Help needed for new Macro set-up

Hi All.

Please can someone help me out with some advice on macro photography. As it is 13 years since I last looked into this please forgive my ignorance. Back then, I bought a Pentax MZ-M and Tamron SP AF 90mm F/2.8 Macro 1:1 (72B) + centon MR20 ring-flash + Tamron adaptall-2 mount (Dentistry exams). I stopped using the kit several years ago - switched to a Canon powershot A460 (on super-macro), as i didn't need high-quality shots anymore. However, I need another proper set-up again and was wondering if I could just buy a new DSLR body+mount and keep my existing macro lens(+ring-flash)? I understand there might be issues with auto-focus but I always assumed the 'AF' meant the Tamron would work with this - although I always used manual settings anyway. I would welcome any advice on this as I would hate to have to buy a brand new set-up - wasting my Tamron lens which is a very good lens, I believe.

Thnaks in anticipation!

Any of the Pentax DSLRs will do what you want.
When Pentax say "backward compatable", they mean it.
Just buy the Pentax DSLR that like and have fun, you won't be dissapointed.
Oh and welcome to the forum.

The lens will work just fine on a modern Pentax (or Samsung) DSLR, however, the flash probably won't. Film cameras of that era (and the very first DSLRs) used a flash protocol called TTL, current DSLRs use a protocol called P-TTL and the two aren't compatible.

I don't know your flash, but if it has the option for manual control then you could still use it in that mode. If not then it'll always output at full power so a new model may be in order.

And yes, the Tamron is a very good lens!

Welcome to the forum

If your ringflash is TTL compatible then I would suggest looking for a *istD or *istDS as these are the only Pentax cameras that will provide TTL flash metering.

Any Pentax DSLR will work fine in manual.

Even if your Tamron lens is AF, you'll probably use it in MF most of the time but it'll work AF if you want it to.

Hope that helps.

I have the Adptall 2 90mm 72B lens and use it with no problem on my K10D (Adaptall 2 PKA mount).

Mine is manual focus though .....

Hi Mike, Cant you use some insect killer on that thing
I keep trying to swat it

I think the MR20 is just Manual or Auto, so not even TTL. Don't let that put you off trying it though. Am I right in thinking it only fires via a cable plugged into a PC socket on the camera? If so, you'll either need a K20D or *istD (the only models with this feature), or an adaptor for the hotshoe.

I've just checked this site and the trigger voltage would appear to be fine, so no worries there.

I use manual flash all the time with my macro work, albeit on the hotshoe with a diffuser, but with a little trial and error I don't see why you couldn't get good results with the MR20. At least until you can save up for a 'flashier' model.

Just curious about the lens, if it needs the AD2 mount, then it can't be an autofocus lens. Tamron were clever with their mounts, but not that clever! Your existing mount should work fine, but you may be better off getting a PK/A one if the one you have is a plain PK. You'll then be able to control the aperture from the camera body, and get more consistent metering.

Dan

I thought we finally got rid of that creepy bug. Some time ago he changed it for some static pc screen alert box, than Santa came along, and now this again. And than I am accused of having a identity crises

Martin.

I've been spraying it with midge repellent

Thank-you very much to everyone that has replied - you have been a great help and have probably saved me hundreds of pounds!!

I have done a bit of surfing and will probably go for the K-M, in 'stormtrooper' white. Dan, your comments about the ring-flash were spot-on - just manual or auto. From memory, I used it on manual and figured out different settings for the face shots and the teeth shots (after much experimentation!). I think I'll take my current lens and mount to a shop and test it out - anyone familiar with chiswick camera centre?

Thanks again and congratulations on having such an excellent forum.

NikM

Never been to Chiswick Camera Centre but if they don't have Pentax equipment for you to try (and many shops don't) then there's a branch of SRS Microsystems in Rayners Lane that certainly will.

The experimentation stage should be much quicker! No waiting around for the film to come back. I find the take "the shot, check the histogram, tweak the settings, take the shot again" cycle quite quick. Despite my nostalgic love of film cameras I am much happier using flash on digital than I ever was with film.

Good luck with it.

Cheers, Kris.

And they are the best (SRS) I can vouch for that.

Thanks for the tip on SRS - I will give them a call - and yes Kris, the experimentation stage should be much easier this time!

Kind regards,

NikM

Chiswick Camera Centre did me very well when I lived in Chiswick. But if they don't have what you want, SRS probably will.

You'll enjoy experimenting with digital. Instant and no-cost feedback.

G