The unique feature of the VPT Series Optical Post Holders is the ability to make fine, non-rotating vertical adjustments of components mounted with 0.5 in. (12.7 mm) optical posts such as the SP Series. Coarse vertical adjustments with minimal rotation can first be made by adjusting the post in a "no-slip" operational manner before locking the position with a spring-loaded thumbscrew. Fine adjustments can then be made by rotating a hand-turned collar that changes the height of the post holder, thereby changing the height of the component without rotating it. Available with or without a pedestal base.
- Collar-turned non-rotating height adjustment
- Spring-loaded clamping screw for no-slip operation
- Compatible with 0.5 in. optical posts
- Standard or pedestal base versions See All Features
| Compare | Description | Drawings, CAD & Specs | Avail. | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | M-VPT-2 Translating Optical Post HoldersOptical Post Holder, Translating, 50.8-57.9 mm, 12.7 mm Posts, M6 | |||||
![]() | M-VPT-3 Translating Optical Post HoldersOptical Post Holder, Translating, 76.2-92.5 mm, 12.7 mm Posts, M6 | |||||
![]() | M-VPT-4 Translating Optical Post HoldersOptical Post Holder, Translating, 101.6-117.9 mm, 12.7 mm Posts, M6 | |||||
![]() | VPT-2 Translating Optical Post HoldersOptical Post Holder, Translating, 2 - 2.28 in., 0.5 in. Posts, 1/4-20 | |||||
![]() | VPT-2-P Translating Optical Post HoldersOptical Post Holder, Translating, Pedestal Base, 2.13-2.46 in., 0.5 in. Posts | |||||
![]() | VPT-3 Translating Optical Post HoldersOptical Post Holder, Translating, 3 - 3.64 in., 0.5 in. Posts, 1/4-20 | |||||
![]() | VPT-3-P Translating Optical Post HoldersOptical Post Holder, Translating, Pedestal Base, 3.13-3.46 in., 0.5 in. Posts | |||||
![]() | VPT-4 Translating Optical Post HoldersOptical Post Holder, Translating, 4 - 4.64 in., 0.5 in. Posts, 1/4-20 | |||||
![]() | VPT-4-P Translating Optical Post HoldersOptical Post Holder, Translating, Pedestal Base, 4.13-4.46 in., 0.5 in. Posts |
Features
Non-Rotating Height Adjustment by Knurled Collar
Fine height adjustments of VPT Series Translating Optical Post Holders are easily made using a knurled collar which does not add additional girth to the post holder. When adjusting the height in this manner, the post does not rotate, and therefore the mount's orientation is maintained. The post holder translates 1/32 in. (0.8 mm) per revolution of the collar.
| Model | Height Range |
| VPT-2 | 50.8–57.9 mm |
| VPT-3 | 76.2–92.5 mm |
| VPT-4 | 101.6–117.9 mm |
| VPT-2-P | 50.8–57.9 mm |
| VPT-3-P | 76.2–92.5 mm |
| VPT-4-P | 101.6–117.9 mm |
Two-Line Contact for Greater Stability
By using precision machining techniques to remove a small portion of the interior surface opposite the set screw of our VPT Series Translating Optical Post Holders, two lines of contact are created with a post when it is pushed in by the screw. These two lines of contact provide greater stability compared to a post held in place against another circular surface.
Versatile Mounting
Standard VPT post holders feature a 1/4-20 (M6) threaded hole at the bottom and therefore can be threaded directly into an optical table, or with a pedestal base adapter or slotted base (aluminum slotted base or stainless steel slotted base), be mounted anywhere on the optical table.
Pedestal Base Version Available
VPT post holders are also available in pedestal base version - a stainless steel pedestal base adapter already attached (model number ending with -P designation) for mounting to optical tables with a fork clamp.
Accessories
Pedestal Base Adapter and Clamping Fork
For complete list, check Pedestal Base Adapter and Clamping Fork families
| Compare | Description | Drawings, CAD & Specs | Avail. | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | M-PS-A Pedestal Base Adaptor, 4.8 mm Height, 31.8 mm Diameter, M6 Thread | |||||
![]() | M-PS-AZ Pedestal Base Adaptor, Magnetic, 4.8 mm Height, 31.8 mm Diameter, M6 | |||||
![]() | PS-A Pedestal Base Adaptor, 0.19 in. Height, 1.25 in. Diameter, 1/4-20 | |||||
![]() | PS-AZ Pedestal Base Adaptor, Magnetic, 0.188 in. Height, 1.25 in. Diameter, 1/4-20 | |||||
![]() | PS-C-SET Pedestal Clip Set, Two Clips, Two 1/4-20 Screws |
Slotted Mounting Base
For complete list, check Aluminum Slotted Base Plates and Stainless Steel Slotted Base Plates families
| Compare | Description | Drawings, CAD & Specs | Avail. | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9912 Baseplate, 1.0 in. Width, 1/4-20 (M6) Counterbored | |||||
![]() | 9914 Baseplate, 2.0 in. Width, 1/4-20 (M6) Counterbored | |||||
![]() | B-05A Slotted Base, 0.68 in. Range Single Slot, Stainless Steel | |||||
![]() | B-1A Double Slotted Base, 0.68 in. Range, Stainless Steel | |||||
![]() | B-2SA Double-Slotted Base, Stainless Steel, XY, 1.0 in. Range | |||||
![]() | BUP-2 Universal Base, Freely Rotating Disk, Eccentric Clearance Slot |
Spring-loaded Screw
| Compare | Description | Drawings, CAD & Specs | Avail. | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | MPH-STS Thumb Screw, Spring-Loaded, 1/4-20 Thread, Upgrade for MPH Post Holder |
Resources
Technical Notes
Selection Guides
Technical Articles
The Finer Points of Fine Mechanics(2.1 MB, PDF)





























