Extreme Macro Using Reversed Enlarger Lenses
Vložit
- čas přidán 7. 09. 2019
- Want extreme macro results without having to pay the extreme prices of a macro lens? I'll show you how to capture pin-sharp close-ups with inexpensive enlarger lenses and a couple of adapter rings.
Be blessed for your wisdom, humility, kindness, common sense, clarity, patience and generosity. You inspire me to get out there more.often.
An excellent video, taking you through all the practicalities and very down to earth. Loved it.
Thank you, so helpful, clear, insightful. Amazing teaching 🙏
Hi Allan, thank you for your generosity in sharing your knowledge. I have a Rodagon 60 4 to be used in the same setting as your. I'm planning to use an extension bracket for the flash with a head ball and a square box diffuser as a starting point in the exploration.
I love your chanel and website and how you share your knowledge. Your podcast is so so amazing. The way you explain with scientific eye is so informative. Im your new fan. Thank you
I really appreciate this video. I like the methodical way you explained the process. Thanks
Thanks Suzette!
Years ago I experimented with all sorts of lenses "reversed" on my bellows up to 15x magnification. Some 16mm Cine camera lenses I got from junk baskets in camera shops worked really well. I had an adjustable flange made so I could fit any lens to my bellows. You just need the math to establish the aperture M+1×aperture and any pupilary magnifcation. But these days with DSLRs, trial and error is going to be a lot cheaper than using film 😢 I also had a fine threaded slide to make stereo pairs of slides - Kodachrome 25. Viewing them through a stereo viewer was amazing. Thank you for a brilliant video. Keep them coming.
When I was a kid, I wanted to do macrophotography, but I was limited on funds and time. I did build a darkroom and enjoyed my black and white prints and some prints from slide film. Point being, I still have that equipment ( a variety of Canon 35 mm lens) and "this enlarger lens". What a windfall of luck to come across your video. back then, I also was working with a scanning electron microscope, so I did take some very nice photos. I am retired now and my days will be filled with this and my new hobby astrophotography. So much to learn. I am excited. Just have to keep the honey do's at a reasonable level. I went to your website. It was like being in a candy store. Very nice work.
Thanks so much for the kind words! I'm excited to hear about your renewed interest in macro - enjoy the journey!
what amazing content!!!!
OMG, this is MASTERCLASS level.
thank you so much for sharing this knowledge for free.
one day I will try to upload content, too which will inspire (and help) others.
I have 14 enlarger lenses from small to 8x10 inches film , wide to tele , now I know what to do with them , thanks for the inspiration and tips . I was thinking about donating my 3 enlargers to a school but now I'll hang on to them a little longer
You should! They can yield fantastic results!
i wanted to see lots of pics at the end of this video using your amazing lenses
Hi David. Several folks have told me the same thing! In retrospect, I should have included examples and I will be putting up a video this weekend to remedy my oversight. Thanks for the feedback! Cheers.
@@AllanWallsPhotography Hi Alan, did you make that video?
@@MrBdouche Yes, I did. Why do you ask?
@@AllanWallsPhotography I would love to see some example shots. I have been watching your videos a lot lately to get into macro shots. You are the only one so far who talked about it in depth.
Great video 🎅👍
Yup! I use a bunch of EL Nikkors with 'home glued' Leica screw to filter ring adapters on my bellows.
Brilliant!
loving the info. subscribed. best brazilian regards.
Thank you!
interesting and comprehensive!
Thanks Randy!
Hi Alan, Love your videos. Interested in trying out these microscopic lens, can you please tell me what I need for my Nikon D750 ? Thankyou.
Great video and content in your channel! Congrats.
I wonder what are your thoughts on replacing the extension tubes for a prime lens let's say a 50mm. What are the main differences on the result setup that surely you have tried?
Thanks Alejandro! You are correct to suggest using a prime instead of extension tubes with an enlarger lens. But as this video was an introduction to using old enlarger lenses, I decided not to confuse viewers by adding the variables that come with additional glass elements. I love using novel lens combinations and I am planning to put out a video that addresses these setups later this spring, so please check back. Thanks again!
Would of been nice to see sample photos but thank you for your advice
thanks for your time and for share
Great content, exceptionally informative 😊… the one question I’m unclear on, is how to I get those 2 flash synch lights into position ... do you have another video with that in it possibly? Thanks again. Love your channel and just subscribed
Hi Rita, thanks for the question! I go into the specifics of lighting for macro photography in a bunch of my videos, but the short version is that I use 11" articulating arms (the ones I use are made by SmallRig), with a super clamp on one end (to attach to the cage) and a cold shoe on the other (to attach the speedlight). It is a very compact system and I have used up to five separate speedlights at one time with minimal crowding. Glad to have you on board!
Hi Allan
Very interesting and educational videos you make. Wondering if an EL-Nikkor 2.8 / 50mm magnifying lens and expansion tube also works on a micro 4/3 camera or if it must be full format.
Regards Kenth Deblèn
Hello Kenth, It will absolutely work on a smaller sensor camera. Of course, with less territory to cover, you may wish to use a little less extension than I would use on a FF sensor. The image circle is large, and while there may be some slight peripheral softening, a MFT sensor will effectively crop most of that out of your images. I know many excellent macro photographers who use MFTs exclusively with these El Nikkors for that reason.
I Love your video, it was very encouraging. I have a question you may like.
With the setup you shared in this extreme Macro Using Reversed Enlarged Lenses, how cheap can I go, on a camera body, to achieve real quality?
I don't mind if most eyes won't recognize the camera body wasn't a $500-$700 camera body.
If reduction of quality is miniscule, might you recommend a $200 camera body?
Hello and thank you for the great video. Will this set up work with a Nikon d800?
Absolutely - That is one of my all-time favorite cameras for macro!
Amazing video! Thank you ❤️ I’m a beginner and would I would love it if you could advise me on how to replicate that set up with my canon T7i. Thank you so much in advance!!!
Hi David can you use this setup on a canon 5dmk3 obviously all canon fit except the nikkor 50mm
Dear Alan, has any sense to use an enlarger like the nikon el with a empty zoom like 70 200 (acting then like a variable extender) ? If yes, reversed or not? It already would have a 15cm or so the extension added.
Hi Alejandro, absolutely! An empty lens would function just like bellows and can be very useful with a reversed 35 or 50mm prime. At 50mm it doesn't really matter if you reverse the lens, in theory, but in my experience every lens seems to be sharper one way or the other. I recommend trying it both ways to find out which works better with your copy of the lens. Hope that helps!
Great video. I’m having a difficult time locating the 40.5 to 55 male/male ring. Would you kindly provide a source?
Thank you so much for the info sir
How much magnification would you get on a 50mm lens reversed with extension tubes (28+14+7) set-up?
Hi Mathankumar, Sorry for the late response. A reversed 50mm prime at 49mm will give you almost exactly 1:1 magnification ratio. The same as most expensive macro lenses.
@@AllanWallsPhotography thanks for the reply Allan 🙂
Your video is awesome!! Can you tell me what lenses I should buy, please? I have a Nikon D7100. I'm eager to try this.
I think the best enlarger lens to start with is the excellent El Nikkor 50mm f/2.8N. I just released a video all about this particular lens - you should check it out! czcams.com/video/4V0piuv_-70/video.html
Hi Allan,
I’m currently very intrigued by macro photography. I currently have a 1:1 105mm lens and want to try and get to 2:1. I heard about the raynox but it seems the focusing distance would be not easy to work with in the field.
I’m interested in getting the 50mm EL on extension tubes. Do you know what kind of magnification you can get on a full stack of tubes with the enlarger?
Hi. There are a number of ways that you can get to 2:1, including by using enlarger lenses. I like the El Nikkor 50mm lenses but you could get even more magnification, with less extension, by using a shorter enlarger lens. This is my preferred technique when in the studio. But when I am out in the field, extension tubes become very fiddly to work with and the light loss at longer extension becomes limiting. I recently discovered a very high quality closeup lens by NiSi that allows me to get 2:1 magnification, in the field, without any exposure compensation. The Raynox is a fantastic alternative, but I found the NiSi easier to work with in the field. Check out my review of that lens...czcams.com/video/ec0uRrYIFRg/video.html
@@AllanWallsPhotography thank you Allan, I appreciate your input. I’m considering the Nisi, I will check it out
Thanks for the video! I'm having some trouble locating the extension tube needed. I have a Fuji XT3 (fx mount). I have the exact same El-nikkor , and the same set of step down step up filter rings. But the rest I cannot find. Would you be able to help? Thanks!
Sure Mr. Ape. You have the XT3 and the El Nikkor, so all you need are a couple of adapters and some form of extension. You need to decide how you want to manage the extension. The clear choice for me is the bellows as this allow as you to change the magnification to any amount you need in an instant, without having to break anything down. The other option, extension tubes are dirt cheap and you only need 2-3 sets ($30 total. But at high magnification they sag, and you need to take the rig apart to change magnification. The only tough decision is which bellows if you go that route. There are no Fx mount bellows that I know of, so if you go with the best bellows ever created by mankind (Nikon PB-6 - $200 for a mint condition set on eBay) you will also need an Fx to F mount adapter - nothing fancy and no electrical connections, To mount the enlarger lens which you need to reverse, you will need a 40.5mm to F-mount reversing adapter. These can be hard to find so what I use is a 40.5mm to 52mm step up ring and a 52mm Nikon reversing (called the BR-2 ) and easy to find everywhere. Let me know if you have any questions.
@@AllanWallsPhotography Thank you so much!! One more question. The smaller end of the EL Nikkor, is it the 39mm thread or should I use the other smaller thread for a hood? I wan't to get a hood for it but I don't know if I caught the exact measurement of the smaller end. Any recommendations for the hood? Thanks again!
@@urfavoriteape2538 It is 39mm but I no longer use a hood - I was getting reflections off the metal. I now use a short 1.5" tube made of thin craft foam (black). Just roll a piece around a tube of the correct size and slip it on the end of the lens. It is light, non-reflective, doesn't get in the way and protects the rear element well. If you do get a hood, be sure to flock it well.
I apologise if this has already been asked but...
What do i need to mount the EL-Nikkor 50mm lens to the Nikon PB-6 Bellows?
Hi Richard - it depends on how you want to use it. If mounted forwards you will need a 39mm adapter to your camera/bellows mount (39mm to F-mount for Nikon). If you would rather use it reversed you will need a 40.5mm reversing ring (40.5mm male filter thread on one side, bayonet camera mount for your camera type on the other). Hope that helps!
Dear Allan. Instead of using Extension Tube + Reversed Lens,.I want to use my Nikon Macro 105mm f/2.8 with a reversed Nikon 50mm (Not AF) . How much ratio X/1 Can I have in the picture? Thank You.
Simply brilliant - thank you very much! I am just getting into macro work photographing natural crystals indoors for a paper I am writing and will be using a photostacking technique. I have a Canon 5D(Mk1) and a Canon EF180mm F3.5L Macro USM lens which I purchased years ago when I purchased my 5D - but haven't used the macro at all. Would using your "flat field" reversed lens set-up produce better "stacked" images than can be expected with the Canon Macro? Seriously, I am on the cusp of a very steep learning curve with how to use the Canon macro and would appreciate (and be guided by) your recommendations. Could you also let me know the specific adapter rings I would need to purchase for my 5D and your reversed lens setup; as I am still inclined to go this way depending on your recommendations. I can provide you with my email address if you wish to do this off-site, please advise. Cheers from Down Under.
I have two sony mirrorless a73 and a6400, what kind of adapter and enlarger lens can I use to mount on the e mount camera and where can get them
Greetings Hesham, and thanks for your question. I would recommend the 50mm, f/2.8 El Nikkor enlarger lens as a great place to start. This lens has a 40.5mm filter thread at the front and a 39mm (M39) screw mount at the back. So to mount the lens reversed onto an E-mount camera (or E-mount extension tubes made by Meike for only $17 - on Amazon) you will need a male 40.5mm to F-Mount reversing ring. I went to eBay and searched for this ring and found one from a company named JCC, priced at $13. That adapter will allow you to reverse mount the El Nikkor enlarger lens to any E-mount device you own. You can also find the 39mm to E-mount adapter, for mounting the enlarger lens non-reversed, for under $4 on eBay. That one is made by a company called NEX. I hope this information was helpful to you!
I have Canon 650 d
With 18 _ 55 mm lens
Does it Will work for me?
Hi, this is very informative. Its trick applicable to mirrorleaa camera?
Yes indeed. Your extension tube length will be shorter than in these examples, but otherwise everything is the same. You can even use exactly the same lenses (with the proper adapters).
Great video, thank you sir! I prefer to buy equipment with an origin other than China when possible and its still doable on a very slim budget.
Hi, is is a good idea to use a kit lense (18-55), reversed on a 300mm prime lens in order to get maximum magnification (about x16, on the 18mm end, and x5 on the 55mm end). Or the magnification will be so gigantic that it will be impossible to manage to take a picture ?
Hi there, Good question. I do not recommend using a zoom lens as the front (reversed) element in a setup of this type. I have never had good results that way. The kit lens does not have a manual aperture control, meaning you will either be shooting wide open or fully closed down, depending on whether or not you tape down the aperture control tab on the rear of the 18-55 lens. Either way it results in severe softening throughout (from CA at f/3.5 or from severe diffraction at f/22). Your calculations are correct concerning the magnification, but getting a sharp enough image will be virtually impossible. By the way, you can't use the 300mm for aperture control - doing so leads to even worse softening. I would strongly recommend you try an older 50mm prime with a manual aperture ring. That way you can set the front lens (reversed or otherwise - it doesn't make much difference) at about f/8, leave the 300 prime wide open, and get some excellent high magnification images. One last tip... I have pretty much stopped using combined lenses for magnification over 3:1, in favor of a decent microscope objective. The latter is just so much sharper at higher magnification. Sorry for the long answer - this type of question is never straightforward!
@@AllanWallsPhotographythanks for the answer. on canon camera you can use the depth of field preview button in order to set the aperture as you want, then take it off while pressing the dop preview button, then reverse it. In other therms you can use a reversed kit lens at any aperture (on canon). If the kit lens is not a good option, i'll try with some prime lens reversed on the 300mm.
Any microscope objective you would recommend?
@@Persfleur I highly recommend the Amscope 4x Plan finite objective. It is very inexpensive but very sharp with a large image circle. Best $20 you can spend on a lens!
@@AllanWallsPhotography thanks a lot.
Allan, do you know why the distance between the sensor plane and the lens it is so important to focusing a microscope objective but not for focusing an enlarger lens? At least I have not seen any mention of this requirement for enlarger lenses.
Hi Neal, it has a lot to do with the image circle. Microscope objectives (I'm talking about finite objectives) are designed to cast an image circle onto the eyepiece at a specific distance. With a fixed sensor size, the field of view is inversely proportional to the magnification. This results in vignetting when the objective is moved away from the sensor. The other issue is that the objective's corrections (of CA and other aberrations) are calibrated to the tube length. As the objective moves away from the sweet spot, in either direction, the aberrations become progressively more apparent. With an infinity corrected objective, the idea is basically the same, but the distances are set by the focal length of the tube lens. A flat field enlarger lens does not have these constraints (though magnification is still constrained by diffraction), and the sensor can be positioned at any point along the continuum from the camera's flange to the maximum magnification before diffraction intervenes. It is a lot more complicated than that, but those are the key differences between the two. Hope that makes sense!
@@AllanWallsPhotographyThanks so much for such a comprehensive reply.
Hi Alan that was an amazing video, i have a Nikon coolpix P510, i would like to know if its possible to add extensions and macro lens to it. Please bear with my ignorance, iam just starting my journey.
Unfortunately you can't , since Nikon Coolpix p510 is a bridge camera, thus you can't change lenses on it.
Try to find something that wits on the lens , something like magnification glass( I don't know the name of it ) but you can attach that and you can focus closer.... basically it's like adding macro lens on you phone.
@@strixxx896 thanks for the tip, appreciate it👍
thank you sir can i make 1:1 instead of 2:1 by less extentions
?
Absolutely - if you are using the El Nikkor 50mm enlarger lens, reversed, at f/8, you will have 1:1 magnification at 45mm of extension.
Hello !! By any chance do you have information on where to buy the 40.5 to 55 coupler ring ?? Thanks :)
Sure. They have all of these adapters on eBay... www.ebay.com/p/1669073619?iid=112077196007&chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=112077196007&targetid=885502524625&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9012934&poi=&campaignid=9338046716&mkgroupid=94993973219&rlsatarget=aud-412677883135:pla-885502524625&abcId=1139336&merchantid=127685092&gclid=Cj0KCQjwy6T1BRDXARIsAIqCTXpPwbT_X0JDKlmScrdEV9qStL2RC4Bfq15Z3hrTGAX86-UyN0iNzIkaAuGjEALw_wcB
@@AllanWallsPhotography Thanks !! 🙏
Is this the best setup for "scanning" the 35mm film negatives?
It is a good setup but I wouldn't use the enlarger lens in reverse. There are plenty of systems that make it semi- automatic, but unless you are doing a ton of it, it is probably not worth the investment.
Hi Allan, do you have any sample photos from this setup?
I do! Try going to www.allanwallsphotography.com/blog/elnikkor50 there are a bunch of closeups of this setup there. You can also search for "enlarger" on my "Articles & Videos" page to find several others.
@@AllanWallsPhotography Awesome! Thank you
Struggling to find the correct hardware for my Nikon D3500, I went to Fotodiox website but still confused to which hardware to purchase, can you help?
Absolutely. Get in touch with me at contact@allanwallsphotography.com and tell me what you are trying to accomplish and what gear you currently have. I'll help you sort out the best solution.
Hi. Can film roll camera convert into digital one. Like Canon eso 1000F. Thanks
Hi Khalid. It certainly can, but it is such a difficult process, and so expensive to pull off, that it is usually reserved foe high end medium format cameras. Even then, it would probably be cheaper to buy a new camera. But I am not an expert on such matters, so be sure to do your research - there may be less complicated solutions that I am not familiar with. Good luck and let me know how it goes!
I've a Canon 2000D. So I need other lens, rings and adopters etc. I was searching for them, but can't find them.
A good point, the title should have included 'Nikon' in it for clarity
I would be nice to see some the images taken with this setup.
They are all in part two. I made this video a long time ago and it never crossed my mind, But part two is full shots taken with this setup.
Instead of tape you might want to take a screwdriver, remove the ring on the back (three screws) rotate it a third and you have permanently covered the hole and you can adjust the aperture. Plus no tape mess.
How can I mount one of these reveresed to an Olympus E420?
All you would need is a set of MFT extension tubes and an adapter for the lens - that would be a 40.5mm to MFT reversing ring (www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1413124-REG/fotodiox_reverse_mount_405mm_mft_52mm_filter_thread_macro.html)
Hope that helps!
I think you meant to say, photographic paper under the enlarger. Some nice enlarger lenses on eBay at reasonable prices. Excellent for UV imaging. 👍🇬🇧🇦🇺🔭🔬
Hey Shevill - you are correct! It amazes me how I can make an error and repeatedly miss it while editing the video - must be an age thing! Thanks for setting the record straight!
@@AllanWallsPhotography Amazing how the brain works sometimes. Using sheet film instead of paper was something I did in my scientific, medical and forensic photography days, so technically using film instead of paper for a projectable image, is also OK. The most prolific NIkkor enlarger lenses in any number on eBay is the Nikkor EL 50mm f/2.8, followed by the 75mm and hard to find and pricey is the 63mm lens. I am working on some UV photography ideas so I have the first two lenses. I will try them out for macro work, photomicrography, macrophotography as well as other types, soft x-rays , IR and UV, were one of my specialities, the interest never leaves one even in retirement. What I find interesting now are the cameras that do image stacking in camera, my Lumix FZ300 has a feature that automatically takes a series of images at slightly different points of focus-called Post Focus.
@@ShevillMathers My main camera is the Nikon D850 and it also has in-camera focus stacking (they call it focus shift). I have used it a few times when shooting landscapes but it is not as much use for macro. The increments of focus shift aren't small enough at high magnification to get everything sharp. I find fixed focus and an automated focus rail, like the Stackshot, just yield sharper pictures. By the way, my interest in macro photography started when I was documenting interesting intraoperative findings in the OR. I'd be fascinated to see some of your UV work!
@@allanwalls53 I was in the RAF Medical Branch a few lifetimes ago and worked in theatre, mostly anaesthetics and surgical assistant, and my career in medlab science, tissue pathology, experimental surgery etc. has taken me down many interesting paths with the whole range of photographic imaging with EM, Macroand photomicro being one of my specialities, both in tissue pathology and crime scenes involving people as a CSI. Being able to document scenes, take blood samples from suspects, and all the rest and as an expert witness in interesting cases, life has never been dull. Ihave many other non medical/photographic interests, astronomy and astro photography being a lifelong passion. Google Shevill Mathers Southern Cross Observatory Tasmania 42 South-if interested. Ex Leeds born and bred. I have far too many cameras, lenses and optical equipment than is reasonable-I am trying to cobble some UV stuff together-all my good gear was the various depts I worked in. Loved soft X-Ray work, fascinating area not available to most folks, wish I had done more with it. I used to do retinal angiography on a sessional basis for one of the major eye clinics in Tasmania prior to retiring full time, another fascinating area, along with OR photography, especially eye surgery techniques. Life is too short with so many interests.
@@ShevillMathers You nailed it... life is far too short. I too have many active interests, in photography and elsewhere. The older I get, the more I realize just how little I know. Before completing my surgical training, I worked for a year in a busy medical examiners office. While there I became familiar some of the rather esoteric imaging techniques used in modern forensic practice. There is a whole universe of "Amazing" out there, and so little time to absorb it. Astronomers Without Borders is an impressive organization! Keep up the good work, my friend!
How would I go about fitting one of these on one a camera with a Z mount?
Hi Walker, The simplest way would be to use a set of Z-mount extension tubes and a 39mm to Z-mount adapter ring (or a 40.5mm to Z-mount reversing ring to use the enlarger lens in reverse).
Either use the FTZ adapter or a cheap F mount to Z mount adapter then use his solution. This is what I did with my Z7
Forgot to mention if you use an adapter on the camera to go to M42 you can use m42 helicoid. doing this gives you the ability to change the magnification without removing the lens. You can also use a bellows, that being said you there are only a couple of good ones. When I mean good I mean small.
What's the difference and what's the advantages with the new lens model contra the old one?
Both lenses share identical optics. The earlier version is made of metal and later one is plastic (albeit a very sturdy and weighty plastic). The only real difference is that under some circumstances (non-reversed, with lighting from directly above and in front of the aperture dial), the newer model is prone to flaring from light entering the lens through the manual aperture ring. For this reason, I prefer the older model.
@@AllanWallsPhotography Thank you so much for your answer, I live in Sweden and found a new unused old version of this lens for $45, I'm gonna go ahead and purchase it then. I've been using an old Tamron 28mm f/2,8 manual lens mounted backwards for macro so far but I think this EL-Nikkor 50mm f/2,8 will be a complement to my amature macro photographing. Once again thank you so much, looking forward for your upcoming videos. 😊👍🏼
@@uppsalaskyview4320 Thank you! You are going to love this enlarger lens. It is so sharp. For what it's worth, every copy of this lens that I own seems to be sharper when used reversed. There is no reason why this should be true, but I recommend you try it both ways. Good luck!
@@bourbon_sketcher Sorry for the confusion! Most reviewers recommend the newer ("N") version of the lens and I love it too, but id does have a tendency to leak a little light, under certain conditions (reversed, high key light), throughout the aperture display window. It is not a huge deal, but the older version doesn't do this. So I normally reach for the earlier model, but there really isn't that much in it. The condition of the lens is of much greater importance. A good copy of the old lens with outperform a poor copy of the newer one. In this video I grabbed the new version without realizing (the other one was set up on another camera) I had done so. SO.... I don't think you can go wrong with either model, but buy from a reputable seller and return it immediately if it turns out to be lemon. I have no evidence to back this up, but my intuition suggests that the newer model will be more likely to be in better condition (it hasn't been gathering dust, or fungus, for as long!). I hope that helps, and sorry for the confusion!
Sir i have nikon D750 + manual extention tube + 50mm 1.8 G lens
Excuse me for my ignorance but I think that somebody must connect a male to female.
You have suggested
1) Step up 40.5mm male to 55mm male
2) Fotodiox step down 55mm female to52mm male
3) 52mm male to F-mount
4) Extension tube BR3 (female F mount to 52 female) + 52mm UV filter as lens hood
so the step up 40.5mm to 55mm male then the Fotodiox step down 55mm female to 52mm male
(until now there is no problem because there is the Step up 55mm male to step down 55mm female)
and then the step down 52mm male to the 52mm male - F-mount
(I think that here is a problem because there are two males and not a male-female connection)
So I think that the the Fotodiox step down it should be 55mm female to 52mm female
or a step down 55mm female to 52mm male + a 52mm female to 52mm female (Coupling Ring)
I am asking because I would be better not to make any mistake in my ordering through eBay.
And a second Q: The extension tube it should be a Nikon BR3 or do I have alternative options?
I applaud your attention to detail in noticing this paradox - I know that is seems impossible, but the 55mm step ring actually has a continuous internal thread of 52mm, allowing it to be used as a male to male connector in this case. I have been using this to connect male 52mm to male 52mm for years, until very recently, when a viewer send me an actual male to male 52mm connector. I have never found a suitable replacement for the BR-3 - it is one of the few true Nikon adapters that I always use. I'm sure there must be alternatives, but I don't know of them.
Does anyone know what the "features you will want" are on the new model of this lens? The old model is so much cheaper!!
Just so you know, the N version of this lens IS METAL under the skin. There look to be some plastic parts in the diaphragm actuating mechanism as well. But the inner barrel is aluminum.
Where did you get the 40.5 to 55 m/m at??
I'm pretty sure I used a 40.5mm to 52mm step up with a 52mm to 55mm added to that. The 40.5mm came from eBay... www.ebay.com/itm/Round-40-5mm-To-52mm-Metal-Step-Up-Ring-Lens-Filter-Stepping-Adapter-Black/224083683181?hash=item342c6da76d:g:es4AAOSw8LBfEVkg
I don't recommend using those screw type extension tubes, taking them off and on constantly would wear down the cheap metal and possibly create micro shards that land in you sensor. Best to avoid .
Thanks Fernando - excellent point. I assemble the tubes only once, for the specific use case, and permanently flock the inside of the completed segment. When I need a new tube lens, I use new tubes. But I completely agree that taking them apart and reconnecting them is asking for trouble. Thanks for pointing that out.
@@AllanWallsPhotography What an excellent idea! Thank you.
I own a 80s Vivitar series1 90-180mm f4.5 "Flat field" macro lens( 35mm Canon fd mount)
Reversible maybe?
It was known as a "copy lens" (documents) and also advertised as a "medical macro lens "(coroner/pathology use"?)
Oddly enough, I have several process lenses, several smaller ones and several enormous ones. I've never done macro photography using enlarger or reverse prime lenses. I'm interested to see what the results will be. If you happen to use an enlarger lens with a higher focal length, is there a point where the focal length somehow defeats the clarity? For instance using a 300mm rather than a 150mm.
Hi Gary. Enlarger lenses are my go-to optics for shooting between 2:1 and 4:1, with the shorter focal length lenses (24mm to 50mm), reversed, providing the most magnification. Some enlarger lenses in the 80 -100mm range are also useful but will have magnification ratios of only 0.5:1 - 1:1, a range in which a dedicated macro lens may produce more consistent images. Very long focal length enlargers are not that useful as they require excessive extension, do not offer much magnification, result in edge softening, and are difficult to use due to a very dark field of view. For these reasons, most prefer to stick with shorter focal length, reversed enlarger lenses and reversed primes in the same 35-50mm focal length range.
@@AllanWallsPhotography - that actually makes a lot of sense once I really think about the ratios. I'll look through the process lenses I have and give them a try. I looked at them recently, but only took note of the really large ones - for example, I have a nikon process lens, APO-Nikkor 610mm, the most impressive piece of glass you'll likely ever see.. which at one time, I was planning to use to construct a 20x24 camera .. that was a completely different tangent I was working on and another story. EBay has many enlarger lenses exactly as you recommend. However, on the step-up rings, all I saw were sets of whole number step-up sets. I'll have to specifically search for the 39.5 or 43.5 sizes, but I'm not exactly sure which ones to search for until I start putting together the pieces. I also have a handful of rings in storage as I have a long history with photography. Loads of left overs from my medium and large format days which I saved, but wondered if I was ever going to use or need them. Perhaps I'll be lucky.
@@AllanWallsPhotography - sad times, I checked my set of process lenses and smallest is 150mm and they go up from there. Likely more trouble for macro. They are like view camera lenses in that the front section unscrews from the rear and a plate is placed between. I suppose it might be possible to only use the front or rear section alone, but that is strictly experimentation territory.
@@Just-a-bystander That is exactly what I was going to suggest. I have done that with old lenses, though not with much success - but still fun to try. Let me know if you find something interesting.
@@Just-a-bystander Hi Gary, the rings you need for the El Nikkor enlarger lenses are 39mm and 40.5mm - they are actually standard sizes for a couple of older camera brands and they are easy to find online. Remember that you will want to reverse most lenses with a focal length of less that 50mm. If you need any help finding them, just let me know and I'll point you to the best sellers.
Thank you so much for describing the technique and suggesting this enlarger lens. I just ordered the enlarger lens you described and I am looking for the adapters. Is it possible to put directly a 40.5mm (male) to 52mm (female) step-up adapter ring with a 52mm (male) reverse ring? This should look like this: Mount-52(Male)---52(Female)-40.5 (Male)---(Female)Enlarger. Many thanks.
Hi Patrick. Yes indeed, that would work just fine. There are many different ways the connection can be made and your's is perfectly sound. Good luck with the new lens! I think you will love using it!
Thank you very much for your reply, I feel more confident to go ahead with this setup now.
There is no way you took that thumbnail Macro with that setup! You should have mentioned that so people don't think that is the result they can expect with your little setup! But I have to agree, for someone starting in macro and on a tight budget! it is a nice way to go
You are absolutely correct and I appreciate you pointing that out. I went back and checked my notes from that session and the thumbnail image of the deceased housefly was shot with a reversed 50mm f2.8 El-Nikkor enlarger lens. But it was shot on a Nikon D850 using Nikon bellows and a manual focus rail. It was a stack of 55 images, stacked using Zerene Stacker software and the TIFF was further edited in Photoshop. Having said that, I have shot hundreds of comparable images using the exact setup described in the video. But you nailed it - well spotted!
@@AllanWallsPhotography It is an amazing shot nonetheless.
Hi.
I'm not sure I followed this exchange. Was it that the thumbnail was taken on the same lens but with bellows rather extension tubes?
Lengkap alatnya❤
How do you focus do you just have a static focus distance
Hi Aaron... the focus plane is determined by the relative positions of the subject and the lens. By moving the camera, extension, and lens as a unit, the plane of focus advances through the subject. For larger subjects, the focus can also be adjusted by lengthening or shortening the distance between lens and sensor (as with rear-bellows focusing).
@@AllanWallsPhotography okay cool yeah I really like this setup I have the 100 mm Canon macro lens but I really want to get to 2x and 3x but I don't want to spend more than $300 I think I'm going to do your setup but replace the extension tubes with a bellows what do you think about that. Can I get to 3x before the focus plane is inside of the lens with this setup?
Also do you see any issues with adapting this Nikon lens you recommend to a Canon full frame body?
@@Amocles There are a couple of issues with that. You can add extension using the macro lens, but the magnification will only be modest with a 100mm lens. To get high quality 3-4X images you really need to use a shorter focal length lens. A simple manual 50mm prime or 50mm enlarger lens, reversed onto 100mm of extension will give much higher magnification and very sharp images. The shorter the focal length, the more magnification. I use macro lenses at 1:1, or slightly more. For everything higher than that I prefer non-macro short primes, reversed on bellows or extension tubes.
@@AllanWallsPhotography well what if I just did your exact setup with bellows on my Canon body would that work. The only reason I don't want to get a prime lens and reverse it is because at some point my focus distance or my focus plan will be inside of the lens if I put too much extension on it which means that I'm limited by how much magnification I can get I need to get to at least 2x and I would like to get a little bit more.
Is there any way to get 2X magnification with 6 or more inches of working distance?
@@Amocles I think are concerned about the wrong thing. Your working distance is not the critical issue. diffraction is. Your images will be very soft from diffraction long before you run out of working distance, even if you use a 24mm prime. If you need 2:1 but would like a little more, your macro lens is not the best choice. To comfortably cover 3.5 or even 4X with bellows, your best image quality is going to come from a reversed 50mm, or shorter prime lens (preferably with a manual aperture ring). An enlarger lens is one such prime and will provide some of the sharpest images. These incredible optics and be found on eBay, in excellent condition (like the El Nikkor 50mm f/2.8N) for $40-50 (US), and a used Nikon 50mm f/1.8D (a superbly sharp lens) will probably cost less than that. If you need to go above 3.5X or maybe 4X, the sharpest images will come from a decent quality microscope objective as camera lenses become severely diffraction limited when used at an effective aperture greater than f/22. From 1:1 to 2:1, your 100mm macro lens can be used, but it will not give the magnification you need without a lot of extension, which will increase the amount of light lost and force you to use a higher ISO or slower shutter speed. Macro lenses are just not designed for extreme macro photography, defined as greater than 1:1 magnification. They are designed to produce their sharpest images at 1:1 or lower. I appreciate you bringing up all these important points, as an understanding of these issues is fundamental to macro photography proficiency.
Hello sir could you please send link of this item thank you....
Which item are you looking for? The lens can be found on eBay by searching for El Nikkor 50mm f/2.8N.
How do you determine the magnification on reversed lenses? Thanks
Hi Carlos, You can use the thin lens formula ( the reciprocal of the reversed lens focal distance = the reciprocal of the lens-subject distance + the reciprocal of the lens-sensor distance), but this will only ever be a rough approximation. The best way to do it is to set up your system and photograph a mm rule at the closest focusing distance. The number of mm across the resulting image, divided by the width of your sensor (36mm for full frame), will give you the precise magnification.
@@AllanWallsPhotography interesting. I guess the same thing for the extension tube is it? Another question please. So if we want to use a reverse lens we need an adaptor to adapt the lens to the mount. So we have a reverse adaptor for example for EF mount then on the other side you have the thread 55mm then. If we own a lens where the front thread is 55mm that fine just screw and done. Now if we don't we need these step up or down adaptor. Is this correct? At least it was my understanding in summary. Last question, does a reverse mount lens like old one like the a 28mm f2.8 token I think it is the brand can't remember now or any other have the same or close enough IQ compared to a dedicated macro lens? Because of what you said when reversing the lens at the beginning and the optics etc. Thanks in advance.
@@carlosazevedo7748 You will usually be using some extension with a reversed lens, but the principle is the same. You will need adapters that have on one side the male thread that matches your reversed lens, and on the other side, the correct male bayonet mount for the camera you are using. They make these adapters for many different filter threads and for virtually all cameras, but you can also use step up and step down adapters to "make" your lens work with adapters of different sizes. So, yes - you are correct. As for your last question - I am not familiar with the Tokina 28mm f/2.8, but as a general rule, at 1:1 magnification, the IQ will usually be better than a reversed lens (but not always!). It is best to try the lens at different extensions and apertures to find the IQ sweet spot.
@@AllanWallsPhotography thanks. I have ordered the rings and the reverse to EF Mount and have played around a bit and I am curious now to try some additional combinations.
I have just used the reverse lens and got something between 1 to 2 times magnification, can't remember - did use the ruler like you suggested.
Now I am curious to use extension tubes with the reverse and my dedicated macro lens. I would like to increase its magnification. I have however used all the rings to actually try to get more magnification and managed to to get something like 3.6x. QUESTION: I wonder if going to these kind of magnification the IQ diminishes? What's your experience? I watched one of your extreme macro videos where you say anything about 3x you use microscopic lenses. QUESTION: When you are using these microscopic lenses, like 3x or 4x magnification do you shoot hand held? Or in in other words can you shoot hand held high magnifications like 4x for example using these microscopic lenses without problems? Have you done this?
I am also starting to wonder what kind of combinations can we use with these lenses, reverse lenses, diopter close up lenses, microscopic lenses, etc. For example can we use a set of extension tubes with a reverse lens and a 58mm NiSi (watched that one) close up lens? Probably there is a limit for IQ, working distance and reason.
Thanks for your time.
@@carlosazevedo7748 Hi Carlos, the limiting factor in macro using camera or enlarger lenses, forward or reversed, on increasingly longer extension setups is diffraction. The reason I use fixed aperture objectives for 3.5x and above, is because as the extension increases, the effective aperture diminishes. Remember that the effective aperture = the nominal aperture x (magnification ratio + 1). So if you use a camera lens at its sharpest aperture (say, f/8) but add enough extension to get to 4x magnification, the effective aperture becomes 8(4+1), which = f/40! Diffraction softening becomes an issue at an EA of 20, and much higher than that makes the images unusable. I do, occasionally use low power (4-5x) objectives handheld, but only rarely, because the DoF extremely shallow. I prefer to do my higher magnification work in the studio where I can focus stack under maximum control. There are many combinations of lenses and extension that yield results you would be happy with - I have multiple videos on many of those combinations - if you go to www.allanwallsphotography.com/blog you will find a searchable collection of videos and articles covering all of these topics.
No example photos?
I haven't been adding photographs to gear-based videos like this, but there are plenty in my macro-technique videos. It's a good point, though, and I'll try to remember to put in a few examples in future gear videos. Thanks!
Remember PolyContrast Filters?
So, these are like barlows in astronomy. ???
Not really. Barlows are concave lenses that act like eyepiece magnifiers, generally have a small diameter, and only work well at longer focal lengths (of the telescope's objective lens). They are prone to severe off-axis chromatic aberration and are not corrected for a flat field. Having said that, I have never tried to use one in macro photography.
Here is a link to a diagram of all the rings needed for the El Nikkor to F mount: 1.img-dpreview.com/files/p/TS560x560~forums/60826660/932de2ff6af54987a5fe3f41ae747b07
These parts will get you a Nikon F Mount for reverse mounting on bellows or rings:
Altura Photo 40.5-52MM Step-Up Ring Adapter
Nikon BR-2A 52mm Lens Reversing Ring
These parts will get you a 52mm front filter thread on the rear of the lens:
Fotodiox Lens Mount Adapter, Leica L39 (M39, 39mm Thread) Screw Lens to Nikon F-Mount
Fotodiox Aperture Control 52mm Filter for Nikon G/DX Lens in Reverse Mount for Macro Photography - @t
Cheaper than the Nikon BR-3
Fotodiox Metal Step Up Ring Filter Adapter, Anodized Black Aluminum 52mm-55mm
Thanks Lysander! That picture is awesome! I'm a big fan of using the BR3 to add a protective filter. Thanks for the excellent breakdown.
Let’s address the elephant in the room...or.... the crazy shadow boxes?? Lol
Allan (and anyone else who's interested), I sourced M40.5-M52 step-up. If you are interested, send me your PO and I'll ship one out when it comes in. These things are damn near impossible to find. I have 20 coming to check quality. If they are good, I'll order a few hundred more and sell them at cost for your viewers on my import dump shop on ebay. Could not find an M40.5 to F. There is a russian company, but they charge about $60 and you may never get them.
Put me down for a couple. please. I was just getting ready to go hunt down some adapters. 40.5 to F would be perfect but not for $60!
@@AllanWallsPhotography in working with the manufacturers on that. My goal is to have a $20 msrp or less with high quality metal. Any idea how many would be interested in such a specialized part. Suppose I can whole sale them to camera stores.
Also, if you haven't already, I'd like to see a video on the improved bellows rig. I'm building one now and want to avoid design mistakes. Same cheap focus slide, though I'm rigging up a 1/32 stepper motor. The slide should work great if there's not an ape at the controls putting aside pressure while turning it. Natively it should be able to incriminating a fraction of a mm without the need for gearing. Also adding an IR emitter to trigger the camera in remote mode. Settings will be done though a poteiometer before the shoot. Idea is to set it up and let it do all the work. Settings are increment length, start and stop. Number of shots is automatic.
@@jeffg6924 Well, I have made all the mistakes alreadyIf you are using a regular NEMA17 you get 1.8 degree per step - that is 200 step per rev at full steps. You don't need to go beyond 1/8 micro stepping to get you down to a micron. That is, if you have a good enough ball screw. I would avoid potentiometers with this type of thing, a rotary encoder will be more reliable. Also, get a good driver that can handle the heat. All that micro stepping and holding steady generates a lot of heat - though not enough to need active cooling. Let me know what you come up with .
@@jeffg6924 If they were brass and well made, you could sell them all day long at $20, but not aluminum. That Russian company you mentioned, is it RAF Camera? If so I have heard some very good reports about their products, service and that they stand behind their products. I have bought a couple of hard to find things from them and they are a bit too expensive for me. But I have never heard of a non-delivery from that group. They sound very legit. If you think about it, a whole line of macro adapters, brass but fair prices, with extension tubes, posts and rails, you could take away some of the business going to MJK and We Macro.
I’m a new person on your channel and enjoy most all the wonderful things you show and tell us but on this video more than some you beat around the bush and could be just effective if you would have just stuck to the point and not talked about things that had no relevance to the point. Please take this as constructive criticism. You sure have helped me many others on the clip thank you
Thank you, Mark. Your comments are well taken. I spent most of the last 35 years teaching other adult professionals, and in the process I developed a didactic style that just doesn't translate very well to the compressed format of the short video. When I watch some of my favorite CZcamsrs, I am constantly amazed by how succinctly they get the information across, while also projecting their personalities into the material. All I can say is that I am consciously working to improve. I really appreciate your willingness to offer this constructive criticism; without feedback like yours, I wouldn't know where to focus my efforts! Cheers!
Putaclic
Why, why why, do all CZcamsrs start with "waspup?
Not sure, James. I think I've only used that greeting a couple of times, but it did feel a little more cheerful and upbeat than my usual "hello". But I had no idea it was overused. Thanks for the feedback!
He is talking and talking ,and talking ,have you seen result or any micro foto he took with this lense,I tried but it’s wrong it’s an enlarging lense means small negative or positive makes big,enlarges,
For micro photography reversing this lense means just opposite from big to small,which is useless ,I just want to see some fotos made by this enlarger lense,May be I am wrong.
Zzzzz,get to the point?
That thumbnail is just clickbait.
Immanuel, I am afraid I don't understand your comment. That photograph was taken with the same setup I describe in the video. It is an example of the type of image this setup can yield. I'm sorry if the video wasn't helpful or if I wasted your time. Constructive criticism might be a little more helpful as I could understand what you think I should do differently. Thanks for commenting.
Too much talking an not a single pic sample. Go straight to point for Gods sake
Thanks. What point, exactly, would you like me to get to? I am trying to explain how this type of lens can be used, in a way that viewers can apply to their own equipment. You are correct that I should have used examples and others made the same suggestion. I now include a lot of examples in this type of video. I'm sorry you found it unhelpful, but thanks for taking the time to comment.