[hangman43]

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I also use one of the push on type rear caps with the center cut out as a hood on reversed lens

[newarts]

Looking for macro-closeness, but really cannot afford splashing out on a lens (unless there is an uber affordable lens option....suggestions?).

Any help is much appreciated!

Here is a parts list for a reversed El-Nikkor 50:2.8 auto-aperture bellows macro lens assembly for a PK/A camera. I just assembled such a lens & based on published results expect it to be superb.

Lens assembly El-Nikkor 50:2.8 reversed to PK- all usa/ebay total cost delivered $46.24
Lens: $37 delivered NIKON EL-NIKKOR 50mm F2.8 ENLARGER ENLARGING LENS | eBay
Adapter- 40.5mm to 52mm step-up ring: $2.89 eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices
Adapter - reversing ring 52mm-PK: $6.25 52mm Macro Reverse Adapter Ring For Pentax K110d K-M KM | eBay

Bellows for Pentax- $44.06
Fotodiox PK $44.06:Amazon.com: Fotodiox macro bellows for Pentax Digital Cameras, Pentax K-5, K-r, K-x, K-7, K-m, x70, X90, K200d, K20d, K100D Super, K10D, K110D,K100D, *ist DL2, *ist DS2, *ist DL, *ist DS, K1000, K2000: Camera & Photo

Hood based on m42 extension tube adapted to el-nikkor $10.48
Adapter-39mm-42mm step-down: $2.99 eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices
m42 extension tubes $7.49 Amazon.com: Used and New: Macro Extension Tube Ring for M42 42mm Screw Mount

Type PK/A 25mm extension tube based on 2x TC - $19.95
25mm Auto PK/A extension tube $10: Pentax Manual Focus 2X MISCELLANEOUS BRAND A TELECONVERTER - KEH.com
Note: remove lens element & jam A pin on.

Total $123.73

Note: about $20 could be saved by omitting the hood and PK/A extension tube - I think they are well worth the added cost. The PK/A extension tube will allow automatic P-TTL flash and the hood will increase contrast, hence image quality.

The 25mm PK/A extension tube might be a useful addition to any kit.

[newarts]

One of the most affordable & effective ways to do macro is to reverse mount the kit lens:

Photos of a laptop screen are shown to get an idea of magnification. Image quality is very good.

The little piece of tubing is an essential trick that allows you to control the aperture.

The 18-55mm kit lens has a 49mm filter ring so you need one of these for $7.29
49mm & 52mm Macro Reverse Adapter Ring For Pentax PK | eBay

[knewmans]

Although not as amazing as these setups I bought one of these https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/sigma-28-80mm-f3-5-5-6-macro.html for fun on ebay (with an MZ10) for less than £20 and its been a lot of fun.