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11-03-2014, 05:01 PM   #1
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What about an old SMC Pentax-M 40/2.8 (pancake lens) for reverse macro setup ?

I've read a bit about reversing a lens for macro, and I acquired a manual 28mm F2.8. Some people say the reversed macro ideal lenses are between 28mm and 50mm... I have an opportunity to get a SMC Pentax-M 40/2.8 (pancake lens) as a 2nd option ...
I intend to use it either on a stack (on a 100mm macro) or extension tube, or even a bellows...


What would you think of the SMC Pentax-M 40/2.8 for this purpose ? I heard that the smaller the lens, the better bokeh we are getting... is it true ?


Thanks for your advice

11-03-2014, 05:08 PM   #2
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To quote a common expression: "Not the sharpest tack in the drawer".

It's certainly feasible but you're not going to get anything out of that lens that isn't already there and I doubt its one
inherent strength, it's pancake-ness, will matter much once you have it rigged up for a macro shoot. I'm sure you'll
get much better results all around with a cheap fast 50.
11-03-2014, 05:35 PM   #3
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ok, such as an M 50 /1.7 or 1.4 ?
11-03-2014, 05:38 PM   #4
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Yes, I'd got after either of those before the 40. The 1.7 can certainly be had for much less money. The 1.4 maybe comparable in
cost, but is unquestionably much sharper, (than the 40).

11-03-2014, 05:42 PM   #5
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Saw this a while ago and was hugely impressed with his results. SMC Pentax 28/2.8 on a Pentax K200D and a wonderful home-made custom light rig:
11-03-2014, 05:59 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by demondata Quote
Saw this a while ago and was hugely impressed with his results. SMC Pentax 28/2.8 on a Pentax K200D and a wonderful home-made custom light rig: An Introduction to High-Magnification Macro Photography - YouTube
Wow Great thanks ! Yes Thomas Shahan is my idol / guru/ name it!
This is one of my winter project to photograph my insect collection (will begin with mounted ones, then will go outside next spring... )
11-03-2014, 09:31 PM   #7
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The M50 1.7 works really well reversed

11-03-2014, 10:13 PM   #8
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I have th FA 50mm f 1.7... maybe I should try with this one then ?
11-03-2014, 10:15 PM   #9
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It should give good results too. It has an aperture ring, right?
I actually got the suggestion of using the M50 1.7 from the guy in the video when I asked about this topic 3 years ago

---------- Post added 11-03-14 at 10:18 PM ----------

I just found the thread: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/6-pentax-dslr-discussion/135727-reversed-lens.html
11-03-2014, 10:38 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by sergysergy Quote
It should give good results too. It has an aperture ring, right?
I actually got the suggestion of using the M50 1.7 from the guy in the video when I asked about this topic 3 years ago

---------- Post added 11-03-14 at 10:18 PM ----------

I just found the thread: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/6-pentax-dslr-discussion/135727-reversed-lens.html
OK, I think I saw it when I did some research in here...


The 49mm to 49mm Male-Male adapter is already on its way home (the 28mmF2.8 has this thread), I also bought a pk-to-49mm mount to put it on extention tubes or bellows...


Now I am looking at a mini studio similar to this... but I haven't decided which one yet... http://www.amazon.com/SUNPAK-620-EBOX-Sunpak-Camera-Light/dp/B000JC3NOY




BTW, did you managed to get good results with the reversed lens macro ?
11-03-2014, 10:42 PM   #11
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Yes I did. If I am not mistaken I reversed it on a Sigma 105. As for the studio I am not sure if you need that much but I have never used anything similar so I cannot tell
11-04-2014, 09:07 PM   #12
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Do you have any photo you can show us?
11-04-2014, 09:13 PM   #13
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Actually I have all those photos in my other laptop back home. I will upload one once I have the chance.
11-04-2014, 09:17 PM   #14
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OK, thanks, curious to see the results !
11-04-2014, 09:20 PM   #15
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I just remembered I had a couple in my email.
These were taken long time ago. I think it was the Sigma 105 with the M50 1.7 on my K-x or my K-5. If I remember correctly both images are a combination of two separate images (kind of focus stacking)

---------- Post added 11-04-14 at 09:22 PM ----------

Ok, I just saw the EXIF...it was the K-5
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