DIY Macro lens

[GrahamNfk]

I can't afford a decent macro lens, but I've been aware for years that enlarger lenses are perfect for the job. But I've never liked bellows. After lots of searching I finally found an affordable tube with helicoid focussing built-in, and now I have a very useful lens that goes from infinity down to stupidly-close.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Camera shake on the above three images because I hadn't had my third dose of morning caffeine at this stage!

 

I think this is going to be a good fun lens and I'm looking forward to getting out and about with it.

 

Focussing tube was £28 from Camdiox, and the 50mm Minolta enlarger lens £5 from a junk shop. Also snagged a Phago 35mm and Vivitar 105mm lens from the same shop for a fiver the pair.

 

Just need to sort out the sharpness issues I'm having with the G1 now...

 

 

[bugmeister]

That's an interesting little piece of kit that I've not come across before.

 

Especially good since it gives you a zoom range instead of the fixed length you get from putting extension tubes behind a 50mm (for example) or using a reversing ring

[NannyFerret]

It just goes to show that it pays to improvise.

[Paul]

Interesting to see what develops...

 

Paul.

[FUJI]

Hi, Graham, you are much like me, in that kit budgets are restricted greatly, so you are willing to experiment with only what you can afford, I think that you also have the freethinking creative gene, that allows us to break rules and photographic conventions.

Here you have succeeded in creating a potentially valuable bit of kit from photographic scrap....well done you.......as to sharpening, if you are shooting RAW,then you will need to sharpen during processing. Also, since acquiring my used GF1 I have discovered that, in Manual Focussing Mode, a quick press on the Jog Wheel, causes a huge magnification on the screen to aid spot on focussing.

I am carrying out further experiments with my recently purchased twenty quid CCTV lenses, results so far are very encouraging, I will post souled of results later.

I also purchased cheap, used extent son rings for the GF1, I am still to learn what they do to my standard and cheap lenses, likewise, the fitting of my SONY lenses to the camera, via an adaptor......all great fun, that doesn't break the bank.

Have Fun,

FUJI ( the other mad inventor)

[GrahamNfk]

I get almost as much of a kick from making things as using them. Just as well really, cos I'm generally a bit rubbish at the 'using' bit

 

Now off to make a string monopod and see if I can get the camera shake under control...

[NannyFerret]

I would love the extension rings that had the Auto focus mechanism. I have some of the cheapie ebay ones, which I haven't used much but they may well work better on the Nikor 1.8 , 35mm lens.

Anyone ever tried them with this lens?