Blasthoff Loc: Life halved NY and IN

Why not just rig up or build yourself a lightbox for the slides and buy a copystand? The copy stand could then be used for almost anything you want to photograph close up. That way, you can use either micro lens without alterations. OR, Just build a lightbox so you could use your camera and tripod. OR, Better still, do a Google search for "copying slides with a Nikon DX camera" for a multitude of ideas.

Now as to lens selection. First, let me explain a little about things you pick up reading. I think it is important because things have become a bit more complex since many "rules of the thumb" were adopted and became entrenched. You mentioned reading that a 60mm lens being a little to close for serious macro work. The reason that was stated is because the longer the lens the more working distance you get. A 100mm lens will afford 2X the working distance of a 50mm lens at like magnification. Think in terms of 12in vs 6in working distance, 200mm would give you 24"at a given magnification as an example. All of this is based on the Full Frame 35mm or FX format. It's not the same on a DX camera. Now, if you took your DX camera with the 60mm lens, framed a shot, (close up or long), you would find that to frame the same shot, at the same working distance, with an FX camera, would require a 90mm lens.

So do you see how the "rules of thumb" don't exactly "transcribe" to the DX format? As a dual purpose prime lens you are choosing between a 1.8X portrait length 60mm (90mm FF equiv.) and a 3X telephoto 105mm (150mm FF equiv.) with your DX camera. If you have a zoom lens try leaving the lens set at these focal lengths and live with them. I think you will find with a DX camera the 105mm working distance to be very often frustratingly restrictive for portraits and restricting as a general purpose prime lens as it is essentially a longish med telephoto mostly used only outdoors.

KM6VV Loc: Central Coast, CA

I've been doing some research on copying. I have a cold light that I can use for a light table. Haven't fired it up yet. Also, I may be able to use an enlarger for a copy stand.

The 60mm is sounding more and more reasonable. I do have a zoom, and have been trying to get a feel for the lengths. I just remember that I liked my old Miranda 105mm on 35mm film cameras, so the 60 comes close.

Thanks for the ideas.

Alan

daeod Loc: Levittown, PA

You need a Nikon 40mm micro lens. Then you will get 100% of your slides.

KM6VV Loc: Central Coast, CA

I get that that's the best lens for slide copy, but the lens I buy must do double (triple?) duty. Macro, portrait and lastly, slide copy.

Extension tubes will get me there. 60mm might be a good choice, I'm still researching.

Thanks for the responses!

Alan

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

you might want to check out the 60mm micro lens. on your cropped camera that should be enough and will leave you enough change left to buy some extension tubes. should be a more versatile system.

KM6VV Loc: Central Coast, CA

Thanks, that's what I'm investigating.

Alan