Cheap extension tubes- a salutary tale for all

Here's a general warning for anyone considering the purchase of cheap Chinese extension tubes. Don't!

I bought a set from ROXSEN on evil-bay (but I guess lots of companies stock this un-named brand. They looked fine, nicely sprayed in black, all screwing together properly. The lens locked onto the female end without a problem and the bayonet end snicked into the lens throat, nicely lined-up red dots, as you do.

I even took a couple of fair-ish test close-ups.

Then I attempted to remove the bayonet from the camera (K100 D Super).

Half an hour later and using much more force and twisting than I was happy with, it finally came away.

I don't think the camera (my pride and joy) is damaged (thank goodness for Pentax's legendary build quality) it seems to work all right, but God only knows what tiny specks of paint, dust, metal (!!) have dropped inside during the wrestling match.

Did I get what I paid for? Probably, but the remote cable release purchased for about £3.40 was a lovely piece of kit... as was the pk to M42 screw adapter, so bargains can be had. It's a shame that I won't be taking any close-ups this winter. I was looking forward to it, as well.

Please, nobody use the phrase "caveat emptor", I beg you!

You were unlucky. I bought cheapo Chinese extension tubes from Fleabay, they go on and off the camera fine.

Me too - although first fit was to a sacrificial body

It must have been a sweaty 30 minutes though.

Sweaty? You can say that again! I love that camera and there's no more where that came from, as mother used to say.

Just had an idea so as I can get some use from them...as there's no mechanical or electrical contact between camera and tubes, I'll put the tubes on a "bit" so that they don't lock- just practised on an ancient K1000 body- as long as they're light-fast they should be usable. I just need to have a go at macro stuff.

I think I'd put it down to experience and buy another set - mine cost 6 quid I think. No contacts no nuffin. I barely use them - I bought them to use with a lens baby which is OK but I now have a 1:1 50 macro and the LB didn't work so well that close.

Mike