A small sample imaging apparatus replaces the dewar which normally passes along the axis of an NMR imaging probe. The small sample imaging apparatus incorporates an integral RF coil and capacitor resonant circuit. The coil and capacitor are positioned adjacent to each other and remotely at the end of a projecting stalk. Stray inductance effects are thereby avoided and the stalk physically positions the resonant circuit at substantially the properly centered location. The stalk which positions the coil and capacitor may be formed from a length of rigid coaxial cable which carried RF energy to the resonant circuit. When large samples are imaged, the conventional probe coil insert can be utilized in the normal manner. However, when smaller samples are images, the adapter can be attached to the probe and the adaptor resonant circuit can be utilized.