Abstract: A position detector used with a roll stand having a fixed frame member and a roll-carrying member movable in a direction relative to the frame member, has first and second sleeves telescoping in the direction adjacent the members, a mount securing one of the sleeves to one of the members, and a fixed-length but elastically bendable link rod extending in the direction and having one end fixed to the other of the members and an opposite end fixed to the other of the sleeves. Thus on relative movement of the fixed and movable members the sleeves slide in the direction in each other. A sensor rod having one end fixed in the first sleeve extends in the direction into the second sleeve. A position sensor in the second sleeve juxtaposed with the sensor rod determines a position of the members relative to each other in the direction.