Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

Very nicely done.

sscnxy

I'm intrigued by the great detail in your 6X mag photo. How do you accomplish the magnification? I'm just starting to learn macro and I'm beginning to shoot with a 100mm F2.8. That gives only 1:1 shots, so obviously I would never be able to get the type of detail you show. Your advice and tips would be much appreciated.
Thanks.

NY

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

I use a variety of techniques depending on the size of the specimen and the portion of the specimen that I want to showcase. Attached is a picture of the setup that I used for this session.

1. The camera is a small Fujifilm X-T20 24mp APS-C sensor however any changeable lens camera will do.
2. I use mostly Nikon and M42 thread gear so I use an adapter to go from the Fujifilm to Nikon mount.
3. Magnification is achieved by a variety of means that I use. In this case I used a bellows and at others I use extension tubes or a helicoid extension tube.
4. Here I used a Raynox DCR-150 magnifying lens that is reverse mounted. I use this for the much smaller specimens only.
5. Attached to the magnifying lens is a reverse mounted old film photography enlarger lens. In this case it is a 28mm f/4. I have others that I use for different size specimens.
6. This combination produces a 'Flat Depth of Field' where just the smallest part of the specimen is in sharp focus. On much smaller subjects it may only be a tip of a hair.
7. The camera rig is mounted on a digital motorized focus rail which is used to advance the camera and take a shot at each point. Most of my sessions now average 300 to 400 images, again depending on the size of the subject and the magnification I want to achieve.

Now...for the simple way that I achieve 1X to 5X magnification and a means to take 'single shot' macro or multiple shot focus stacking and that is with the Mitakon Creator 85mm f/2.8 1X to 5X Super Macro lens that sells for $550 that comes in numerous camera mounts. I use it for many of my sessions and compared to the Canon MP-E60 that sells for well over $1,000 it is a true bargain.
https://zyoptics.net/product/mitakon-creator-25-85mm-f-2-8-1-5x-super-macro/

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