Magna Mana Production Bildbearbeitung GmbH, Germany, is proud to announce the release of S3D RAX, a Stereo3D micro stop motion control stepper rig.

The low-cost but extremely sturdy motorized unit “Made in Germany” is primarily designed for stop motion stereo 3D shooting with DSLR cameras. The camera can be moved along a horizontal 80 mm axis and also be rotated endlessly, allowing for parallel and converged shooting. In stop motion animation, converged shooting is often very helpful, because it gives an easier impression of the 3D effect due to the minimal scale of typical stop motion scenes.

Its unique driving mechanism utilizes a completely new design with extreme robustness, precision and repeatability. Using powerful motors, sturdy mechanics, heavy duty polymer fittings make the unit almost wear free, allowing for a long lifetime and rare to none need for maintenance. The chassis is made of thick eloxed aluminium.

The actual rotational precision of the 3DS RAX is 1/28.800 of a full circle, ie. 80 steps per degree or 0,0125 degree per step, 28.800 steps per full 360° circle. The directional axis precision of the 3DS RAX is 10.666 steps on the 80 mm straight axis, leading to a precision of 0,075mm = 1/133,3 mm per step. The repeatability is so good, you will hardly see anything shift between two high resolution DSLR exposures, after moving between left and right eye positions. Sensors for rotational zero and linear axis end positions allow automatic calibration.

For optimal connectivity the S3D RAX has a USB port, 3.5mm trigger in/out (for manual use, remote trigger or motion control slave operation) and power connector. It can be upgraded to support e.g. lens motors.

The S3D RAX is currently supported by Stop Motion Pro animation software. Other animation packages will follow over time.

There is a software coming with the unit to support different other options. So you can shoot e.g. up to 5 positions at a time with manual or electronic trigger (left parallel, left converged, centre, right converged, right parallel). There is also a mode for 360° panoramic shooting, partial circle panoramic shooting, turn table mode, model mover, fly-by, drive in, drive out etc. Mounting an object on the unit and placing the camera on a tripod allows you to make computer controlled turn-table shootings, great for product shots e.g. for the web. Its also great for motion controlled time lapse shootings, such as night sky scenes etc. You can also use it as a mini motion control system to animate camera movements like drive-by’s, move in/out etc. Mounting the camera differently gives you new axis options.

An extensive road map will bring users many future enhancements to the S3D RAX group of products. For instance there is a long version S3D RAX XL, custom made up to 1.000 mm, allowing much longer linear movements, or cascading rigs for more dimensions, and identical precision. There will also be a lens control system soon.

S3D RAX is being developed strictly with a focus on real market needs. As a spin-off from the production and post production company Magna Mana, the hardware development, lead by the hardware engineering and workflow design team of Rainer Storz and CTO Axel Mertes, shares the real knowledge from users every day problems.

S3D RAX is available with 4 weeks lead time for Euro 1.250,00. All prices are excluding VAT.

www.MagnaMana.com