Here's an answer (enormous focusing slide). What's the question?

[Dan Fromm]

https://www.facebook.com/riestripod/posts/637275503087968

I'm struggling to find an application that needs the thing. The best I can come up with is copying art work (on a wall). Others?

[David Lobato]

8x10 and ULF for portraits with very long lenses. In effect close ups, where it's easier to move the camera forward and back to focus, than to move the lens at high magnifications. 11x14 or 16x20 full face portraits would be at 1:1 magnification.

[Ari]

Novoflex also made a quadropod system, which didn't do very well: https://www.novoflex.com/en/products/camera-support-systems/quadropod/

[Bob Salomon]

Novoflex also made a quadropod system, which didn't do very well: https://www.novoflex.com/en/products/camera-support-systems/quadropod/

They still do. Actually there are several versions of this available.

[Dan Fromm]

Thanks for the answers, which raised more questions.

David, thanks for the explanation. I don't do portraits, would never have guessed that application. Now that you've suggested it, I can't help wondering what advantages Ries' device has over a wheeled studio stand (indoors) or a sturdy tripod on a wheeled spreader (out-of-doors).

Ari, Bob, I clicked on the link. It took me to a page advertising a four legged stand. What does this have to do with a focusing slide?

[Bob Salomon]

Thanks for the answers, which raised more questions.

David, thanks for the explanation. I don't do portraits, would never have guessed that application. Now that you've suggested it, I can't help wondering what advantages Ries' device has over a wheeled studio stand (indoors) or a sturdy tripod on a wheeled spreader (out-of-doors).

Ari, Bob, I clicked on the link. It took me to a page advertising a four legged stand. What does this have to do with a focusing slide?

It doesn't have anything to do with a focusing slide other then being an extremely versatile tripod support for one. Novoflex makes several different geared focusing slides. They are all carry the Castel name and are available in several different sizes from the Castel Mini to the XL.

[Tin Can]

I regularly push 2 big studio stands on 3 and 4 wheels. They don't track straight and I have to fight the grout in my ceramic tile floor (12").

A big slider like Ries is offering is a great idea for studio 8x10 and up.

Yet not big enough for a SC11 Deardorff.

It is THE answer for my DIY 11x14 travel rig. Which is for moving to another studio or location.

[ic-racer]

Is that a focusing rail for a big home-made camera. You supply your own front and rear standards and bellows?

[Tin Can]

Is that a focusing rail for a big home-made camera. You supply your own front and rear standards and bellows?

You are correct, it looks more like that.

[DKirk]

To me, it looks like part of a photomicrography set-up, would need one or 2 extar mounts for additional standards for supporting long bellows for 5x4. . .

[Pfsor]

I have seen something similar in a friend's portrait studio. When I asked what it is for he said - I use it for long lens portraits. I did not ask more questions about it.

[tih]

Here's a home made example of an ultra large format portrait rig: http://www.tested.com/inventern/456749-maker-profile-michael-shindlers-ultra-large-format-tintype-camera/

[Tin Can]

Here's a home made example of an ultra large format portrait rig: http://www.tested.com/inventern/456749-maker-profile-michael-shindlers-ultra-large-format-tintype-camera/

Great link. Thx. I am working with those extrusions. I didn't think of his lens tilt solution and it is an off the shelf part! I will put tilt at lens node.

I am using the same slides and locks, but differently.

Pushing that pallet lift wouldn't be my favorite movement.