sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

This is my preserved black and yellow beetle that I staged to experiment with using the helicoid extension tube in conjunction with two attached reversed mounted lenses. Much like a bellows, the helicoid (adjustable from 30 to 90mm) provides a variable degree of magnification. I have several bellows systems however the mounting flange that mates to the camera needs to be extended to clear the protrusions.

The illumination is my goto constant LED and fiber optic lamp heads diffused through translucent drink cups and white paper towel. I'm always amazed to see how much waxy curd is on insects that is visible when viewed under magnification.

As always, thanks in advance to all who view and for your comments, suggestions, questions and critique.

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Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

Very good. I guess that I missed that you had a helicoid extension tube. Is it the one from Pixco? I have that as well to build a super macro lens, though I have wandered away from using it. Very tedious to change focal length for a live subject. I had to flock the heck out of the insides of that thing.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Mark, mine is a Pomya M42 Lens to M42 Mount Focusing Helicoid (36mm-90mm). I chose M42 thread size for all of my non-Nikon lens gear for I find M42 to be a common size for adaptors and vintage lenses.

Like you, I am very aware of the importance of 'flock' so I check all my gear when I get it. I checked the inside surface on this and it is a flat dull black anodized coating and it appears to work okay.

I get my flock material from Hobby Lobby and I can't think of anything that is more frustrating than to try to get a piece of adhesive material to stick where I want it without sticking to itself, crooked, folded over or me.

https://www.amazon.com/Pomya-Focusing-Adjustable-Accessory-36mm-90mm/dp/B07VQJHRW8/ref=sr_1_60_sspa?keywords=focusing+helicoid&qid=1580063920&sr=8-60-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFBTjRFQ0NFSEZYQTcmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAzNDY3MzczOVY0STIzRVdOUEMwJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAxNDEzMTJXR080OTRJN1VPVEomd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9idGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

The 'Pomya' looks to be a clone of the 'Pixco' helicoid extension tube: https://www.amazon.com/Pixco-Macro-Extension-Screw-Camera/dp/B00BIYD9NM/ref=sr_1_11?crid=1B783H7BU953R&keywords=pixco+extension+tubes&qid=1580166524&sprefix=Pixco%2Caps%2C246&sr=8-11
The product labels on these Chinese accessories are baffling, aren't they? We see this with lenses, flashes, tripod heads, and so on. My guess is that since they are quite happy to pirate off of companies from other countries, they are just as happy to pirate off of each other. Not sure if that is right, but it has that appearance.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Oh Mark, it is very much so that way. As the old saying goes, "There is no honor among thieves". Some of the products are top-notch and I have no hesitation in buying their goods. Benro, Laowa, WeMacro, LeFoto and a few others are as good as any in their class. When I pay more for a hamburger, fries and soda then I kind of know what to expect.

Here's my take to a happy life...."Always expect the worst". If it turns out good, then I will be overwhelmed with joy and if it turns out lousy then at least I won't be disappointed..! Both ways, I'm okay.

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

Super detail, looks sharp and fascinating. Well done.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Thanks for viewing.