BASIC Macro Bellows Use and Functionality

Summary

In this final installment of the basic macro photography tools series, the presenter introduces a Pentax Auto Bellow 2, an essential accessory for macro photography. Despite its worn appearance, the bellow's functionality remains intact, crucial for avoiding light leaks and ensuring high-quality images. The video demonstrates how to adapt the bellow with an M42 lens and highlights its compatibility with various cameras. The presenter also discusses the benefits of using a 50mm 1:1.4 lens for detailed close-ups and regrets passing on a 100mm macro lens for 10x magnification. The tutorial covers the bellow's operation, including adjusting the light cone for magnification, and compares it to macro tubes. The video concludes by encouraging viewers to experiment with these tools and share their own macro photography experiences.

Takeaways

• 📷 The video discusses the use of a Pentax Auto Bellow 2 for macro photography, emphasizing its importance in achieving high-quality close-up images without light leaks.
• 🔧 The bellow was modified with a flanged K mount adapter to accommodate M42 lenses, showcasing a DIY approach to enhance its compatibility with various camera systems.
• 🔭 The video highlights the use of a 50mm 1:1.4 lens with the bellow, suggesting that specific lenses can be effectively used for macro photography with bellows.
• 🌟 Pentax offers a specialized line of lenses for macro bellows, including a 100mm macro lens capable of 10x magnification, indicating a range of options for different magnification needs.
• 💸 The narrator regrets not purchasing a 100mm macro lens for $175, reflecting on the value and condition of used photography equipment.
• 🔄 The bellow extends the light cone, allowing for a larger portion of the image to be captured on the film plane or digital sensor, which is crucial for macro photography.
• 📏 The video demonstrates how to adjust the bellow for different magnification levels, with markings on the side indicating the level of magnification achieved.
• 🔗 The bellow mounts onto the camera, and a lock mechanism is used to secure it in place, ensuring stability during photography.
• 📸 The video suggests using the bellow for various macro photography scenarios, such as capturing insects, detailed objects, or for insurance documentation.
• 📚 The narrator encourages viewers to experiment with macro photography tools and share their experiences, promoting a community of learning and exploration.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the macro photography tools discussed in the video?

The purpose of the macro photography tools is to enable photographers to take detailed close-up macro photos, such as capturing insects in a garden, documenting coin collections, or photographing jewelry for insurance purposes.

What is a Pentax Auto Bellow 2 and why is its condition important?

A Pentax Auto Bellow 2 is a type of accordion-style bellows used in macro photography to extend the distance between the lens and the camera body, allowing for greater magnification. Its condition is important because any damage, like holes in the accordion, can lead to light leaks and flare in the photos.

How does the presenter modify the Pentax Auto Bellow 2 to make it compatible with his camera?

The presenter modifies the Pentax Auto Bellow 2 by screwing a flanged K mount adapter into existing screw holes, which then allows him to attach a female M42 adapter, making it compatible with M42 lenses on his camera.

What is the significance of the 50mm 1:1.4 lens mentioned in the video?

The 50mm 1:1.4 lens is significant because it is a high-quality lens that can be used with the macro bellows to achieve good macro photography results. It is part of a line of lenses designed specifically for use with bellows.

Why did the presenter regret not purchasing the 100mm macro lens?

The presenter regrets not purchasing the 100mm macro lens because it allows for 10x magnification on the film plane, which is a high level of magnification for macro photography. He also mentions that the price was fair and the lens was in mint condition.

How does the macro bellow system work in terms of magnification?

The macro bellow system works by extending the light cone, which increases the size of the image on the film plane or digital sensor. The lock on the side of the bellows allows the photographer to adjust the magnification level, with markings indicating the level of magnification achieved with different lens lengths.

What is the advantage of having a magnification level marked on the side of the bellows?

Having a magnification level marked on the side of the bellows allows the photographer to easily see and adjust the level of magnification they are achieving, which is crucial for macro photography where precise focus and detail are important.

Why might the presenter find adjusting the camera forward using the back lock more convenient?

Adjusting the camera forward using the back lock might be more convenient because it allows for easier balancing on a tripod or when using a slide copier. This can be particularly useful if there is not enough clearance in the front to adjust the lens.

What are some of the high-end features available in more expensive macro bellows?

Some high-end features in more expensive macro bellows include four rails, tilt and shift capabilities, and the ability to adjust the focal point and have a tilt-shift macro lens effect, which are useful for complex macro photography scenarios.

What is the main takeaway from the video regarding the use of macro photography tools?

The main takeaway is that the video is intended to show the basic use of macro photography tools, and the presenter strongly encourages viewers to experiment with these tools and create their own content to enhance their macro photography skills.