Cheap lens technique

[Jeroen Stel]

Hi Guys,

Just to show you that you do not allways need an expensive lens to make great macro shots i'd thought i would post this photograph of a Grey Fleshfly i shot last spring.
It was taken using a reversed 50mm F1.8 coupled to a plastic camera-cap with some super-glue and using two extension tubes for more enlargement.The lens was bought for 50 cents at a local flee-market and has been my buddy in macro technique for many years with some great results!

So you see, its also possible to get some decent results using a 50 cents worth lens!

Greetings,

Jeroen Stel

Canon Eos 1D Mark2N
Shutter speed: 1/90 sec
Aperture: F 8,0
Exposure mode: AV
Exposure compensation: -1/3
Flash:no
Flash exposure compensation: -
Metering mode: Evaluative
Drive mode: AI Focus
ISO: 400
Lens: Fujinon 50mm F1.8 reversed + 56mm extension tubes
Focal length:65 mm
AF mode: Manual
Handheld moving back and forwards for AF
Levels/Curves/USM/Contrast/Saturation/Noise Ninja/Lab-Sharpening

[Alfred Forns]

That is close !!! Excellent idea with the lens One of the best ways to get close !!!! Excellent

btw on the Nikon side we have lots of options for reversing lenses !!!

[D. Robert Franz]

A fine image and a testimony for making what you have work for your photography. You must be able to control the aperture manually??

[Jeroen Stel]

Hi Robert,

I have put a screw between the pin that normally goes into the camera to assure you can use your diafragma. That way i can use it manually.

Greetings,

Jeroen Stel

[D. Robert Franz]

Hi Robert,

I have put a screw between the pin that normally goes into the camera to assure you can use your diafragma. That way i can use it manually.

Greetings,

Jeroen Stel

Not quite sure I understand how your doing that?? How is your working distance?

[Jeroen Stel]

Hi Robert,

The photo below shows what i mean. The black "pin" normally is moved backwards into the camera. As i use this lens in reverse i have used a small screw to keep the black "pin" backwards making sure i can use my draifragm ring manually.
My working distance to the subject is very short and about 3 to 4 cm.

Greetings,

Jeroen Stel

[D. Robert Franz]

OK I now understand. May try to pick up an old 50mm if I run acrss one and try this... Thank You!

[Jeroen Stel]

You're welcome!

It's best to take a 50mm or shorter focal length and to make sure it's one of these old type of lenses where there is a manual diafragm ring.
Instead of using your camera cap drilling a hole in it and and glue....you can also get a metal reverse adapter ring with filter thread on one side and for instance a Canon eos thread on the other side.
Over here in Holland you can get these at :www.fotoshopaalten.nl where they are very cheap and i guess they also send them abroad.

Greetings,

Jeroen Stel

[Nico van Leeuwen]

So that's the fly made with the DIY reversed macro lens you promised to show last saturday! Amazing result and a resourceful idea !!!

Greetings, Nico van Leeuwen

[Jeroen Stel]

Hi Nico,

Actually i had another image in mind wich i could not find that fast, but this demonstrates the technique well too.

Nice to see you here!

greetings,

Jeroen Stel

[Jim Caldwell]

Great image and information. I frequently shoot macros with standard lenses and extension tubes, and in the past I have used reversed lenses with my Olympus setup, but haven't tried the technique with my Canon yet. You've inspired me to give it a try!