Enlarger lens on 4/3 camera: I'm trying to use a Schneider enlarger lens on a Panasonic DCM-GF5 camera. I've got the adaptor that mounts to the camera and to the 39mm thread of the...

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

I'm trying to use a Schneider enlarger lens on a Panasonic DCM-GF5 camera.

I've got the adaptor that mounts to the camera and to the 39mm thread of the enlarger lens. However, I can't focus.

I haven't been able to find a helical adapter or bellows for the GF5. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

joer wrote:

I'm trying to use a Schneider enlarger lens on a Panasonic DCM-GF5 camera.

I've got the adaptor that mounts to the camera and to the 39mm thread of the enlarger lens. However, I can't focus.

I haven't been able to find a helical adapter or bellows for the GF5. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

I am using my Schneider enlarger lens on my Oly. 4/3 camera for macro only with a extension tube, which can be found on Armazon. Only if you can find some kind of focusing attachment, it can not be used as a normal lens!

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

Would a macro focus rail give you enough travel to focus?

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

jackm1943 wrote:

Would a macro focus rail give you enough travel to focus?

Yes, it's more than enough, in fact this set up will give me a min. focus distance about 3" from the front of the lens to the subject. It gives me a 1:1 ratio. (The lens is 50mm F4.5) Of course shallow DOF is the factor of macro photography.
Remember, this set up can not focus infinity, only for macro.

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

wingclui44 wrote:

Yes, it's more than enough, in fact this set up will give me a min. focus distance about 3" from the front of the lens to the subject. It gives me a 1:1 ratio. (The lens is 50mm F4.5) Of course shallow DOF is the factor of macro photography.
Remember, this set up can not focus infinity, only for macro.

I have several enlarger lenses, a macro rail, and time. This might be a fun thing to try.

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

jackm1943 wrote:

I have several enlarger lenses, a macro rail, and time. This might be a fun thing to try.

Sure, it's fun indeed!
I also adapted couple of C-mount video camera lenses to my 4/3 body, sharp and compact, it's another part of owning a 4/3 camera. I can use any kind of lens on it, but I'm still mainly a Nikon user!!

Nice talking to you, good luck for your new found!

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

wingclui44 wrote:

I am using my Schneider enlarger lens on my Oly. 4/3 camera for macro only with a extension tube, which can be found on Armazon. Only if you can find some kind of focusing attachment, it can not be used as a normal lens!

What's the total length of the extension tube(s)?

Can you post an image created with this rig?

A-PeeR Loc: Houston, Texas

Ran a similar setup on Oly-510 with Canon Auto Bellows. Canon FD to Olympus adapter to connect bellows to camera and FD Mount to M42 or TMount on the lens side. With a set of stepup rings off Amazon or EBay you can mount just about anything on the bellows rig. Big advantage of this set-up is you can draw the bellows for greater magnification. You'd be surprised the magnifications that can be achieved with reversed mounted enlarger lens. I was shooting 3:1 stacks with a reversed Nikkor that looked good.

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

joer wrote:

What's the total length of the extension tube(s)?

Can you post an image created with this rig?

The three section tube is 49mm total (28mm:14mm and 7mm) will produce almost 1:1 mag.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

wingclui44 wrote:

The three section tube is 49mm total (28mm:14mm and 7mm) will produce almost 1:1 mag.

Looks good. Thanks.

norvik1943 Loc: Jenks, OK and Domazan, France

wingclui44 wrote:

The three section tube is 49mm total (28mm:14mm and 7mm) will produce almost 1:1 mag.

Love da frog. Crystal clear.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

wingclui44 wrote:

The three section tube is 49mm total (28mm:14mm and 7mm) will produce almost 1:1 mag.

You images convinced me to order extension tubes and should have them by the end of next week. Can't wait to try them.

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

joer wrote:

You images convinced me to order extension tubes and should have them by the end of next week. Can't wait to try them.

Great! What is the focal length of your enlarger lenses?

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

wingclui44 wrote:

Great! What is the focal length of your enlarger lenses?

40mm

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

joer wrote:

40mm

Have fun!!