As I have said, I am running out of new to me cameras to try so will be moving towards projects and themes. So hello macro photography, my first trial set-up. This is another set up that was been loaned to me by a reader. It has taken me a while to get round to trying it out but on one fading summer day try it I did.
For my first try I picked a few things from my garden and used the black garden table as a backdrop.
I haven’t tried this kind of thing before, but I already knew there would be a light drop off due to the length of the bellows. I had no idea how much, so I did a quick search and found lots of really technical details with, shock horror…MATH! I can’t find the actual website I used at the time, but this one explains everything very well. This site also has a disc compensation device you can make.
No worries really, my only real issue was the fading light. I had to use a low aperture which meant the already shallow depth of field even smaller. My other issue was the fact I was using film so no chimping to check I was doing it ok. I would really love a Contax to Nikon or Minolta adapter to try it all on digital. I will look around my “stuff box” it is amazing what I shove in there.
Anyway after working out the correct exposure I got to shooting. The depth of field was incredibly shallow as I had to use a f5.6 to gain a speed of 1/125th. I know I was using a tripod, but it was still a bit windy so I needed that speed to avoid any movement. I will try it again on a much sunnier day, when England decides to stop this incessant raining.
Here are my results.
I like them. I want to try it again with a much smaller aperture and a faster film to see the difference. Have you tried this kind of set up? Any advice?
Some quite interesting results you got 😉
Yes, I will definitely try it again..especially if I find an adapter
Hello. It looks like you enjoyed your first foray into macro. It really is like another world. For what it’s worth something I’ve found to help with the available light is a humble piece of paper. This is what I have observed https://arhphotographic.wordpress.com/2019/05/22/the-best-things-in-life-are-free-part-1/
I did and thanks for the link. I will try that next time. That and a brighter day 🙂
Some lovely shots:)
As regards tips for Macro, here are my tips:
1.To avoid that whole Maths thing, ditch the bellows/extension rings & buy a proper Macro lens.
2.Always use a cable release(less movement of the camera increases chance of keeping focus tight)
3.Use a fast film(ISO 400+)
4.Use spot metering mode on your camera if it’s available
5.Use an old waterproof as a ground sheet(stops your clothes getting wet/dirty/torn
Regards,
P.S. Love the blog!
Thanks for the advice I will try the cable release as I was given one of those too. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to try a lens…unless I sell a camera to fund it. The bellows was a gift to try with the contax RTS. In a perfect world I would have a fancy macro lens for my Nikon full frame. For now I will keep on experimenting.