Migh-mag macro shots. Options? Do I even want an SLR?
Discussion
For my watchmaking, I often need to take shots of particular parts for reference. In these cases, I just get my mobile out & hold it up to the eyeglass/microscope. But for presentation purposes, I'd really like to take some nicer pics to show what I'm talking about when I say that a balance pivot is worn, or a pallet jewel is chipped, and I'm not sure it will be possible without blowing money I don't have.
At the moment I'm using my old Nikon D50 with it's original 18-55 mm lens and some el-cheapo extension tubes. They work well enough, to a degree, for images like below. But the cheap tubes don't allow AF/apature control, the camera doesn't have live view and there's often so little light hitting the sensor that I can't see what I'm (manually) focusing on. I've got maybe £400 to blow on a solution, which seems pretty shoestring once I start looking at Macro lenses
Should I even be looking at digital cameras? Or are there non-gimmicky microscopes which can produce high quality images without the need to set up SLR/tripod levels of bulk/adjustment.
Ideally, I'd like a full-frame of the circular roller with the jewel sitting in it, but would settle for a way of getting the same image without having to faff around so much. The whole thing is maybe 2mm accross:
At the moment I'm using my old Nikon D50 with it's original 18-55 mm lens and some el-cheapo extension tubes. They work well enough, to a degree, for images like below. But the cheap tubes don't allow AF/apature control, the camera doesn't have live view and there's often so little light hitting the sensor that I can't see what I'm (manually) focusing on. I've got maybe £400 to blow on a solution, which seems pretty shoestring once I start looking at Macro lenses
Should I even be looking at digital cameras? Or are there non-gimmicky microscopes which can produce high quality images without the need to set up SLR/tripod levels of bulk/adjustment.
Ideally, I'd like a full-frame of the circular roller with the jewel sitting in it, but would settle for a way of getting the same image without having to faff around so much. The whole thing is maybe 2mm accross:
You could get a 50mm f1.4 lens for your existing setup - it will let much more light through.
Alternatively, some kind of low power microscope with camera mounting and 'rostrum' style lighting either side might be best. It will be manual - not a problem in this context - and you don't need live view.
Interesting question - will be interested to see what others come up with.
Alternatively, some kind of low power microscope with camera mounting and 'rostrum' style lighting either side might be best. It will be manual - not a problem in this context - and you don't need live view.
Interesting question - will be interested to see what others come up with.
Edited by Simpo Two on Saturday 6th February 13:59
First-off, autofocus is probably going to be pretty useless when focussing that close.
If you're happy with the photos you get from your current equipment in terms of clarity and magnification (when it's focussed properly), then I'd suggest buying a set of auto extension tubes (about £80 second hand). The advantage of these is that you'll be able to control the aperture blades normally, meaning the lens will be wide open giving a bright image in the viewfinder to focus with, and then the lens will stop down for the necessary depth-of-field when you release the shutter.
Also, you don't mention whether you're using a tripod and if so, with what head. A macro focussing head like this, combined with auto extension tubes, may make things a lot easier:
http://www.aldine.co.uk/redsnapper/tripod-MacroHea...
If extension tubes aren't giving you enough magnification, then you're into the realms of bellows, which work in the same way as extension tubes, or fitting your camera to a microscope.
If you're happy with the photos you get from your current equipment in terms of clarity and magnification (when it's focussed properly), then I'd suggest buying a set of auto extension tubes (about £80 second hand). The advantage of these is that you'll be able to control the aperture blades normally, meaning the lens will be wide open giving a bright image in the viewfinder to focus with, and then the lens will stop down for the necessary depth-of-field when you release the shutter.
Also, you don't mention whether you're using a tripod and if so, with what head. A macro focussing head like this, combined with auto extension tubes, may make things a lot easier:
http://www.aldine.co.uk/redsnapper/tripod-MacroHea...
If extension tubes aren't giving you enough magnification, then you're into the realms of bellows, which work in the same way as extension tubes, or fitting your camera to a microscope.
Edited by SamHH on Saturday 6th February 14:07
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