Newport M-SP-2 / M-SP-4 optical posts screw size
M4 / M6 · length not stated in the sources
Newport M-SP-2 / M-SP-4 optical posts takes M4 and M6 metric screws. None of the sources we found gives an exact length, so measure the original before you order.
There are 2 separate fitment records for it, including M4 tapped hole at one end of the post (M6 at the other) (M4) and M6 tapped hole at the base end of the metric optical post (M6).
2 of the 2 records are marked confirmed, drawn from 1 source (newport.com).
An M4 screw is 4 mm in diameter with a 0.7 mm pitch, tapped with a 3.3 mm drill; imperial look-alike: #8-32 (4.17 mm) — the standard US PC/rack screw, close but not the same.
Newport M-SP-2 / M-SP-4 optical posts screw specifications
One row per fitment record. Head, drive are shown only where the source states them; pitch is the ISO coarse pitch for the thread.
| Thread | Length | Pitch | Head | Drive | Where it goes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M4 | not stated | 0.7 mm | not stated | not stated | M4 tapped hole at one end of the post (M6 at the other) | Confirmed |
| M6 | not stated | 1 mm | not stated | not stated | M6 tapped hole at the base end of the metric optical post | Confirmed |
Fitment records and sources
M4 tapped hole at one end of the post (M6 at the other)
pitch 0.7 mm · tap 3.3 mm · clearance 4.5 mm · PH2 / Torx T20
M6 tapped hole at the base end of the metric optical post
pitch 1 mm · tap 5 mm · clearance 6.6 mm · PH3 / Torx T30
How to check the screw before you buy
- Do not confuse metric mounting screws with the 1/4-20 or 3/8-16 tripod threads that cameras and clamps also carry.
- Diameter: across the threads an M4 screw measures about 4 mm with calipers (usually a hair under). This device also uses M6, so measure each screw rather than assuming they match.
- Pitch: 0.7 mm from one thread crest to the next (14.29 crests per centimetre). A thread pitch gauge or the pitch-gauge tool settles it in seconds.
- Length: measure from under the head to the tip for pan, button, wafer and cap heads; countersunk (flat) heads are measured overall.
- Driver: the source does not name the drive. Standard M4 heads take PH2 for Phillips and T20 for Torx, and a 3 mm hex key for socket heads; a bit that fits loosely will cam out and strip the head.
- Tightening: no device-specific torque is published in these records. The site's general figure for M4 is about 2.0-3.0 N·m into metal threads and 0.8-1.4 N·m into plastic bosses; snug it up and stop.
Common mix-ups with M4 / M6
- US-made pinball machines (Williams/Bally/Stern) overwhelmingly use imperial UTS threads (#6-32, #8-32, #10-32); explicit metric threads only appear on newer/import components such as Jersey Jack Pinball's Hobbit Smaug assembly (M3).
- Water heater elements use pipe threads (NPSM/NPT), not metric machine screws.
- Optical breadboards are metric only when the part number ends in /M; the default in North America is 1/4-20.
- Optical tables come in metric (M6 on 25mm centres) and imperial (1/4-20 on 1in centres) — mixing them cross-threads the table.
More in Cameras & Optics
The same screw also fits
Devices whose records share a thread with Newport M-SP-2 / M-SP-4 optical posts, closest length match first.
- Cognex In-Sight 9000 machine vision system also M4
- Christie HS / Jazz Series UST lens bracket also M4
- Newport M-SP-4 optical post also M4
- DJI RS upper quick-release plate also M4
- Cinema camera cheese plates & cages also M6
- Shield Sights Optic Ready (MOS) Mount also M4
- ScopeStuff nylon thumbscrew kit also M4
- Wimberley AP-609 lens foot plate also M4
Questions about Newport M-SP-2 / M-SP-4 optical posts screws
- What size screw does Newport M-SP-2 / M-SP-4 optical posts use?
- M4 for M4 tapped hole at one end of the post (M6 at the other); M6 for M6 tapped hole at the base end of the metric optical post.
- How long are the screws in Newport M-SP-2 / M-SP-4 optical posts?
- None of the sources states a length. Remove one screw and measure it from under the head to the tip (overall for a countersunk head).
- What is the thread pitch of an M4 screw?
- 0.7 mm (coarse), which is the standard pitch for M4 machine screws; a 0.5 mm fine pitch exists but is uncommon. The tap drill is 3.3 mm and the normal clearance hole is 4.5 mm.
- What screwdriver do I need for Newport M-SP-2 / M-SP-4 optical posts?
- The sources do not name the drive. For M4, Phillips heads normally take PH2 and Torx heads T20; socket heads take a 3 mm hex key.
- Can I use an imperial screw instead of M4?
- No. Imperial look-alike: #8-32 (4.17 mm) — the standard US PC/rack screw, close but not the same. Use a true M4 screw so it does not cross-thread or strip the hole.