Retro Adapter on a 35mm adapter

[donjohannes]

I have a SGPro attached to my DVX and use canon fd lenses including a 100mm f1:4 macro that allows for 1:1 magnification

Since I wanted to explore the little world around us some more, I figured I should look for ways to better that macro and found that retro adapters for mounting the lenses backwards were a cheap way to go real small. I realize that lighting might be a key issue in many circumstances but has anyone played around with these?

I searched to forum but could not find anything (maybe because the search terms "retro adapter" or "macro") are too generic.

Glad if anyone shares his experiences,
Johannes

[hoarp001]

A quick way of doing macro is to stick two lenses together, I used a 50mm on the sgpro, then a 28mm held up infront of it. You need to trick the lens into opening the apature all the way, then put it so the front elements are together.

You will need to focus by moving the object closer or further from the lens, as the DOF is about 1mm.

[frobozz]

Another quick and cheap way to do macro is to use extension tubes for your lens mount - I know the FD world has them in any number of mm lengths. You can stack them for even more magnification.

For your 100/4 macro lens, they even make a specific extension tube (the FD50, because it's 50mm long) that gives you twice-life-size magnification.

It's hard to light stuff when you're that close in on it, and it's especially tricky to focus, but it sure is a cool effect when you pull it off!

Duncan

[davide]

There are some people on this forum who have used 35mm adapterws with bellows to get macro photography. They seemed to be pleased with the results, although it is a cumbersome set-up.

[donjohannes]

Thank you for your replies. This is a great and helpful community.

The retro adapter I have ordered (15 USD) will do essentially what hoarp001 suggested, but leaving my hands free

I also grabbed an fd50 extension tube off ebay for 25 EUR following frobozz's suggestion.

If I manage to get some decent footage, I'll post a link on how the setup works with a 35mm adapter.

Johannes

[dan]

@donjohannes: I watched the first clip.
That many birds can fly on one feather only? Naaah.. can't fool me. That's CGI alright.

[donjohannes]

@Dan ... you are a man of little faith ;-)

birds of a feather flock together...and man did they flock. Cool, ey? But sadly the oil leaking on the GG of the adapter partially ruined the shots :-(