Macro Repurposing a Pentax Auto Bellows into a macro stage

**MJSfoto1956** · 10-02-2015, 12:11 PM - **1 Like**

So I had two Pentax Auto Bellows and I thought I would convert one of them into a macro stage by cobbling together a few bits and pieces (some of which required a trip to a good hardware store). Pretty happy with the result -- especially given the costs of dedicated macro stages from the likes of RRS and others.

Note that the gear on top is secured to the Pentax rail by two M2.5 screws. I needed longer ones which for me measured 16mm long. YMMV.

Michael

promacjoe · 10-02-2015, 02:21 PM

Considering the cost of the bellows you hacked on eBay, You could've sold it and bought you a proper focusing rail, And had Money left over.
I only consider hacking junk components. things that I would not consider putting on eBay.

**MJSfoto1956** · 10-02-2015, 02:31 PM

Originally posted by promacjoe

Considering the cost of the bellows you hacked on eBay, You could've sold it and bought you a proper focusing rail, And had Money left over. I only consider hacking junk components. things that I would not consider putting on eBay.

Well you are describing this bellows to a tee. :P
I should correct you: this customization results in a "proper" macro rail. Nothing "hacked" about it. Sorry your nickers are all in a twist.

Michael

promacjoe · 10-02-2015, 04:05 PM

Hacking, Means to Take something apart In order to make it suitable for a different purpose or function. I did not insinuate that you destroyed or even damaged It. My comment was meant that it is not something I would do, On what appears to be a perfectly good bellows. and by the way, I have the exact same bellows. And you can buy a proper focusing rail, for about $20. Maybe not a good one, but one that does work properly, In both the X and Y direction.

**UncleVanya** · 10-02-2015, 05:32 PM

I do think it is a great idea for a torn up bellows.

**MJSfoto1956** · 10-02-2015, 08:17 PM

I should point out that my Pentax bellows now has the option of modular X&Y movements and is much sturdier than any $20 Chinese POJ! :P
(also it didn't cost me anything -- all the parts were hanging around anyway.)

YMMV

Michael

Not a Number · 10-02-2015, 08:38 PM

If the bellows were redundant and you had the other parts available, why not? The $1.50-3.00 spend on screws and washers seems a worthwhile investment. And the conversion looks reversible to me.

I was going to say those $20 focusing rails aren't very good with much weight on them. Especially if you are are pointing the lens straight down. Since the Minolta focus rails I have are detachable from the bellows I can just mount a camera directly on them if I don't want to use the bellows. And I can always double them up with the Minolta or Pentax bellows for X - Y axis movement.

**MJSfoto1956** · 10-02-2015, 09:36 PM

FWIW, here's how I will be using the above modification (will work just as well with both my D800 and K-3):

Michael

debakarma · 10-27-2015, 07:55 PM

I applaud you gear freaks and your ingenious methods. Congratulations JMS.
It was long time ago I attempted such hacks (in college days), but i am more laid back now and let things happen. My biggest disappointment is there are 1000s of things I cannot catch, so now just let them go... just watch and enjoy. But thanks to macro gang, I now get to enjoy the photography.

10-02-2015, 12:11 PM - 1 Like	#1
MJSfoto1956 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Boston Posts: 1,305	Repurposing a Pentax Auto Bellows into a macro stage So I had two Pentax Auto Bellows and I thought I would convert one of them into a macro stage by cobbling together a few bits and pieces (some of which required a trip to a good hardware store). Pretty happy with the result -- especially given the costs of dedicated macro stages from the likes of RRS and others. Note that the gear on top is secured to the Pentax rail by two M2.5 screws. I needed longer ones which for me measured 16mm long. YMMV. Michael

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10-02-2015, 02:21 PM	#2
promacjoe Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 340	Considering the cost of the bellows you hacked on eBay, You could've sold it and bought you a proper focusing rail, And had Money left over. I only consider hacking junk components. things that I would not consider putting on eBay.

10-02-2015, 02:31 PM	#3
MJSfoto1956 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Boston Posts: 1,305 Original Poster	Originally posted by promacjoe Considering the cost of the bellows you hacked on eBay, You could've sold it and bought you a proper focusing rail, And had Money left over. I only consider hacking junk components. things that I would not consider putting on eBay. Well you are describing this bellows to a tee. :P I should correct you: this customization results in a "proper" macro rail. Nothing "hacked" about it. Sorry your nickers are all in a twist. Michael

10-02-2015, 04:05 PM	#4
promacjoe Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 340	Hacking, Means to Take something apart In order to make it suitable for a different purpose or function. I did not insinuate that you destroyed or even damaged It. My comment was meant that it is not something I would do, On what appears to be a perfectly good bellows. and by the way, I have the exact same bellows. And you can buy a proper focusing rail, for about $20. Maybe not a good one, but one that does work properly, In both the X and Y direction.

10-02-2015, 05:32 PM	#5
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,398	I do think it is a great idea for a torn up bellows.

10-02-2015, 08:17 PM	#6
MJSfoto1956 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Boston Posts: 1,305 Original Poster	I should point out that my Pentax bellows now has the option of modular X&Y movements and is much sturdier than any $20 Chinese POJ! :P (also it didn't cost me anything -- all the parts were hanging around anyway.) YMMV Michael

10-02-2015, 08:38 PM	#7
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	If the bellows were redundant and you had the other parts available, why not? The $1.50-3.00 spend on screws and washers seems a worthwhile investment. And the conversion looks reversible to me. I was going to say those $20 focusing rails aren't very good with much weight on them. Especially if you are are pointing the lens straight down. Since the Minolta focus rails I have are detachable from the bellows I can just mount a camera directly on them if I don't want to use the bellows. And I can always double them up with the Minolta or Pentax bellows for X - Y axis movement.

10-02-2015, 09:36 PM	#8
MJSfoto1956 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Boston Posts: 1,305 Original Poster	FWIW, here's how I will be using the above modification (will work just as well with both my D800 and K-3): Michael

10-27-2015, 07:55 PM	#9
debakarma Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,294	I applaud you gear freaks and your ingenious methods. Congratulations JMS. It was long time ago I attempted such hacks (in college days), but i am more laid back now and let things happen. My biggest disappointment is there are 1000s of things I cannot catch, so now just let them go... just watch and enjoy. But thanks to macro gang, I now get to enjoy the photography.

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