RRS 150B Macro Rail Question

dalegaspi
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · RRS 150B Macro Rail Question

I just bought a new one from B&H and what i noticed is there is “slack” or “play” when i change direction…meaning when i change direction the knob needs to be turned around 6/10ths of a revolution before the gear “grips” and actually start moving…is this how it’s supposed to work?!?

i have the relatively cheap Nisi macro rail and it doesn’t behave that way…the gear grips right away when i change direction.

Thanks.

Mar 14, 2023 at 08:19 PM

koenkooi
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · RRS 150B Macro Rail Question

This is called 'backlash' and all geared systems suffer from it, but better quality devices tend to suffer less from it. I don't think the amount of backlash you're seeing is normal for an RRS product, especially since their product page explicitly says "Virtually no backlash".

I would recommend contacting B&H and/or RRS to get their opinion on it. In the meantime, you could work around it by making sure you only adjust in one direction, e.g. overshooting it going one direction and then only adjust it in the other direction. I find that a massive pain, but it does work

Mar 15, 2023 at 05:30 AM

dalegaspi
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · RRS 150B Macro Rail Question

thanks @koenkooi..I opened a case with RRS asking that question and here's what they said:

"Hi Dexter,

Thank you for your email.

To answer your question, yes, you do have to turn the knob a full turn by this design. This is to allow you better positioning of your camera when taking macro shots. I hope this helps!

Please let me know if you have any further questions."

if there's no way to adjust gears for minimizing backlash, i am returning it. it seems like an odd design choice for a $400 manual rail.

Mar 15, 2023 at 04:40 PM


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