Milo Macro Work — Stability, Standalone Feet, and Sorbothane Pads¶
Summary¶
For macro work on a Milo, track-based motion is often the least stable option because it introduces additional drive mechanism between the floor and the head. Three community-confirmed techniques significantly improve macro stability: removing the track entirely and using Extend/Angle as the master axis, mounting the Milo on its dedicated floor feet instead of rail, and fitting Sorbothane vibration-absorbing pads under the feet when external vibration (traffic, HVAC) is present.
Technique 1 — Use Extend and/or Angle Instead of Track¶
For small macro shots, avoid the track motor entirely. Replace track-based motion with Extend and/or Angle axis motion, which have fewer mechanical links between the base and the camera.
To convert an existing track move:
- Switch to Cartesian Priority mode.
- Set Track as Master Axis.
- Enter the same Track position value at every waypoint — this pins Track while Flair calculates the Extend/Angle solution.
- Convert the move back to Axis Positions.
- Switch back to Axis Priority.
- Save the job at each step.
This gives you the same camera path with no track motor contribution, which reduces vibration significantly at high magnification.
Simon's note: "Small Macro shots on the Milo are often more stable if you don't use the track at all but use the extend and/or angle."
Practical workflow (Heiko Matting): Use two short track sections and programme initially with Master Extend to find keyframes without hitting Extend limits. Once keyframes are confirmed, switch to Carts Priority + Master Track to finalise. This avoids Extend limit trips when exploring positions with different lenses, and allows the Milo to be rolled aside between takes without disturbing the camera.
Technique 2 — Standalone Floor Feet (No Track)¶
MRMC supplies dedicated floor feet that replace the Milo's rail entirely. The feet screw down onto the floor and lift the machine off its rubber wheels.
Advantages over track: - Less mechanism between the floor and the head — inherently more stable - Adjustable for uneven floors (loading ramps, raked stages, etc.) - Faster to set up for a single-position macro shot - Allows use in confined spaces where rail would be impractical
The feet can be found in the Milo spares kit. Contact MRMC support (or the liquidation contact) if a set needs to be sourced.
"A Milo can actually be used 'Standalone' as we provide feet that can be fitted under the Milo in place of the Rail, and screwed down onto a floor to lift the machine off its rubber wheels. This actually proves more steady than using a piece of rail as there is less mechanism between the machine and the floor." — Peter Rush (MRMC), talk.mrmoco.com
Technique 3 — Sorbothane Vibration Pads Under the Feet¶
When the floor itself carries vibration (large road nearby, HVAC, building resonance), add Sorbothane pads under each floor foot.
Critical: - Use Sorbothane specifically — it is a highly absorbent viscoelastic material that converts vibration energy to heat. - Do NOT use standard rubber or plastic under rail sections — these materials transmit vibration and can also introduce bending or rolling stress in the rail. - Sorbothane pads work only with the standalone feet configuration; they are not suitable under rail.
"In this situation the feet are perfect as one can also add pads of plastic, preferably an absorbent one like 'Sorbothane', which will eliminate a very high percentage of your vibration. Use of rubber or plastic under a section of rail would create bending or rolling stress in the rail and would shift more easily." — Peter Rush (MRMC), talk.mrmoco.com
Foot Clearance Note¶
With the Milo on its floor feet there is less than ~25 mm of clearance between the foot pads and the floor. If Sorbothane pads need to fit under the feet, confirm pad thickness against available clearance — on uneven floors the clearance may vary.