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k22 · 03-25-2016, 03:10 PM

I just acquired this old lens. Does anyone know how I use it in macro mode?

**boriscleto** · 03-25-2016, 03:51 PM

I don't think there is a 'macro mode'. Macro was just a marketing term for this lens. From the pictures I've seen 'macro' is 1:4.5 @ 200mm and minimum focusing distance.

Not a Number · 03-25-2016, 04:20 PM

Boris has it right. "Macro" on zooms from that era means the minimum focus is around or just under 1 meter.

Specifications and user manual can be found on Boggy's wonderful webpages on Kiron and Vivitar lenses.

Page 64

State reproduction size at 200mm focal length is given as 1/4x

**MJSfoto1956** · 03-25-2016, 04:27 PM

there are very few true "macro" zooms. The classic is the Nikkor 70-180mm Micro (which is only 1:1 at 180mm).
The other is the Vivitar 90-180mm which was known as a "flat field macro" zoom.

The lesson? If it is a zoom and it says "macro" the chances are they really mean "close focusing".

Michael

manstanox · 03-25-2016, 06:26 PM

What a surprise! I have one of these and I am holding it in my hands as I type! I bought it new in 1987 in London. The macro 'function' is simply a closer focus than normal and is nothing to write home about. However, the lens itself was good in its time and still takes reasonable pictures. It is built like a tank (weighs 566 grams) - all metal construction but with a quite classy rubber sleeve for focus/zoom. It inhabits a corner of my photo cupboard and goes out for very occasional walks. Perhaps I will walk it tomorrow a special treat.

k22 · 03-25-2016, 07:53 PM

Many thanks, folks. Great information. Now I know what they mean by zoom macro. And Bogey's website is a treasure. I've also got a Kiron A 28mm f2 and was able to download the manuals, including parts list, for both lenses. The 28mm has a rough focus ring due to dry lube. Maybe I can glean how to take apart and re-lube from the manuals.

Not a Number · 03-26-2016, 11:00 AM

You might try joining the Kiron Klub Yahoo Group. Boggy is one of the admin/owners of the group. Some people there may have experience stripping down this lens. Group is restricted so you have to send an introductory message with the join request.

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Kiron-Klub/info

k22 · 03-26-2016, 04:35 PM

Originally posted by Not a Number

You might try joining the Kiron Klub Yahoo Group. Boggy is one of the admin/owners of the group. Some people there may have experience stripping down this lens. Group is restricted so you have to send an introductory message with the join request.

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Kiron-Klub/info

Thank you.

03-25-2016, 03:10 PM	#1
k22 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 153	Kiron 80-200 f4 Macro I just acquired this old lens. Does anyone know how I use it in macro mode?

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03-25-2016, 03:51 PM	#2
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,477	I don't think there is a 'macro mode'. Macro was just a marketing term for this lens. From the pictures I've seen 'macro' is 1:4.5 @ 200mm and minimum focusing distance.

03-25-2016, 04:20 PM	#3
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Boris has it right. "Macro" on zooms from that era means the minimum focus is around or just under 1 meter. Specifications and user manual can be found on Boggy's wonderful webpages on Kiron and Vivitar lenses. Page 64 State reproduction size at 200mm focal length is given as 1/4x

03-25-2016, 04:27 PM	#4
MJSfoto1956 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Boston Posts: 1,305	there are very few true "macro" zooms. The classic is the Nikkor 70-180mm Micro (which is only 1:1 at 180mm). The other is the Vivitar 90-180mm which was known as a "flat field macro" zoom. The lesson? If it is a zoom and it says "macro" the chances are they really mean "close focusing". Michael

03-25-2016, 06:26 PM	#5
manstanox Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: High Wycombe Photos: Gallery Posts: 35	What a surprise! I have one of these and I am holding it in my hands as I type! I bought it new in 1987 in London. The macro 'function' is simply a closer focus than normal and is nothing to write home about. However, the lens itself was good in its time and still takes reasonable pictures. It is built like a tank (weighs 566 grams) - all metal construction but with a quite classy rubber sleeve for focus/zoom. It inhabits a corner of my photo cupboard and goes out for very occasional walks. Perhaps I will walk it tomorrow a special treat.

03-25-2016, 07:53 PM	#6
k22 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 153 Original Poster	Many thanks, folks. Great information. Now I know what they mean by zoom macro. And Bogey's website is a treasure. I've also got a Kiron A 28mm f2 and was able to download the manuals, including parts list, for both lenses. The 28mm has a rough focus ring due to dry lube. Maybe I can glean how to take apart and re-lube from the manuals.

03-26-2016, 11:00 AM	#7
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	You might try joining the Kiron Klub Yahoo Group. Boggy is one of the admin/owners of the group. Some people there may have experience stripping down this lens. Group is restricted so you have to send an introductory message with the join request. https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Kiron-Klub/info

03-26-2016, 04:35 PM	#8
k22 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 153 Original Poster	Originally posted by Not a Number You might try joining the Kiron Klub Yahoo Group. Boggy is one of the admin/owners of the group. Some people there may have experience stripping down this lens. Group is restricted so you have to send an introductory message with the join request. https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Kiron-Klub/info Thank you.

Kiron 80-200 f4 Macro

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