Depth of field is one of the most difficult aspects of macro photography to overcome. For this reason, Novoflex has developed a manual focus rail that incorporates the latest innovative technology.
Its unique development is aimed at photographers who frequently work with magnifications from 1:1 (life size) to 5:1 and is specifically manufactured for the application of focus stacking in a series of progressive magnifications up to a maximum of 5:1. The CASTEL-M bridges the gap between high-end electronic rails such as the CASTEL MICRO and conventional rails.
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The CASTEL-M works with a wide range of specialised lenses, such as Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro Photo and LAOWA 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro, which are frequently used by macro photographers working with stacking in their workflow.
At the heart of the CASTEL-M is a shaft that drives the sliding camera mount forward with extreme precision every image. It also has convenient indexing steps for magnification factors of 2:1; 3:1; 4:1 and 5:1, which are selected via a lever located inside the focusing wheel cylinder. Releasing the sliding block locking lever disconnects the sliding block from the axis and allows the base to be positioned freehand at the initial focus point.
For use in product photography, the CASTEL-M can be equipped with the CASTBAL-PRO bellows accessory, transforming it into a complete technical camera.
The CASTEL-M is fully integrated into the ARCA Novoflex Q system at the top and bottom, which means that the CASTEL-M has compatible Novoflex plates and bellows.
Technical specifications:
Long: 20.5cm/8.07" (20.5cm/8.07")
Width: 6.5 cm/2.6" at the mobile camera mount, 5 cm/1.9" at the rail, 5.5cm/2.2" at the Focus wheel
Height: 5.5 cm/2.2" at the focus wheel, 4.5 cm/1.8" rail with movable camera holder
Weight: 679 g/1.5 lbs.
Maximum travel: mobile camera mount: 100 mm
Revolution: one complete revolution of the focusing wheel is equivalent to 0.8 mm of travel
Scaling: laser engraved scaling with max. 0.01 mm division Payload in vertical position: 4 kg/8.8 lbs
Quick Release System: ARCA-compatible, can be rotated 90° angles, spirit level, safety pin for NOVOFLEX coupling plates
Rail: ARCA-compatible on the underside over the entire length of the rail, 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 sockets
