Vivitar extension tube set

photolady95 · 06-23-2012, 06:47 AM

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at KEH, they have these and I want to know if they have the contacts for Auto or not.

AUTO EXT TUBE SET 12, 20, 36 VIVITAR

If I get the right answer today, I'm ordering them today.

WiseOx · 06-23-2012, 06:56 AM

No contacts on these ones, but I believe stop down metering is possible though. I'm in the same boat, looking out for a set with contacts.

photolady95 · 06-23-2012, 07:36 AM

Thanks. I guess I'll keep looking.

SOldBear · 06-23-2012, 10:54 AM

Pentax never made any extension tube with contacts.

**grhazelton** · 06-23-2012, 11:47 AM

I have the Vivitar set. They're just fine, but no contacts, only the auto diaphragm mechanism. A nicely made set.

photolady95 · 06-23-2012, 11:55 AM

Well, it doesn't matter now. I knew I shouldn't have linked to them because now they're not listed and KEH says there isn't any in stock.

newarts · 06-23-2012, 12:41 PM

Consider converting a type A teleconverter to a type A tube by removing the TC'c lens assembly. It is usually very easy to do.

Here's an example currently being bid at ebay for $9: Pentax K/PK KAR 2X Tele-Converter | eBay

To convert this to an extension tube simply unscrew the lens assembly using the slots in the retaining ring.

Scissors can work well for this task

Usually, a 2x TC has a tube about 25mm long & a 3x TC has a tube about 50mm long....

Dave in Iowa

photolady95 · 06-23-2012, 01:09 PM

Hi Dave, thanks. I found a fair few of those online, some as low as $4. Can pair a 2x with a 3x?

photolady95 · 06-23-2012, 01:27 PM

Ok, I ordered two 2x's and one 3x. Plus a AF macro lens I had in my wish list for a month.

newarts · 06-23-2012, 06:36 PM

Pairing is no problem (in theory and in practice for me at least).

The critical thing is they have the electrical contacts (type PK/A).

Good luck & let us know how it goes. Reporting either success or failure are equally important to the forum.

Dave in Iowa

PS you didn't happen to see any inexpensive 1.4x or 1.5x PK/A TC's did you? (I'm looking to make a short tube.)

photolady95 · 06-23-2012, 07:13 PM

Originally posted by newarts

Pairing is no problem (in theory and in practice for me at least).
The critical thing is they have the electrical contacts (type PK/A).
Good luck & let us know how it goes. Reporting either success or failure are equally important to the forum.
Dave in Iowa
PS you didn't happen to see any inexpensive 1.4x or 1.5x PK/A TC's did you? (I'm looking to make a short tube.)

First what do you mean they have the electrical contacts? This is one of them I bought:
Pentax Manual Focus 2X MISCELLANEOUS BRAND A TELECONVERTER - KEH.com

I know about reporting back, I'm a mod on three computer help sites.

And no, I didn't see any 1.4 TCs except one and it was $134. I don't call that cheap.

Philoslothical · 06-23-2012, 07:18 PM

Originally posted by photolady

This is one of them I bought:
Pentax Manual Focus 2X MISCELLANEOUS BRAND A TELECONVERTER - KEH.com

This isn't what you want. It has the same functionality as the Viv AT-22 set you linked originally. That is, it has mechanical aperture linkage for proper stop down metering, but no contacts to use the A position on a lens that has it.

Really, the contacts are only a slight convenience, unless you absolutely have to use the tubes with lenses that don't have an aperture ring at all. I have an AT-22 set and am very happy with them, great build quality.

photolady95 · 06-23-2012, 07:24 PM

Originally posted by Philoslothical

This isn't what you want. It has the same functionality as the Viv AT-22 set you linked originally. That is, it has mechanical aperture linkage for proper stop down metering, but no contacts to use the A position on a lens that has it.

I'm not sure I understand what you mean. If I take the glass out, won't it just be a tube?

The lens I plan to use it on is the Pentax DA L 18-55mm ll.

Philoslothical · 06-23-2012, 07:36 PM

Originally posted by photolady

The lens I plan to use it on is the Pentax DA L 18-55mm ll.

OK, so no aperture ring on the lens, which means you'll only be able to shoot at the minimum aperture (f./22 or whatever).

The kind of TC you want has six electrical contacts on it, to act as a pass-through between the camera contacts and the contacts on your kit lens. That will let you set the aperture from the camera body, like you do normally in Av or M modes, and the only way to do it with a lens that hasn't got an aperture ring.

However, the kit lens isn't a great choice for macro work, anyway. If you have any kind of 50mm prime, that would serve much better. If it has an aperture ring, you can still use the TC you bought with it. The process is: Set to M mode. Set the aperture you want on the lens. Press the green button to meter, before shooting.

photolady95 · 06-23-2012, 07:52 PM

Originally posted by Philoslothical

the kit lens isn't a great choice for macro work

I think these came out pretty good for a kit lens as macro.
Single in April 2012 - a set on Flickr

This one is in PPG:

I don't use just the lens. I have three closeup stacked on the front plus an element from a defunked 28mm lens.

What I'm attempting now, is getting more lens length.

I have a 50mm but it is so pitted that everything shot with it is blurry.

And it's too late because I already ordered that one, plue two more, one does have the contacts.

Last year I made a tube, and it worked okay, and it didn't any any contacts or anythig else on it. I made it from a beer can, painted black inside, and set on the front of the lens, with the closeups and element on the front of the tube. Someone told me that' not how it's supposed to work, but my homemade rig did work and quite well, I might add.

06-23-2012, 06:47 AM	#1
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712	Vivitar extension tube set Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. at KEH, they have these and I want to know if they have the contacts for Auto or not. AUTO EXT TUBE SET 12, 20, 36 VIVITAR If I get the right answer today, I'm ordering them today.

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06-23-2012, 06:56 AM	#2
WiseOx Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Whitby (near Toronto), Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 433	No contacts on these ones, but I believe stop down metering is possible though. I'm in the same boat, looking out for a set with contacts.

06-23-2012, 07:36 AM	#3
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712 Original Poster	Thanks. I guess I'll keep looking.

06-23-2012, 10:54 AM	#4
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Pentax never made any extension tube with contacts.

06-23-2012, 11:47 AM	#5
grhazelton Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Jonesboro, GA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,972	I have the Vivitar set. They're just fine, but no contacts, only the auto diaphragm mechanism. A nicely made set.

06-23-2012, 11:55 AM	#6
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712 Original Poster	Well, it doesn't matter now. I knew I shouldn't have linked to them because now they're not listed and KEH says there isn't any in stock.

06-23-2012, 12:41 PM	#7
newarts Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Ames, Iowa, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 2,965	Consider converting a type A teleconverter to a type A tube by removing the TC'c lens assembly. It is usually very easy to do. Here's an example currently being bid at ebay for $9: Pentax K/PK KAR 2X Tele-Converter \| eBay To convert this to an extension tube simply unscrew the lens assembly using the slots in the retaining ring. Scissors can work well for this task Usually, a 2x TC has a tube about 25mm long & a 3x TC has a tube about 50mm long.... Dave in Iowa

06-23-2012, 01:09 PM	#8
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712 Original Poster	Hi Dave, thanks. I found a fair few of those online, some as low as $4. Can pair a 2x with a 3x?

06-23-2012, 01:27 PM	#9
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712 Original Poster	Ok, I ordered two 2x's and one 3x. Plus a AF macro lens I had in my wish list for a month.

06-23-2012, 06:36 PM	#10
newarts Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Ames, Iowa, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 2,965	Pairing is no problem (in theory and in practice for me at least). The critical thing is they have the electrical contacts (type PK/A). Good luck & let us know how it goes. Reporting either success or failure are equally important to the forum. Dave in Iowa PS you didn't happen to see any inexpensive 1.4x or 1.5x PK/A TC's did you? (I'm looking to make a short tube.)

06-23-2012, 07:13 PM	#11
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712 Original Poster	Originally posted by newarts Pairing is no problem (in theory and in practice for me at least). The critical thing is they have the electrical contacts (type PK/A). Good luck & let us know how it goes. Reporting either success or failure are equally important to the forum. Dave in Iowa PS you didn't happen to see any inexpensive 1.4x or 1.5x PK/A TC's did you? (I'm looking to make a short tube.) First what do you mean they have the electrical contacts? This is one of them I bought: Pentax Manual Focus 2X MISCELLANEOUS BRAND A TELECONVERTER - KEH.com I know about reporting back, I'm a mod on three computer help sites. And no, I didn't see any 1.4 TCs except one and it was $134. I don't call that cheap.

06-23-2012, 07:18 PM	#12
Philoslothical Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 1,889	Originally posted by photolady This is one of them I bought: Pentax Manual Focus 2X MISCELLANEOUS BRAND A TELECONVERTER - KEH.com This isn't what you want. It has the same functionality as the Viv AT-22 set you linked originally. That is, it has mechanical aperture linkage for proper stop down metering, but no contacts to use the A position on a lens that has it. Really, the contacts are only a slight convenience, unless you absolutely have to use the tubes with lenses that don't have an aperture ring at all. I have an AT-22 set and am very happy with them, great build quality.

06-23-2012, 07:24 PM	#13
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712 Original Poster	Originally posted by Philoslothical This isn't what you want. It has the same functionality as the Viv AT-22 set you linked originally. That is, it has mechanical aperture linkage for proper stop down metering, but no contacts to use the A position on a lens that has it. I'm not sure I understand what you mean. If I take the glass out, won't it just be a tube? The lens I plan to use it on is the Pentax DA L 18-55mm ll.

06-23-2012, 07:36 PM	#14
Philoslothical Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 1,889	Originally posted by photolady The lens I plan to use it on is the Pentax DA L 18-55mm ll. OK, so no aperture ring on the lens, which means you'll only be able to shoot at the minimum aperture (f./22 or whatever). The kind of TC you want has six electrical contacts on it, to act as a pass-through between the camera contacts and the contacts on your kit lens. That will let you set the aperture from the camera body, like you do normally in Av or M modes, and the only way to do it with a lens that hasn't got an aperture ring. However, the kit lens isn't a great choice for macro work, anyway. If you have any kind of 50mm prime, that would serve much better. If it has an aperture ring, you can still use the TC you bought with it. The process is: Set to M mode. Set the aperture you want on the lens. Press the green button to meter, before shooting.

06-23-2012, 07:52 PM	#15
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712 Original Poster	Originally posted by Philoslothical the kit lens isn't a great choice for macro work I think these came out pretty good for a kit lens as macro. Single in April 2012 - a set on Flickr This one is in PPG: I don't use just the lens. I have three closeup stacked on the front plus an element from a defunked 28mm lens. What I'm attempting now, is getting more lens length. I have a 50mm but it is so pitted that everything shot with it is blurry. And it's too late because I already ordered that one, plue two more, one does have the contacts. Last year I made a tube, and it worked okay, and it didn't any any contacts or anythig else on it. I made it from a beer can, painted black inside, and set on the front of the lens, with the closeups and element on the front of the tube. Someone told me that' not how it's supposed to work, but my homemade rig did work and quite well, I might add.