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Lens not attached error
Aug 20, 2011 15:31:56   #
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I have a nikon D5100 with a 18-55MM lens and I wanted to get into Macro photography so I went out and bought a macro lens that fits on my 18-55MM lens. I also got extension tubes to fit between the camera body and lens. When I connect it that way I get an error message that says "Lens not attached" Can you tell me what I'm doing wrong?

Thanks
Richard

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Aug 20, 2011 15:38:11   #
DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca
 
Extension tubes generally do not communicate Lens data to the Camera. You have to do everything on manual setting i.e. Focus/aperture/shutter speed/ISO all have to be manually set. Check the manual or even Google the subject to make sure. Hope this helps.

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Aug 20, 2011 19:49:18   #
Len
 
I have found macro lens attachments that fit on the end of other lenses to be extremely limiting. If you want to really enjoy macro, please buy a true macro lens; 60mm or 100mm will be fine. With the add on lens you will find the zoom range that allows the camera to focus is very limited; possibly only at the 55mm end.
Camera manufacturers make extension tubes for their cameras. Other 3rd parties companies do as well. If you buy Fotodiox or Opteka type tubes there will be no communication between the lens and the camera body. The tubes that do provide electrical contacts are quite expensive. I live in the Canon world and their 12mm tube is like $81; and their 25mm tube is like $169.
Stay away from Av, Auto, and P modes. Try Tv or Manual. Use "live view" to compose and focus and you should be fine.

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Aug 20, 2011 20:19:26   #
Len
 
I forgot something in my first response. When I use extension tubes on my camera that inhibit communication between the lens and the camera I am also using a old lens that has an aperture ring. So I have little problem with this issue.
If you are using a kit lens or similar you may have no aperture ring. That means there is no way for you to physically set the aperture. Try attaching the lens to the camera without the tubes in place. Select an aperture as if you were going to take a shot; but instead turn the camera off. Hopefully your setting will remain with the lens when you add the extension tubes.
If you selected a small aperture, "live view" may present a very dark image. Experiment with shutter time to see if you can improve the visibility. Of course try the optical view finder.
With the modern DSLR you have to be very flexible if you interrupt the normal camera operation.

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