Macro lens required for Pentax K-X

stover98074 · 06-02-2010, 05:54 PM

Macro lenses work very well in manual focus mode. You can purchase used and learn a lot about exposure as well as macro in manual mode.

Same can apply for manual flashes.

If you are interested, this article will get you started.

Low Cost Manual Macro

This is an example of what can be produced from a back yard chair on a rainy day with manual lenses and a DSLR.

**Lowell Goudge** · 06-02-2010, 06:12 PM

there are many ways to get into macro.

Aside from the raynox, you can get a set of extension tubes and a manual focus 50mm, or shop around for an smc takumar 50mm macro or 100mm macro, or if you are handy and scrounge a little, get a bellows, and a 50mm normal lens.

Any of these solutions should have you at between 100 and 150 for a respectable macro kit.

I have 3 macro set-ups

I bought used a very long time ago an SMC-M 100mm F4 macro lens for about $150 and a set of extension tubes for $70 (tubes were new). This is my K mount setup.

I also have an SMC Takumar 50mm F4 macro ($90) a set of M42 extension tubes ($6) and an M42 focusing helix ($10)

my last set is a Miranda bellows that I got for $25, modified to take an M42 - K mount flanged adaptor to mount the camera ($6) and I mounted a 135mm F2.8 enlarging lens ($100) for the objective. This set uses a T mount at the front end, and I have an M42 to T mount adaptor (free) that I can use to mount any of my M42 lenses including the 50mm macro, and get about 4-5x lifesize on the sensor.

so as you can see, there are lots of inexpensive options for macro.

RioRico · 06-03-2010, 01:05 PM

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

I also have an SMC Takumar 50mm F4 macro ($90) a set of M42 extension tubes ($6) and an M42 focusing helix ($10)

Lowell, where did you find a focusing helix for US$10? All I see on the bay are badly upwards of US$100. There seem to be two varieties, one around 17-32mm, the other around 35-90mm. I can unfortunately feel a desire for both. Budget? What budget?

06-02-2010, 05:54 PM	#16
stover98074 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Seattle Photos: Gallery Posts: 153	Manual Focus Alternative Macro lenses work very well in manual focus mode. You can purchase used and learn a lot about exposure as well as macro in manual mode. Same can apply for manual flashes. If you are interested, this article will get you started. Low Cost Manual Macro This is an example of what can be produced from a back yard chair on a rainy day with manual lenses and a DSLR.

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06-02-2010, 06:12 PM	#17
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,889	there are many ways to get into macro. Aside from the raynox, you can get a set of extension tubes and a manual focus 50mm, or shop around for an smc takumar 50mm macro or 100mm macro, or if you are handy and scrounge a little, get a bellows, and a 50mm normal lens. Any of these solutions should have you at between 100 and 150 for a respectable macro kit. I have 3 macro set-ups I bought used a very long time ago an SMC-M 100mm F4 macro lens for about $150 and a set of extension tubes for $70 (tubes were new). This is my K mount setup. I also have an SMC Takumar 50mm F4 macro ($90) a set of M42 extension tubes ($6) and an M42 focusing helix ($10) my last set is a Miranda bellows that I got for $25, modified to take an M42 - K mount flanged adaptor to mount the camera ($6) and I mounted a 135mm F2.8 enlarging lens ($100) for the objective. This set uses a T mount at the front end, and I have an M42 to T mount adaptor (free) that I can use to mount any of my M42 lenses including the 50mm macro, and get about 4-5x lifesize on the sensor. so as you can see, there are lots of inexpensive options for macro.

06-03-2010, 01:05 PM	#18
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge I also have an SMC Takumar 50mm F4 macro ($90) a set of M42 extension tubes ($6) and an M42 focusing helix ($10) Lowell, where did you find a focusing helix for US$10? All I see on the bay are badly upwards of US$100. There seem to be two varieties, one around 17-32mm, the other around 35-90mm. I can unfortunately feel a desire for both. Budget? What budget?