How do I use the macro feature on an old Kalimar zoom lens?

JWess · 04-25-2010, 04:23 PM

I bought this old Kalimar zoom lens for cheap and it works great, but I can't figure out how to use the "macro" feature.

I can't turn it any lower than 1.3m. To get to the macro feature am I suppose to do something to unlock it and get it to line up with the macro arrow? Or is that macro marking just there to show that at 1.3m it is in macro mode?

**boriscleto** · 04-25-2010, 06:38 PM

At 200mm the magnification is 1:5, not really macro but close focus. At 80mm it is 1:12. You focus by moving the camera. Thats really it.

If you want a real macro you will need to get something like the Sigma 70-210 3.5-4.5 APO (1:2) macro or a prime like the Sigma 50mm 2.8 macro (1:1).

04-25-2010, 04:23 PM	#1
JWess Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 1	How do I use the macro feature on an old Kalimar zoom lens? I bought this old Kalimar zoom lens for cheap and it works great, but I can't figure out how to use the "macro" feature. I can't turn it any lower than 1.3m. To get to the macro feature am I suppose to do something to unlock it and get it to line up with the macro arrow? Or is that macro marking just there to show that at 1.3m it is in macro mode?

04-25-2010, 06:38 PM	#2
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	At 200mm the magnification is 1:5, not really macro but close focus. At 80mm it is 1:12. You focus by moving the camera. Thats really it. If you want a real macro you will need to get something like the Sigma 70-210 3.5-4.5 APO (1:2) macro or a prime like the Sigma 50mm 2.8 macro (1:1). Last edited by boriscleto; 04-25-2010 at 06:43 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale - Sold: Kalimar 28mm f2.8 MC Auto Macro (Free - S/H only)	dgaies	Sold Items	4	12-27-2009 05:39 AM
K-m tip: Playback quick-zoom-out feature	dave9t5	Pentax DSLR Discussion	3	05-04-2009 09:33 AM
kalimar 28mm f2.8 pka lens????	dcmsox2004	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	3	03-09-2009 07:00 AM
For Sale - Sold: K-mount 28mm 2.8 Macro by Kalimar	Rykoh	Sold Items	4	11-20-2008 02:56 PM
"macro" feature of Tamron 18-200 lens	WMBP	Pentax DSLR Discussion	19	01-08-2007 04:04 PM