The M 100mm macro is a cracking lens. Pin sharp. But a common fault is element seperation in both the front and rear pairs. I've experienced it in two lenses. Once in the rear elements and looking like a fingerprint on the glass, it made the lens very soft. The other one I have at the moment and the front elements are efected, there is a bearly discernable haze about 1/2 a millimetre wide round the outside of the glass. It doesn't seem to have any effect on the image, though I am told that it will get worse. It can be fixed but the cost is likelely to be a couple of hundred quid! I suggest getting one from a dealer rather than through Ebay.

David

If you think the investment is justified you can't beat automatic tubes that incorporate electric contacts, that way you have (in theory) full control of the lens. Harrison Cameras, for example, do a set for £160. By the way I've seen, but not tried, using a short tube (12mm) on a long (300mm) lens. Full frame of a butterfly at 2 metres range.

On the other hand you can get much cheaper ones, Ebay and Amazon have loads of them, usually around £10 to £20.

The cheapest ones have a drawback, in my opinion. They consist of three threaded rings with a K adapter at each end. They are a bit of a faff to use, and the aperture ring on the lens can end up anywhere and be difficult to read. However, they work (not surprising really) and if your budget is limited they get you started. These are typical.


Better are the ones that have k fittings at each end of each tube. Quicker to fit and the aperture ring is always the correct way up. I found a set by Ricoh on Ebay. I can't remember how much they were but probably about £20. You can see that there is a bayonet release button on each tube. These are Asahi, but identical to the Ricoh ones.


Of course both of these types are just tubes with no electrical connections so you will be using the camera in manual mode. Focus at full aperture then stop down. And to go back to the OP, yes you can do macro hand held if you have a very fast auto focus and use flash, but most of the time a tripod is essential, in which case SR should be off anyway.

David

I've got a 50mm F2 A lens on Ebay and I've been asked by a potential buyer will it fit on an ME Super. The obvious answer is yes, but as I understand the ME was designed to be used with a M lens. How do you set up the ME to use an A lens?

David

Or how hungry they are, don't spiders only eat once a month (or two months or three months or something like that!)?

Having seen the tight crop I'm not so sure now! The original gives some sort of context I think. Interesting to compare though, thanks.

David

There all good. I like 3 for the contrast between the plant and the rusting metal. How about a tight crop to include just the plant and the round thing?

David

Well I like it, and if it is special to you don't change a thing!

David

Used to be a window. Whoops, a bit slow on the uptake, so out of order!

[IMG]http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac175/drm_public/_IGP4851_edited-1.jpg[/IMG]

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

[IMG]http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac175/drm_public/Duxford/_IGP5828_edited-1.jpg[/IMG]

I agree with this. I've often taken photos at Underground, and mainline, stations and have never had any problem.

David