushing screw in.

Monopod head can be placed in any arca swiss compatible clamp in any direction you wish. Bottom of MH does have V grove for that purpose.

Lens Support Bracket

2011-03-16T09:24:00.004-05:00

Lens support bracket is back with few modification.

I did extend center slot. Now it is almost in line with supporting wheels. Additional material has been removed on back to bring weight down.

In addition to bracket i did created new supporting package with 6 inch rail. Same of you had complain that 8 inch rail is to long for 70-200 and similar lenses. 6 inch is going to work much better.

Camera plates for P&S cameras

2011-02-24T09:48:00.006-06:00

Quick Release plate for small P&S cameras and other lightweight equipment

12 inch rail 5/8 thick

2011-02-23T09:55:00.002-06:00

I will have same new rails listed in my store in next few days.

Lets start with 12 inch rail 5/8 thick. It is long overdue.

Same specs:

12.00 inch long

1.5 inch wide

5/8 inch thick.

Weight 6.1 oz (174g).

Metric scale.

Hole in front for lens support or other accessories. (1/4-20 tap hole)

Three captive style slots.

Plate incorporates a double-dovetail.

Two safety stops. This prevents free fall when the clamp is not fully closed. (M3 screws)

Made from 6061-T6 Aluminum.

2.375 inch clamp improvement

2011-02-09T20:45:00.003-06:00

Quick Release Screw-Knob 2.375 inch clamp with dual mounting and captive style knob. It is improved version of my F001 clamp

1)tongue and grove instead of pins,

2)white index lines

3) additional hole on back to improve aligning with E031 and E032 rails

This is part F010

Nikon D7000 L bracket is here

2011-02-08T17:13:00.005-06:00

I did finally receiver my first batch of L bracket for Nikon D7000.

It is 3 part design ( let me keep material cost down) Base plate , 90 degree connecting angle and Side plate. Long center mounting slot let you move L bracket about 1 inch away from camera and connect to your computer if you are using tethered shooting mode. If you don't need L bracket you can remove side plate together with connecting block and use it as standard arca type camera plate.

I always need few people wiling to test new product. If you are one of them please contact me.

I can provide part and pay postage. If you like it and decide you want to keep it we can work something out.

Update to L bracket

http://hejnarphoto.blogspot.com/2011/06/nikon-d7000-l-bracket-update.html

Focusing or macro rail

2011-01-25T09:48:00.002-06:00

For last few weeks I was creating linear motion lead screw focusing or micro rail. The bottom rail include Arca Swiss compatible dovetail that works with Arca Swiss type clamp while the slider is equipped with quick release clamp. Clamp can be oriented in 4 positional using 2 sides holes. Camera to subject distance can be adjusted in fine increments . Lead screw delivers 1.06 mm of travel per full revolution. Fast positioning can be done by pressing slider release lever and slide the slider on top of the rail. This rail is design to work with small and light DSLR. It is not recommended for heave cameras with long lenses. It does not include any lock down mechanism for slider. Works very nice as a nodal slide.

Nikon D7000 L bracket......almost ready

2011-01-24T09:30:00.003-06:00

I had a lot of question about plate and L bracket for Nikon D7000.

L bracket is almost ready. It is in anodizing process. I am expecting it back by end of January. L bracket is 3 part design . Plate , 90 degree connector and side plate. You can remove base plate from 90 degree connector and use it as camera plate. Long mounting center slot will let you slide L bracket about one inch to the left to access side ports on camera body. Nice future to have if you are going to use tethered shooting. I will post picture as soon as part are back. Price is going to be $99.99

8 inch rail with integrated clamp

2011-01-16T16:50:00.003-06:00

My new 8 inch rail with integrated clamp.

Most of You already know that i was making 6.5 inch rail with integrated clamp. As usually by request i did create 8.5 inch rail. It can serve you as nodal slide or flash bracket support

5/8 inch thick 16 inch long rail

2011-01-06T11:31:00.005-06:00

Hello Everybody in 2011.

I just finished 16 inch rail. Due to length i had to increase thickens of it to 5/8 (0.625) inch.

5/8 thickness does not make this rail heavy. It weight only 8 oz (226g). I know it was major concern by some who has been asking for that length. I think everybody who will use it will not notice drastic weight increase over 12 inch rails.

12 inch rail 5/8 thick will be available by end of January

Lens support fort short lenses

2010-12-17T08:53:00.005-06:00

Above picture represent idea how Lens support bracket and 90 degree connector can be combine with any 3/8 rails and create Lens support package. In same cases 90 degree connector has to be mounted under horizontal rail to bring bracket down as much as possible

New revision for Mini Clamps

2010-12-15T08:02:00.002-06:00

Quick Release Screw-Knob 1.5 inch clamp set. Using provided pins and bushing, clamps can be mounted back to back in different orientation. Pins will prevent clamp from twisting . Set can not be assembled with knob facing the same direction. When disassembled they work as standard clamp

Rail with integrated clamp

2010-12-07T11:18:00.001-06:00

Multi Purpose Rail with integrates clamp. 6 inch rail with one captive slots and 1/4-20 tap hole.

Works great as Nodal slide

8 inch Rail with clamp

2010-12-01T09:54:00.005-06:00

This is new 8.00 inch rai with 1.5 inch mini clamp. Something similar to rail with integrated clamp after assembled.

I do provide 2 dowel pins with rail. They prevent clamp from twisting. Clamp itself is 1.5 inch with dual mounting and captive style knob. Hard coat black anodized surface.

Main purpose of this rail is to help you convert standard clamp from different manufactures into rail/clamp combination.

Couple of months ago I had request to make rail with integrated clamp but clamps had to be wider than 1.5 inch since some cameras and L bracket do not work well with 1.5 inch clamps(camera to big, L brackets has a special cut for battery door opening -Nikon D40 for example). Instead incorporate wider jaws I decide to make a rail where you can mount clamp you already own and save some $$$$.

At the same time somebody else was asking for making jaws higher above rail level. He was using short lens and could see end of rail in his lens. Sure I could do that or make rail shorter. Instead making couple of expensive products I decided to make something much less expensive and as universal as possible.

This rail is what we decided to do. If you have clamp from any manufacture you can mount it on rail. If you want clamp go higher just use 1/4 spacer block ($ 14.99 at my e-bay store) and you are there.

I do provide 2 dowel pins with rail. They prevent clamp from twisting . If you own clamp with grove, it will help placing pin(s) in rail hole and align with grove on clamps. My own Hejnar Photo clamps incorporate extra hole for aligning clamp on rail (see picture 14) and preventing it from twisting.

Some clamps you will have to mount without pins. They do not have any opening where anti twisting pins can be located.

This rail can also accept other size of clamps 2.375 and 3.25.

Clamp can be positioned with knob facing back or knob on a side ( right or left). One anti rotating pin will keep clamp from twisting.

2.80 inch camera plate

2010-11-29T22:54:00.001-06:00

This is universal camera plate. Works great with small DSLR and P&S cameras

Custom Parts

2010-11-24T08:13:00.005-06:00

Mike from UK requested simple block.

He is using a Gitzo Explorer tripod and Markins M10 ballhead. He want to be able to set the ballhead in the normal position (like it would on a normal tripod)but with the explorers arm set in the horizontal position.

Once a while i do have request for custom parts. Same parts are easy to make some much more complicated. If you need a part not listed in my auctions I can usually make it. All I need is some input from you. It takes time to design and machine part. Anodizing process required another week or two. Please expect 45-60 days for such project.

If you want to know how much will it cost I have to know what will need to be done. With your input we can design new part. After that i can give you complete quote. In most cases product can also work for other costumers and I can produce more than one part. In that case you are charge only for product you are buying and not custom work. In most cases we are looking at $50-100 for plates, rails etc. If you need custom setup supporting for example Lecica M8 with 800mm lens with teleconverter and your rail need to be 24 inch long I may charge you $300.

Bidirectional camera or lens plate

2010-11-23T08:09:00.002-06:00

2 inch plate with captive style slot and 1/4-20 hole. Works great with small P&S cameras and DSRL Can be mounted in ether direction

Plates with Ridge

2010-11-22T07:29:00.004-06:00

Quick release lens mounting plate. It can be used with all Canon and Nikon lenses using tripod collar. I do make this version of plate in various lengths up 4.50 inch. All single mounting hole lenses required anti twisting ridge to prevent lens rotating when mounted.

Panorama set

2010-11-19T07:36:00.003-06:00

Set include two quick release 8.00 inch Multi Purpose Rail 1/2 inch thick and 90 degree connector. For users with heavy equipment where 3/8 rails are not sturdy enough. This parts connected together serve as starting point for single and multi rows panorama. Additional rail, clamps or rail with integrated clamp will be required for multi row panoramas. You will also need one or two pano clamps.

Nikon AF-S VR 200mm/f2G ED-IF foot replacement

2010-11-18T07:52:00.003-06:00

Above original Nikon Foot

Quick Release foot replacement for Nikon collar foot on the AF-S VR 200mm/f2G ED-IF lens.

This foot have enough room for your fingers under the lens to freely use lens focusing ring, although do not allows hood reversal for storage.

Leica M8 with 800mm lens and teleconverter

2010-11-17T19:29:00.005-06:00

This is 16.5 inch custom rails. Rail is supporting Leica camera with 800mm lens and teleconverter.

I machine this rail in 2008.

Long lens Support Bracket

2010-11-17T11:41:00.002-06:00

It can be used in combination with various long rails to improve stability as long as end of the rail has mounting hole. ( please check my store) It can be permanently mounted to rail if you are using only one lens or can be mount inside clamp if you are using it with various lenses and need to adjust height quickly. If you own long lens with foot you don't need any clamps. Rail can be mounte directly to lens foot.

Index stop bar

2010-11-17T08:17:00.006-06:00

Set of two index stop for various rails. Screws are equipped with soft tip and they will not scratch your rails. Please check if screw position will work for you.

Nikor 200-400 F4.0 AFS VR VR II Replacement Foot

2010-11-16T16:48:00.004-06:00

Nikon 200-400 F4.0 AFS VR VR II
Nikon 500 F4.0 G ED VR VRII
Nikon 500 F4.0 D AFS & Series II
Nikon 300 F2.8 ED-IF AFS VR VRII

Nikon VR 200mm/f2G ED-IF lens foot

2010-11-16T15:43:00.003-06:00

Standard 5 inch replacement foot for Nikon 200mm/f2.0 ED-IF

Welcome

2010-11-16T07:55:00.002-06:00

Hello everyone and welcome to my blog

This blog was created for all of you asking me questions and sending me suggestion about equipment I design and make. I simple cannot check all user groups and answer questions asked there. ( it also not permitted in same user group) It is so many of them and sometimes questions are very similar. I will try as much as my time permits post info about new products and ideas and also answer your questions if you have one. As of November 2010 all products are sold through my e-bay store http://stores.ebay.com/Hejnar-Photo. If you are not e-bay member I can also send you pay pal invoice. I do not accept credit cart directly at this time only PayPal transactions.