ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

I know there is a macro section; but I'm not in their league. I was able to pick up an old bellows unit a few months ago. When I tried to fit my Z6 to the unit with the fancy adapter that came with the camera, there was an issue with fitting the camera on the bellows. It was designed with film cameras in mind, and the adapter that I had, was too big ( it is not a simple tube and it has an area that has some electronics crammed in it for autofocus compatibility and exposure communication. So, I put the bellows away since I did not want to shoot a ton of film while learning what works and what doesn't.

Then I came up with the idea to buy a simply (non electronic Nikon F to Nikon Z adapter. I figured that the simple tube adapter would not be an issue fitting on the bellows. I was right. It worked like a charm. Of course I did not really know what I was doing. After taking these shots below, I went online and found out that you are supposed to set the distance that the bellows are extended to give you the magnification you want, and then keep that fixed and focus by sliding the whole thing back and forth on a rail. I was trying to focus by moving the bellows out and in. I had a hell of a time getting anything in focus at all. Should have check out Youtube first!! Anyway, these are some of the images I came up with.
Erich

no. 1 focus ring on Meyer Goerlitz lens

(Download)

Penut in a pair of vice grips

(Download)

no. 3 adjuster on adjustable wrench solarized.

(Download)

maggiemae Loc: North Carolina

I think you forgot to add the images.

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

I did. They are there now. Sorry.
erich

wjones8637 Loc: Burleson, TX

An interesting set. The first is acceptability sharp throughout. Try using your narrowest aperture to get a greater depth of field. I like the abstract quality of the last photo.

Bill

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Fun first attempt Erich. I can't shoot 1:1 hand held and don't often shoot table top but by cropping I can imitate 1:1 though I don't often post on True Micro.

Jim-Pops Loc: Granbury, Texas

Interesting segment, Macro photography. I've looked at the Nikon bellow set up a few times trying to decide how often I might use it. I saw some shots recently taken of different kinds of metal. It showed lots of different textures and colors. The light you use has a big effect.
Happy trial and error shooting Erich.

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

Thanks. Those are good tips. I think I might also try focus stacking. Never done that before; but it seems like a good time to learn.
Erich

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

I guess cropping would work. Had not thought of that idea; but it makes sense. Hand held is very tough. I find that I have absolutely no control over the focus. Hit or miss at best.
Erich

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

Thanks. I was using an led desk lamp on a flexible stand. That way I could move the light wherever I wanted it. I suppose there are flash units that work much better; but I'm not sure I want to get too invested in this. Bugs are not really my thing, and I don't think focus rings and garage tools are going to hold my interest all that long. We'll see where it goes. The bellows only cost me a few Dollars a a club auction. I use it was an old pre-ai 50 mm.

Erich

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Nothing to photograph is a lame excuse as you have proven with simple at-home objects and imagination.
Well done, ebrunner

NJFrank Loc: New Jersey

I have dabbled in marco , and purchased an inexpensive bellows set up. It certainly served its purpose. I think if I was going to go into it whole hog than I would not have gone the inexpensive route.
But like you I am not at those marco guys level. Your first attempt seemed to have worked out well. This winter you can really dig into it when it is too nasty to go out.
Like all photography there is a learning curve. But I am confident you will master it.

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

Thank you. I'm glad you found these to be interesting.
Erich

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

Not sure a bout "master", but I would like to get better. Thanks for taking a look. Next thing to work on is focus stacking which might be an answer to the ultra fine dof.
Erich