Variable extension tube alternative

[Joaquim F.]

Some pictures showing the setup used here http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/v ... hp?t=11694 as possible alternative to a bellows in some field work.
Waiting for the next spring time

The empty 105/4 micro-nikkor:



El-Nikkor 50/2.8 and Componon 28/4 enlarger objectives with is "lens hood" cap and 39mm-Nikon adapter:



All together with intermediate male-male 52mm and 40.5-52mm step-up rings:



The light setup with a cylindrical paper and a couple of SB-26 flash units (ladybug is hidden inside the leaf here):



For field work maybe can be better other diffusers like the nice Morfa´s "modular diffuser"

Greetings

Joaquim

[morfa]

As much as it hurts to see one of my favorite macro lenses void of its optics I think this is a very clever way of giving it a second life

Some 105/4 even has a locking screw (don't see if yours has one) that allows the helicoid to be locked at any given extension.

Coincidentally I just (minutes ago) published some info on another variable extension solution: the Olympus 65-116 mm telescopic extension tube.

I will not repeat it here but if you're interested, scroll down to the second comment on this page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnhallmen/5260176127/

[Joaquim F.]

As much as it hurts to see one of my favorite macro lenses void of its optics I think this is a very clever way of giving it a second life

Some 105/4 even has a locking screw (don't see if yours has one) that allows the helicoid to be locked at any given extension.

Coincidentally I just (minutes ago) published some info on another variable extension solution: the Olympus 65-116 mm telescopic extension tube.

I will not repeat it here but if you're interested, scroll down to the second comment on this page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnhallmen/5260176127/

My sample as not locking screw but tourn with the adjusted touch of the old manual lenses (you know), I buy one house lens only trying to simplify the necessary adapter steps and the possibility of record the used diaphragm in the exif data is a good extra feature. Your Olympus ring is a beautiful classic piece and in combination with Componon enlarger lens and Canon full frame body as to work very well! The 65mm minimum distance is very good start point, congrats!

greetings

Joaquim

[ChrisLilley]

Some 105/4 even has a locking screw (don't see if yours has one) that allows the helicoid to be locked at any given extension.

The Micro-Nikkor 105/4 AIS has the locking screw (I have this one). The previous, optically identical Micro-Nikkor 105/4 AI does not have the locking screw.

Both have that good manual focus lens feel.

[Charles Krebs]

I've done this with a damaged 55/3.5. If you need a short helical, a good option is the old Vivitar 2X macro converter. I've cannibalized a few of those to make microscope camera adapters.

[Oskar O]

I have also seen people using some Nikon Series E lenses for this purpose. The mechanical quality of those is not as good as that of the AI-S lenses, but they are very inexpensive, especially if the lens is damaged.