macro on zoom lenses

I am still learning how to use the earlier AF lenses on film cameras. Hence the question below

On the F and FA zooms there is sometimes a macro symbol on the zoom ring. What is this function and how do you use it?

Dave

I asked this very same question about 18 months ago Dave, I seem to recall the concensus was that it wasn't a macro function and no one that responded seemed to know what it was actually for!

Hopefully someone will confirm as I would still like to know for sure.

the flower symbol looks nice

It does Dave, I let my FA lens go, wish I hadn't it was great...

The latest shot in my portfolio was taken in Macro Mode
on the PENTAX-F smc 28-80mm F3.5-4.5 it's quite sharp
and that's about as close as it goes although you can
still focus. It's at 80mm on that lens. Click to see it
full size.

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So does the macro just show where the closest focusing distance is available on the zoom? I was using the F35-70 this afternoon and the macro focusing at 70mm did not get me very close at all.

Dave

It doesn't show a distance.

The 35-70mm should do 0.25x which was good for the period.
A close focusing lens is probably better, but might not
be as good IQ wise.

http://www.bdimitrov.de/kmp/lenses/zooms/medium/F35-70f3.5-4.5.html

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sorry Algi, I still don't understand. What you do to get the magnification.

Dave

The macro function on such zooms lets you get a bit closer than you can without it engaged, but it will not give you anything like true macro which is 1:1 magnification. Most zooms will only give around 1:4, hence Algi's 0.25% reference above.

Regards
David

David , thanks I understand that now. But how do I engage the macro function?

Dave

If I remember correctly, the 'macro' area on the focusing ring is a different colour to the rest of the scale, green I think. Just turn the focusing ring until it's inside that area, probably to the end of that area until it can't go any further. Some older lenses might need some gentle persuasion to move through a detent/stop.

Other makes, like Sigma, have a switch. You need to move the zoom ring to one end of the zoom range, then engage the macro switch, then you can zoom a bit further, or mamybe it allows the focusing ring to move a bit further.

Sorry if this is a bit vague but it's a long time since I had any of those type of lens.

Actually, now I think about it, it's probably the zoom setting that allows you to go into 'macro' on the F and FA lenses. It'll be obvious when you look at the lens anyway, or should be.

Failing that, downloaad the F and/or FA series lens manuals from www.pentax-manuals.com , you should find all the info. you need in those.

There's normally a click stop to switch to macro on the 35-70
turn to 70mm and it will hit a stop... just apply a bit more
force to go past the stop into the green letters 'MACRO'
It allows focusing within the green letter area. To get
back to normal force it past 70mm towards 35mm.

On the F35-70 you 'push past' 70mm into the green area (macro) on the zoom ring... It allows closer focusing at 70mm but I would hardly call it 'macro'

I don't thing the magnification on the F35-70 is even at 1/4 to be honest...

Good lens for general walkabout on my MZ7 though...

Ah yes now I have the confidence to push the zoom past the macro mark I can get close focus, just what i wanted

Thanks for all your replies.

Dave