For those who know macro... I have been looking into getting an enlarger lens, probably a bellows and who knows what else, for doing macro. My problem is how do you determine what...

manofhg Loc: Knoxville, TN

I have been looking into getting an enlarger lens, probably a bellows and who knows what else, for doing macro. My problem is how do you determine what adapter(s) to get as well as what is a good type/brand enlarger lens and bellows to look for?

I use a Canon 5DIII and have extension tubes, 70-200L 2.8, 24-105L 4 as well as a 2x extender if any of those things are relevant or useful with an enlarger lens. I have shot macro with the extension tubes and the 70-200 and like the results, but want to get down to the really small stuff.

Suggestions please????

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

manofhg wrote:

I have been looking into getting an enlarger lens,... (show quote)

All you could want to know here: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-543548-1.html

IMO, using M42 adapters bellows and such is a good idea. Nikkor lenses are good as are the 50 and 75 Ektars. The Wollensaks are also good. The 55mm micro Nikkor is not an enlarger lens but, from what I have seen and heard, is very, very, GOOD.
.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

For enlarger lenses, Schneider-Kreuznach.
--Bob

manofhg wrote:

I have been looking into getting an enlarger lens,... (show quote)

Jim70 Loc: Delaware

For a good grounding, as well as a comparison of various macro techniques, visit: http://extreme-macro.co.uk/
this site will give you options as well as some basis for comparing them.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Get a dedicated prime macro lens. The longer focal lengths are good if you need some lens to subject distance. Stacked extension tubes would be great to get close-close. A bellows too. For the ultimate close, get a good microscope and camera adapter.

photosbytw Loc: Blue Ridge Mountains

rmalarz wrote:

For enlarger lenses, Schneider-Kreuznach.
--Bob

JD750 Loc: SoCal

manofhg wrote:

<snip>... Suggestions please????

There are two Macro categories here on UHH. You might want to consider posting your question there.

True Macro-Photography Forum
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html

Close up Photography
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-113-1.html

To see all the categories on UHH go to Home then scroll down to the bottom and click on All Sections.

manofhg Loc: Knoxville, TN

RWR wrote:

All you could want to know here: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html

Yes, I spent a fair amount of time there. While there is great info and a lot of it, I still couldn't locate info on how you determine adapters for various lenses/bellows. I would hate to purchase something and find that it was difficult to connect when there would have been an easier alternative.

manofhg Loc: Knoxville, TN

rmalarz wrote:

For enlarger lenses, Schneider-Kreuznach.
--Bob

Thanks. I've seen Schneider and maybe Kreuznach listed. Now I know what to look for.

manofhg Loc: Knoxville, TN

imagemeister wrote:

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-543548-1.html

IMO, using M42 adapters bellows and such is a good idea. Nikkor lenses are good as are the 50 and 75 Ektars. The Wollensaks are also good. The 55mm micro Nikkor is not an enlarger lens but, from what I have seen and heard, is very, very, GOOD.
.

Thanks. I'll add Ektars and Wollensaks to the "good" list.

manofhg Loc: Knoxville, TN

Jim70 wrote:

For a good grounding, as well as a comparison of various macro techniques, visit: http://extreme-macro.co.uk/
this site will give you options as well as some basis for comparing them.

Thanks. I have been there and will return.

manofhg Loc: Knoxville, TN

JD750 wrote:

There are two Macro categories here on UHH. You might want to consider posting your question there.

True Macro-Photography Forum
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html

Close up Photography
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-113-1.html

To see all the categories on UHH go to Home then scroll down to the bottom and click on All Sections.

Thank you.

manofhg Loc: Knoxville, TN

gvarner wrote:

Get a dedicated prime macro lens. The longer focal lengths are good if you need some lens to subject distance. Stacked extension tubes would be great to get close-close. A bellows too. For the ultimate close, get a good microscope and camera adapter.

Thanks.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

manofhg wrote:

I have been looking into getting an enlarger lens,... (show quote)

I do have the same model camera and I just put regular lenses on my bellows. I do shoot a lot too with a Pentax 645n Mark II and have an auto bellows for it, so I use that one with the Canon as well! I use many 645 lenses on the bellows in reverse, I do not need an enlarger lens, although I do use one (Schneider Componon-S) on the bellows for my movie camera!