What camera/s do you use for what shots?

[*Ubbie Max*]

Shyer. I presume the camera is mounted on a tripod & the bellows just mounts on the camera then the lense mounts to the front of the bellows. Have I got that right?

[shyer]

Look At nikon unit in link click on photo showing bottom . The bellows mounts to tripod and body on back of bellows and lens on frount.

Usually used with something like a fixed 50 / 100 mm manual lens F1.2 /1.8 or so. Also used with reversing ring for ultra macro ( now lens is reverse mounted) you have two adjustments the focus ring on lens and bellows length.

For focusing a tape measure often helps to get right small area on lens focus to start. The bellows can be hand held when using flash outdoors with smaller lens is still light weight

[da_ewok]

Thought I'd share what I'd been up too and with Shyer's help (thank-you) The Hi-1 speed setting on my Nikon is BRILLIANT to say the least!

http://itaintalwaysmylife.blogspot.com/search/label/Photos

Noting that anything pre-August has NOT been taken with the Nikon - but still worthwhile sharing

I'll be updating every Sunday if anyone is interested

Thank-you everyone for the help (and phone-calls) really really appreciated (and you know what?) Has made me get out and about, which is not as easy as I make it out to be!

Thanks

[*Ubbie Max*]

Wokie. Did you take those bee photo's? They are excellent. I reckon bees are hard to photograph as they don't stay still for long. You got the bees in flight which would be even harder than if they were planted on the flower collecting the pollen.

[*Ubbie Max*]

I can't open page 21. What has happened?

[*Ubbie Max*]

I see my comment has posted on page 21 (topic summary preview) but, I still can't open it.
I don't have this problem with any other thread.

[*Brum6y*]

Yes we can!!!

[*Brum6y*]

I know I've missed a couple - but here's what I could grab. (I should have copied before I started - sorry folks. Will see if there is another way to get to the missing ones...)


Posted on: Today at 03:38:08 PMPosted by: *Brum6y* 
Yes we can!!!

Posted on: Today at 03:37:00 PMPosted by: *Brum6y* 
page?

Posted on: Today at 03:36:49 PMPosted by: *Brum6y* 
new

Posted on: Today at 03:36:38 PMPosted by: *Brum6y* 
a

Posted on: Today at 03:36:28 PMPosted by: *Brum6y* 
onto

Posted on: Today at 03:36:16 PMPosted by: *Brum6y* 
it

Posted on: Today at 03:36:03 PMPosted by: *Brum6y* 
force

Posted on: Today at 03:35:51 PMPosted by: *Brum6y*  
can
 
Posted on: Today at 03:35:38 PMPosted by: *Brum6y* 
we
 
Posted on: Today at 03:35:29 PMPosted by: *Brum6y* 
if

Posted on: Today at 03:35:17 PMPosted by: *Brum6y* 
wonder

Posted on: Today at 03:34:56 PMPosted by: *Brum6y* 
I

Posted on: Today at 12:02:03 PMPosted by: shyer 
testing

Posted on: August 30, 2010, 08:16:39 PMPosted by: *Ubbie Max* 
I see my comment has posted on page 21 (topic summary preview) but, I still can't open it.
I don't have this problem with any other thread.

Posted on: August 30, 2010, 08:12:45 PMPosted by: *Ubbie Max* 
I can't open page 21. What has happened?

Posted on: August 30, 2010, 06:54:46 PMPosted by: da_ewok  
Ubber - they're ALL mine - took me hours (in weak sunshine!) and I actully enjoyed it

it also took over 1200 shots to get those 7-8 photos - but every one was worth it for those!

 
Posted on: August 30, 2010, 06:34:25 PMPosted by: *Ubbie Max* 
Wokie. Did you take those bee photo's? They are excellent. I reckon bees are hard to photograph as they don't stay still for long. You got the bees in flight which would be even harder than if they were planted on the flower collecting the pollen.
 
Posted on: August 30, 2010, 06:25:01 PMPosted by: da_ewok 
Thought I'd share what I'd been up too and with Shyer's help  (thank-you) The Hi-1 speed setting on my Nikon is BRILLIANT to say the least!

http://itaintalwaysmylife.blogspot.com/search/label/Photos

Noting that anything pre-August has NOT been taken with the Nikon - but still worthwhile sharing

I'll be updating every Sunday if anyone is interested

Thank-you everyone for the help (and phone-calls) really really appreciated (and you know what?) Has made me get out and about, which is not as easy as I make it out to be!

Thanks

Posted on: August 26, 2010, 11:56:37 AMPosted by: shyer 
Look At nikon unit in link click on photo showing bottom . The bellows mounts to tripod and body on back of bellows and lens on frount.

Usually used with something like a fixed 50 / 100 mm manual lens F1.2 /1.8 or so. Also used with reversing ring for ultra macro ( now lens is reverse mounted) you have two adjustments the focus ring on lens and bellows length.

For focusing a tape measure often helps to get right small area on lens focus to start. The bellows can be hand held when using flash outdoors with smaller lens is still light weight
 
Posted on: August 26, 2010, 11:40:51 AMPosted by: *Ubbie Max* 
Shyer. I presume the camera is mounted on a tripod & the bellows just mounts on the camera then the lense mounts to the front of the bellows. Have I got that right?

[*Brum6y*]

I went back through my 'PROFILE' and looked at my 'last posts' (down near the bottom of the page) and found one I made that's on the zombie page. (seems a fitting term - and I daresay Tello would vote for it.)

August 26, 2010, 03:10:38 AM  
I've not used one Ubb, but I can see it would be excellent for precision focussing and framing - as long as the subject did not move at all. Tripods, even with good quality pan/tilt heads are somewhat of a challenge to get in exactly the right spot, if you're getting very particular about a shot.  This unit would allow you to get 'pretty close' with tripod positioning and then have full control as you creep to the exact position you want the camera to be in.

I would expect it would be useless for any nature photography unless the subject was rigidly fixed and with no air movement.

Could be great for coin photography and the like, especially if the camera's auto-focus could not lock onto the focus point you want.

However, someone else might have some practical experience they can share.

But just be careful about what gadgets you get. My father ended up with 4 gadget bags ... and I had 2 - both of us had overflow. The gear can get pretty heavy carting it around.  This item I would probably keep as studio equipment, but ....

... keep asking questions.  (I know I've learned a couple of things on this thread).  Knowledge will allow you to bend all the 'rules' and create your own works.

I've put it here to show they can be retrieved - so if you have a post you'd like to keep visible, you can do it that way.  Make sure you include the timestamp, so if things get out of whack, you can work through the posts in order if you really want.


We just have to warn people of the ZOMBIE PAGE!

[*Ubbie Max*]

What's going on? This is now a one page thread. Did I/we buggger the thread up that severely?

[*CountessA*]

Ubbie, I'm trying to fix the problem by splitting the thread in an attempt to find what's causing the problem.

SO far, lots of splits and no culprit owning up!

[*Ubbie Max*]

Thanks Countess. There are a number of excellent photographs within the thread (Coinfussious macro shots especially) I'd hate to see lost to the OZRT world.

[*CountessA*]

Well, I think I know which post caused the problem, but I've no idea at all WHY.

I've done my best to isolate the problem and delete it.

[*Ubbie Max*]

Oke Doke Countess. What was the problem, don't keep us in suspense.

I think it was the Taliban infiltrating, it is their style.

I'm ready with the Barrett 50 cal to take a few (or many) out when required, just give me the word.

[*CountessA*]

It was a simple reply by Wokie. It looked completely harmless. It seemed like an innocent post...

[*smee*]

Crikey ....if its gonna reject simple replies a number of us  wont be able to post anymore

[*Ubbie Max*]

Don't panic Wokkie. My intelligence sources advise me that you are not a member of the Taliban, I won't come gunning for you with the Barrett 50 cal.

Besides, no one who has done as much for the community as Wokkie has would entertain the idea of signing up with the Taliban, or any other crazy organization.

[da_ewok]

It was a simple reply by Wokie. It looked completely harmless. It seemed like an innocent post...

See IT WAS ME!

But important matters asie, YES Ubber I did take those photos - you'll seriously have to watch my blog - I have the urge to post some more photos tonight

so heads up

My apologies to everyone for upsetting the thread - I think the post that disappeared went along these lines

Yes Ubber I did take those photos, and it wouldn;t have been possible without Shyer's help and phone calls. Advising me what to do and not to do and show me a few little tricks!

Seriously

So thanks Shyer - 

[*smee*]

Shes a witch ...........................burn her !!!

[Poddy]

You mean a wooden Wokkie ?????

Does she float? What else floats?

[*smee*]

ummmmmmmmmmmm very small stones

[HellWest'nCrooked]

 Wokkie I have just had a look and they are great photos, very enjoyable.

 Glad I wasn't around when you  "broke " the thread.........too confusing just reading the post afterwards......lol

[da_ewok]

 Wokkie I have just had a look and they are great photos, very enjoyable.

 Glad I wasn't around when you  "broke " the thread.........too confusing just reading the post afterwards......lol

But it wasn't me I swear *crosses heart* <-- well that's what I'm told anyway

yeah - they are good photos, thanks for the feedback - if you keep and eye out there, I've already set up 10-12 posts to automatic posts on Sundays - might post others

But it was only due to Shyers help that any of this was possible - Thanks Shyer!

[shyer]

......Thank-you everyone for the help (and phone-calls) really really appreciated (and you know what?) Has made me get out and about, which is not as easy as I make it out to be!....

Thank you da for the photos, it is the best thanks seeing any one enjoying being creative. I particularlly liked the bees no 5 and 6 and last. The composition is great with real feel of movement. They are all excellent action shots different people will like different shots.

For reference all cameras like yours record the camera settings . It is good to keep those with the photos as well as comments like winter 2010, early morning. Distance from subject, flash angle / diffuser / bounce / place, all the details the camera does not record . Some details you will need to keep private. However after thousands of photos none of us can remember all the details from years ago. It does help you re achieve results you are looking for years later.

[da_ewok]

Shyer, I completely agree with the record keeping - you'll see in later photos - I've listed the camera and also the date (20100901)

Some other photos that I posted people were giving me feedback that is was too much infomation, so I've keopt it simple from the next post onwards

Thanks for the tips!

[*Ubbie Max*]

What sort of cameras are you using Shyer & Wockie?

I use a Canon EOS 550D, I've also got a Panasonic Lumix FZ35 .

[da_ewok]

I have a Nikon D3000 with a macro lens - not sure of the ratios - but I love my husband for getting it for me

(It also has the standard lens)

I also use a tripod for low light situations, which makes ensures that blurring doesn't occur.

I wanted to show you one I took the other night in low light - but can;t get it to load

This link MAY work - Yfrog is having a hissy fit http://yfrog.com/mx9brj

No promises if it doesn't work - but won't hurt to try

PS - my hubby is THE BEST - he found (on the side of the road outside the factory, in a pile of rubbish) a hama tripod - been loved, but worked brilliantly! <-- I love him!

[*smee*]

my basketball teammates used to call me tripod

[Poddy]

Big Red...................... YUM!!!!

Whoops did I say that ???

[golden]

my basketball teammates used to call me tripod

 

The 

 

[da_ewok]

Big Red...................... YUM!!!!

Whoops did I say that ???

Eastern Grey actually - it was just past midnight and I'd been out late taking photos of the moon (yeah I know) He just sat there - so I thought on the way back in I'd take a shot. The red of flash and also the inside light probably made him turn a little red. But he is more grey that red!

Big boy though!

[shyer]

What sort of cameras are you using Shyer & Wockie?

I use a Canon EOS 550D, I've also got a Panasonic Lumix FZ35 .

Ubbie I use pentax bodies K20 and K10 (badged samsung) and some 20 lens regulary, even a lot of over 18 year olds I do allow to touch my DSLR kit. For ebay snaps I use nikon coolpix 8800 with diffussed external flash and fiji hs10 for family use ect. photos. I also use sony X10 phone if no camera with me which has the best phone camera I have yet seen 8mp and good lens.

All the majors produce good material in their price brackets.

I use pentax, as for decades I had access to cheap bodies and with underwater housings, cold water and hot boats . Condensation is always a problem let alone water splashes and salt air corrosion. At one stage damaging beyond repair a SLR firm body every 3 months. I also became an expert at saving them

I am also used to my lens, and ones kept, many no longer in production. Do not want to experiment with new lens to find my choice again.

[*Ubbie Max*]

Coins, Shyer, Brum6y et al

What do you think of this type of setup for macro. It's a lot cheaper than buying a dedicated Macro lense.


[attachment deleted by admin]

[*Brum6y*]

Now there's an interesting question!  Each have their own peculiarities and applications.

What is common is that they allow close-ups.

I know there will probably be a few holes in this - but here's my 2 cents.....

Extension tubes:
 - are comparatively inexpensive
 - can be used on any of your standard lenses, fixed or zoom.
 - for the really critical situation, there may be aberrations in the lens being used that are minor when used in its standard configuration, but are magnified when used on extension tubes. (explanation available, if interested)
 - focus range is narrowed which means you may have to try different combinations of tubes to get your subject in the frame and be able to focus.
 - light reaching the film/sensor is reduced, so exposure is affected.  If you have TTL (through-the-lens) metering in the camera, this is less of an issue, however each extension tube will alter the effective aperture (the f-number), so fully automatic exposure control (if possible) will require connections from the lens to the camera (such as is visible in your pic) and perhaps some compensation settings (exactly what you would need to do here - if anything - will be specific to the equipment you have)

Dedicated macro lens:
 - can be expensive
 - are designed for optimal image quality
 - have focus and exposure functions handled as normal

There's a lot more on the subject, but others will have better experience with particular setups and equipment ... particularly with the products that are out in the marketplace - their cost and how well they perform.

... but having both in your kit is not absurd in the slightest.


Other options for close-up work:
 * Add-on close-up lenses. These just fit onto the front of a regular lens in the same way as a filter. You can get single element ones (which are pretty ordinary) or twin element ones that are better corrected. Magnification is expressed in 'diopters' with the range of choice set by manufacturers and limited by the lens size, just like filters.  Personally, if you're serious, I'd steer clear.
 * Reversing rings. Yep - simply mount your lens backwards. Does the job, but you will need to be a bit more involved in a couple of things.
 * A bellows. This is like a continuously variable extension tube with that folded concertina style bit in between front and rear mounts. A little bigger to use and I'm not sure what's available that allows communication between lens and body, but it means you don't have to swap around combinations of extension tubes to get a frame filled and subject in focus.


I'm sure I've forgotten something ...

[shyer]

Hi Ubbie,

 On page two of this topic I near middle of page give a link demonstrating these tubes. I agree with brumby they are cheap and light but they do have limitations.

The simple answer for me , mostly underwater macro where time, set up before hand needed, tripod not an option and bad light is always a problem. Thus handheld and need to be setup for all variables.

For most people I first suggest the Raynox macro lens filters (PM me if you want to chat about buying) They fit 95% of most peoples lens and allow you to experiment get good results at under $100 each and very saleble if you wish to move on. Light and portable. As well as a medium external power flash and diffuser.

Then a dedicated marco lens,   then tubes and bellows if you still need more and other specialist equipment.

Learn to walk so you know what type shoe fits

[*Ubbie Max*]

G'day Shyer. I got a set of Raynox lenses, the 150 & 250. They do a good job. I got these based on your post very early in the life of this thread.

I'm always looking for stuff to make the photos better, perhaps developing my skills is the solution.

I can get the tubes (pictured above) for about A$80 (Ebay).

I can also get the Sigma 150 macro lense (recommended by Coins) for about $750.

Maybe I should get the lot.

[*smee*]

get a couple of each Birdie in case you lose or break one ... it always pays to have a spare ...

[shyer]

Ubbie the OZ dollar is at a 5 year high.

Since you are using canon I would buy this can not go wrong high dollar and no GST (gillard services Tax) Dont ask



http://www.adorama.com/US%20%20%20%20404828.html

1 to 5 macro and and a top quality small lens

[*Ubbie Max*]

Thanks for all the advise Brum6y & Shyer & of course Smee.

I've just spent an hour reading every post in this thread. It was worth every minute of it. There is so much sound advise.

I think I'll buy every bit of equipment that's been recommended. I'll cut the Commander In Chiefs housekeeping for a few months, she won't notice.

[*smee*]

is there any reason why the CIC couldnt get another job ?

[*Ubbie Max*]

Yeah Smee, good thinking. I wonder if there are any vacancies down the coal mines, I hear one of the Pit Ponies died.

[*Ubbie Max*]

I took the plunge & bought the Sigma APO 150mm f2.8 EX DG Macro HSM Lense.
I got it for A$721 including Fed EX.

It's a very good price, cheaper than the cheapest price I could find on Ebay.

I got it from here, https://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/store/product.asp?idProduct=1381

[Coinfucious888]

A great lens at a very good price......one you will have a lot of fun with when you have mastered it's capabilities.

Post us some of your macros taken with this lens......make sure you have a good tripod....LOL

[*Brum6y*]

Definitely agree on the tripod!

Also useful - especially for a critically set up shot - is a remote shutter release.  In the old days this was a cable release (end they still work) but with modern cameras and electronics you can have remote controls.

The idea of these is to eliminate the physical movement of the camera that always happens when the shutter release button is pressed.  If you are really, really, really, really good, this movement can be very small - but you can never eliminate it - unless the pressing action is 'off camera'.

[*Ubbie Max*]

I've got a plug into the camera cable shutter release but I don't have a remote one. I better look into it.

[*Ubbie Max*]

Coins, Brum6y, Shyer et al

What sort of flash setup do you use when taking macro photos?

[*Brum6y*]

I've got a plug into the camera cable shutter release but I don't have a remote one. I better look into it.

It doesn't really matter which one you have - any of the alternatives of 'off camera' button options will do the job.

Coins, Brum6y, Shyer et al

What sort of flash setup do you use when taking macro photos?

Another good question.  This can be trickier to answer, since the subject and situation can dictate what will or won't work.

I'll leave this to those who've got the practical experience here - that's what you need on this one.

[Coinfucious888]

Elimination of any vibration is important in any set macro photography, I am so pedantic about this that I even lock up the mirror that reflects the image of your subject to your TFT screen. This mirror swings up and down and causes vibration when the shutter buton is depressed.

With a locked mirror, you will have to use the eye piece view finder as you will not see anything on your TFT screen. The only time I use the TFT screen is for reviewing shots I have taken.

Not sure whether I have explained this clearly, perhaps brums or shyer can explain it better....

[That Varieties Gal]

 
hello triple 8

[*Brum6y*]

Indeed! Coinfucious is quite right - and with really critical shots, locking the mirror up is one more thing you can do reduce vibration.

Just as a quick illustration, here is a basic diagram of your typical SLR camera, with the viewfinder looking through the actual lens, by means of the pentaprism and the mirror.



To take the shot, the mirror is hinged (top right) and is flipped up out of the way before the exposure is taken. It then drops back. You will see this through the viewfinder as a quick 'blink'.

But this mirror has weight (not a lot - but enough) and WILL cause a minor amount of vibration through the whole camera.  The fact that you will often hear a mirror flip up and down (in amongst other sounds) is proof in itself - since sound IS vibration!

If you are using a good lens, especially at a long focal length, this tiny amount of vibration can be enough to make the difference between a good shot - or - a spectacularly crisp, razor sharp, high definiton shot!

Shorter exposure times or electronic flash can minimise this (as with any motion related problems).


The effect of mirror movement vibration is not very much - and in most normal shooting is completely ignorable - but in some of those really delicate situations, it can be the difference between a 99% effort and a 100% effort.