How's the idea of using extension cubes for doing macro work on 50mm and 135mm prime?

benhai · 09-27-2011, 02:53 PM

I've been thinking of using extension cubes to do some macro shots with M50/2 and m42 135mm/2.8 lens. It will be occasional use. Need you inputs to see if it is the cheaper and right way to go for me.

Thanks,
Benhai

Philoslothical · 09-27-2011, 03:01 PM - **1 Like**

Tubes are cheap, plentiful, and a whole lot of fun. Don't even debate it, just pick up a set. Since you're using them with m42 lenses, just get the really cheap ones without the auto aperture linkage. You can go on Ebay and get a set for about $6, and heck, at that price get two, since your 135mm will need more extension to get the same magnification.

Your other option is to get a reversal ring, and reverse your 50mm on the end of your 135mm. Also a lot of fun, short working distance, good magnification, and a bit less light loss than tubes.

RioRico wrote the book on this, for this forum anyway. Be sure to check out his wonderful breakdown of options here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-lens-articles/152336-cheap-macro-b...lose-work.html

benhai · 09-27-2011, 03:28 PM

Good advice! And RioRico's artcle is super nice!
I'll try the tubes first.

RioRico · 09-27-2011, 03:40 PM - **1 Like**

Glad you like it! Yeah, what you'll want for what you have are:

* ultra-cheap PK macro tubes, about US$7 per set -- get 2 or 3 sets
* cheap and safe wide-flanged M42-PK adapter, for non-reversed M42's
* probably a cheap 49mm-PK mount-reversal ring, for working very close

Those will cost about US$30-35 on eBay, shipped. And they'll last forever.

Have fun!

benhai · 09-27-2011, 03:55 PM

Hi RioRico:

* For PK macro tubes which one can toggle the aperture iris?
* m42 rings are safe to use.

Thank again!

RioRico · 09-27-2011, 04:07 PM

Originally posted by benhai

* For PK macro tubes which one can toggle the aperture iris?

Cheap PK tubes do not have an aperture linkage. That is not a real problem; the lens aperture will stay wherever you set it.

Quote:

* m42 rings are safe to use.

I recommend the 'safe' M42-PK adapter, with a wide flange. Such cannot jam on your camera. The narrow-flange adapters are 'unsafe' (or at least painful) unless you remove the screw and spring.

If you plan to buy more M42 lenses, then it's good to have a few sets of cheap M42 macro tubes. You can use that same 'safe' adapter to mount those tubes to your camera.

benhai · 09-27-2011, 06:07 PM

Nice! Got it.

09-27-2011, 02:53 PM	#1
benhai Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: California Photos: Albums Posts: 248	How's the idea of using extension cubes for doing macro work on 50mm and 135mm prime? I've been thinking of using extension cubes to do some macro shots with M50/2 and m42 135mm/2.8 lens. It will be occasional use. Need you inputs to see if it is the cheaper and right way to go for me. Thanks, Benhai

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Macro extension tube and macro filter, how do they work?	telly0050	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	11	09-11-2011 09:05 AM
Need Help On Selecting a prime and a macro for K-5 50mm/77mm and 50mm macro/100mm mac	nirVaan	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	28	07-08-2011 04:54 AM
For Sale - Sold: Tamron Adaptall SP 70-150 Tele Macro Soft; Pentax 135mm 3.5, 135mm 2.5, 50mm 1	stillnk	Sold Items	3	04-24-2011 10:11 PM
The Sony 50mm 2.8 Macro is ideal for macro work	martinkhoa	Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands	14	08-22-2010 04:33 PM
How's the K7 with the DA*16-50mm and 50-135mm lenses?	lsquare	Pentax DSLR Discussion	11	07-15-2009 07:51 PM

09-27-2011, 03:01 PM - 1 Like	#2
Philoslothical Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 1,889	Tubes are cheap, plentiful, and a whole lot of fun. Don't even debate it, just pick up a set. Since you're using them with m42 lenses, just get the really cheap ones without the auto aperture linkage. You can go on Ebay and get a set for about $6, and heck, at that price get two, since your 135mm will need more extension to get the same magnification. Your other option is to get a reversal ring, and reverse your 50mm on the end of your 135mm. Also a lot of fun, short working distance, good magnification, and a bit less light loss than tubes. RioRico wrote the book on this, for this forum anyway. Be sure to check out his wonderful breakdown of options here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-lens-articles/152336-cheap-macro-b...lose-work.html

09-27-2011, 03:28 PM	#3
benhai Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: California Photos: Albums Posts: 248 Original Poster	Good advice! And RioRico's artcle is super nice! I'll try the tubes first.

09-27-2011, 03:40 PM - 1 Like	#4
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Glad you like it! Yeah, what you'll want for what you have are: * ultra-cheap PK macro tubes, about US$7 per set -- get 2 or 3 sets * cheap and safe wide-flanged M42-PK adapter, for non-reversed M42's * probably a cheap 49mm-PK mount-reversal ring, for working very close Those will cost about US$30-35 on eBay, shipped. And they'll last forever. Have fun!

09-27-2011, 03:55 PM	#5
benhai Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: California Photos: Albums Posts: 248 Original Poster	Hi RioRico: * For PK macro tubes which one can toggle the aperture iris? * m42 rings are safe to use. Thank again!

09-27-2011, 04:07 PM	#6
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Originally posted by benhai * For PK macro tubes which one can toggle the aperture iris? Cheap PK tubes do not have an aperture linkage. That is not a real problem; the lens aperture will stay wherever you set it. Quote: * m42 rings are safe to use. I recommend the 'safe' M42-PK adapter, with a wide flange. Such cannot jam on your camera. The narrow-flange adapters are 'unsafe' (or at least painful) unless you remove the screw and spring. If you plan to buy more M42 lenses, then it's good to have a few sets of cheap M42 macro tubes. You can use that same 'safe' adapter to mount those tubes to your camera.

09-27-2011, 06:07 PM	#7
benhai Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: California Photos: Albums Posts: 248 Original Poster	Nice! Got it.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search