Manual lenses and Focal length prompt question.

Al_T · 11-08-2010, 10:17 PM

Ok I am new to digital DSLR's and am using on my K-X some M42 screw mount lenses that my father gave me. I have a Yashinon Tomioka 60MM macro lens. Being there is no 60MM focal length setting should I set it to 55MM or 65MM focal length? Or does it not make a large difference?

Thanks

Al

JeffJS · 11-08-2010, 10:27 PM

Either one. It isn't going to make a lot of difference. I use 65 for my Voigtlander 58mm (just so I can decipher between what is what when I sort by focal length). Works fine.

60mm Tomioka? You decide you want to unload it, drop me a line.

Al_T · 11-08-2010, 10:51 PM

Jeff,

Thanks for the quick response.

The pictures I have taken with the lens so far are very sharp even wide open and hand held. I am still playing with it as I am not much of a photographer but eager to learn. The lens was like brand new not a scratch on it. I was with my dad the day he purchased it at a base exchange. I was 5 years old. It was purchased in 1972 His equipment was always lovingly taken care of. I am very lucky

I am really enjoying playing with the manual lenses.

Al

Docrwm · 11-09-2010, 05:55 AM

Originally posted by Al_T

Jeff,

Thanks for the quick response.

The pictures I have taken with the lens so far are very sharp even wide open and hand held. I am still playing with it as I am not much of a photographer but eager to learn. The lens was like brand new not a scratch on it. I was with my dad the day he purchased it at a base exchange. I was 5 years old. It was purchased in 1972 His equipment was always lovingly taken care of. I am very lucky

I am really enjoying playing with the manual lenses.

Al

Congratulations, free lenses are the most fun IMHO.

newarts · 11-09-2010, 06:05 AM

So far as theory is concerned, there's little difference between equal + or - errors in focal length. I think this is found in practice too.

Dave

SpecialK · 11-09-2010, 10:04 AM

Typically with a macro lens your camera will be on a tripod, in which case SR should be off, anyway.

**NaClH2O** · 11-09-2010, 01:09 PM

Originally posted by SpecialK

Typically with a macro lens your camera will be on a tripod, in which case SR should be off, anyway.

I shoot hand held macros all the time. In addition the OP can use the 60mm lens for "normal" photography.

NaCl( the only thing 'normal' in my house is the button on the washing machine)H2O

JeffJS · 11-09-2010, 03:20 PM

Originally posted by SpecialK

Typically with a macro lens your camera will be on a tripod, in which case SR should be off, anyway.

I don't think I've Ever used a tripod for macros. Usually the subject is moving so much a tripod would be absolutely useless.

Docrwm · 11-09-2010, 03:43 PM

Originally posted by JeffJS

I don't think I've Ever used a tripod for macros. Usually the subject is moving so much a tripod would be absolutely useless.

Well, it all depends on the subject of the shot. I do macros of watches, the movement moves but the overall object of the shot is static. The tripod makes it all easier and allows slower shutter speeds.

JeffJS · 11-09-2010, 04:23 PM

Originally posted by Docrwm

Well, it all depends on the subject of the shot. I do macros of watches, the movement moves but the overall object of the shot is static. The tripod makes it all easier and allows slower shutter speeds.

I'm sure you know what I meant by 'subject is moving'.

Docrwm · 11-09-2010, 05:06 PM

Originally posted by JeffJS

I'm sure you know what I meant by 'subject is moving'.

Well, everyone around here seems so precise I thought I ought to point that one out

**Canada_Rockies** · 11-09-2010, 10:44 PM

Originally posted by JeffJS

I don't think I've Ever used a tripod for macros. Usually the subject is moving so much a tripod would be absolutely useless.

I'm the same as you, Jeff. I shoot bugs with my macro, not studio table top setups, so I am chasing them all over. Hand held with my M 100/4 macro using Catch-in-focus.

JeffJS · 11-10-2010, 12:12 AM

Originally posted by Docrwm

Well, everyone around here seems so precise I thought I ought to point that one out

I'm just busting chops

... also noting that macro doesn't make a tripod necessary. I'll bet if your watch were on a walking person, the tripod won't work out so well

.

Originally posted by Canada_Rockies

I'm the same as you, Jeff. I shoot bugs with my macro, not studio table top setups, so I am chasing them all over. Hand held with my M 100/4 macro using Catch-in-focus.

I just learned to use CIF my last outing with a manual focus Macro (actually closeup) type lens.

See the flower photos..

Even with a still subject, I find it easier to get what I want, hand held. That is unless, as noted, I'm going for a long exposure.

Of course, a nice Pentax Ring flash doesn't hurt the effort

..

Docrwm · 11-10-2010, 05:57 AM

Originally posted by JeffJS

I'm just busting chops

... also noting that macro doesn't make a tripod necessary. I'll bet if your watch were on a walking person, the tripod won't work out so well

.

I just learned to use CIF my last outing with a manual focus Macro (actually closeup) type lens.

See the flower photos..

Even with a still subject, I find it easier to get what I want, hand held. That is unless, as noted, I'm going for a long exposure.

Of course, a nice Pentax Ring flash doesn't hurt the effort

..

Why would I take macros of watches on walking people

I'd love to try out a ring flash for macro work.

JeffJS · 11-10-2010, 10:28 AM

Originally posted by Docrwm

Why would I take macros of watches on walking people

I'd love to try out a ring flash for macro work.

For the challenge of course... I for one would be Very impressed..

11-08-2010, 10:17 PM	#1
Al_T Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 33	Manual lenses and Focal length prompt question. Ok I am new to digital DSLR's and am using on my K-X some M42 screw mount lenses that my father gave me. I have a Yashinon Tomioka 60MM macro lens. Being there is no 60MM focal length setting should I set it to 55MM or 65MM focal length? Or does it not make a large difference? Thanks Al

11-09-2010, 01:09 PM	#7
NaClH2O Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bronx NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,631	Originally posted by SpecialK Typically with a macro lens your camera will be on a tripod, in which case SR should be off, anyway. I shoot hand held macros all the time. In addition the OP can use the 60mm lens for "normal" photography. NaCl( the only thing 'normal' in my house is the button on the washing machine)H2O Last edited by NaClH2O; 11-09-2010 at 01:09 PM. Reason: spelling

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11-08-2010, 10:27 PM	#2
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Either one. It isn't going to make a lot of difference. I use 65 for my Voigtlander 58mm (just so I can decipher between what is what when I sort by focal length). Works fine. 60mm Tomioka? You decide you want to unload it, drop me a line.

11-08-2010, 10:51 PM	#3
Al_T Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 33 Original Poster	Jeff, Thanks for the quick response. The pictures I have taken with the lens so far are very sharp even wide open and hand held. I am still playing with it as I am not much of a photographer but eager to learn. The lens was like brand new not a scratch on it. I was with my dad the day he purchased it at a base exchange. I was 5 years old. It was purchased in 1972 His equipment was always lovingly taken care of. I am very lucky I am really enjoying playing with the manual lenses. Al

11-09-2010, 05:55 AM	#4
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,244	Originally posted by Al_T Jeff, Thanks for the quick response. The pictures I have taken with the lens so far are very sharp even wide open and hand held. I am still playing with it as I am not much of a photographer but eager to learn. The lens was like brand new not a scratch on it. I was with my dad the day he purchased it at a base exchange. I was 5 years old. It was purchased in 1972 His equipment was always lovingly taken care of. I am very lucky I am really enjoying playing with the manual lenses. Al Congratulations, free lenses are the most fun IMHO.

11-09-2010, 06:05 AM	#5
newarts Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Ames, Iowa, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 2,965	So far as theory is concerned, there's little difference between equal + or - errors in focal length. I think this is found in practice too. Dave

11-09-2010, 10:04 AM	#6
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,173	Typically with a macro lens your camera will be on a tripod, in which case SR should be off, anyway.

11-09-2010, 03:20 PM	#8
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Originally posted by SpecialK Typically with a macro lens your camera will be on a tripod, in which case SR should be off, anyway. I don't think I've Ever used a tripod for macros. Usually the subject is moving so much a tripod would be absolutely useless.

11-09-2010, 03:43 PM	#9
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,244	Originally posted by JeffJS I don't think I've Ever used a tripod for macros. Usually the subject is moving so much a tripod would be absolutely useless. Well, it all depends on the subject of the shot. I do macros of watches, the movement moves but the overall object of the shot is static. The tripod makes it all easier and allows slower shutter speeds.

11-09-2010, 04:23 PM	#10
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Originally posted by Docrwm Well, it all depends on the subject of the shot. I do macros of watches, the movement moves but the overall object of the shot is static. The tripod makes it all easier and allows slower shutter speeds. I'm sure you know what I meant by 'subject is moving'.

11-09-2010, 05:06 PM	#11
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,244	Originally posted by JeffJS I'm sure you know what I meant by 'subject is moving'. Well, everyone around here seems so precise I thought I ought to point that one out

11-09-2010, 10:44 PM	#12
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,013	Originally posted by JeffJS I don't think I've Ever used a tripod for macros. Usually the subject is moving so much a tripod would be absolutely useless. I'm the same as you, Jeff. I shoot bugs with my macro, not studio table top setups, so I am chasing them all over. Hand held with my M 100/4 macro using Catch-in-focus.

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11-10-2010, 12:12 AM	#13
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Originally posted by Docrwm Well, everyone around here seems so precise I thought I ought to point that one out I'm just busting chops ... also noting that macro doesn't make a tripod necessary. I'll bet if your watch were on a walking person, the tripod won't work out so well . Originally posted by Canada_Rockies I'm the same as you, Jeff. I shoot bugs with my macro, not studio table top setups, so I am chasing them all over. Hand held with my M 100/4 macro using Catch-in-focus. I just learned to use CIF my last outing with a manual focus Macro (actually closeup) type lens. See the flower photos.. Even with a still subject, I find it easier to get what I want, hand held. That is unless, as noted, I'm going for a long exposure. Of course, a nice Pentax Ring flash doesn't hurt the effort ..

11-10-2010, 05:57 AM	#14
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,244	Originally posted by JeffJS I'm just busting chops ... also noting that macro doesn't make a tripod necessary. I'll bet if your watch were on a walking person, the tripod won't work out so well . I just learned to use CIF my last outing with a manual focus Macro (actually closeup) type lens. See the flower photos.. Even with a still subject, I find it easier to get what I want, hand held. That is unless, as noted, I'm going for a long exposure. Of course, a nice Pentax Ring flash doesn't hurt the effort .. Why would I take macros of watches on walking people I'd love to try out a ring flash for macro work.

11-10-2010, 10:28 AM	#15
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Originally posted by Docrwm Why would I take macros of watches on walking people I'd love to try out a ring flash for macro work. For the challenge of course... I for one would be Very impressed..