Macro for Niche Systems

In a perfect world, Fotodiox would carry macro accessories every lens mount. But with so many lens mounts in existence, that's a tall ask. Does that mean less common systems (like Konica or the various Contax mounts) are out of luck? Not necessarily. Macro adapting makes macro possible, even on lenses that don't have the greatest close-up performance.

Macro Adapting can be defined as using an accessory that enables close focus on an adapted lens. We already have adapters with built-in helicoids, but macro adapting is less costly and not a permanent feature. You can easily macro adapt by using an extension tube behind your lens adapter or in between the adapted lens and adapter. Using an extension tube set gives you the ability to mix and match spacers to get the desired results. For even more flexibility, a macro bellows can be used which eliminated the need to remove the lens from the camera to change spacers. Another simple way to macro adapt is by using macro reverse rings which mounts the adapted lens by the filter thread and onto the camera body. This is by the far the most limiting way to achieve macro focus but very straight forward.

To demonstrate the different levels of macro using the three methods listed above, I used a Fujifilm Xpro3 with a Contax G 35mm lens. Since fall is here, I thought it would be fitting to photograph close-ups of a couple of leaves that I picked up on a photowalk. With the cooler weather and changing leaves, it's a good time to be outside to take photos.

Extension Tubes

Extension tubes are spacers that extend the focal flange distance of the adapted lens. The more distance you have, the closer you're able to focus to your subject. A standard extension tube off our shelves come with a 7mm, 14mm, and 28mm spacer that can be combined in any combination.

Bellows

Bellows or macro bellows offer more extension and some degree of precision depending on the model you source. The ones we stock offer 110mm of extension which is more than double that of a macro extension tube. Using a bellows system to macro adapt lets you precisely dial the extension and lock the position with a knob.

The only downside is that your minimum extension with the bellows is much longer than the minimum extension with the extension tube set, but if you've invested in a set of macro bellows we can only assume you want to get the best bang for your buck.

Reverse Rings

Sometimes, the simplest option is the best one, and that's where reverse ring shine. These are slim adapters that allow you to mount a lens by its filter threads. Your macro focus is determined by the design of the lens being adapted. Macro rings come in all the common filter sizes but can be sized up or down using step-up or step-down rings. This is by far the most fun way to get macro focus because of the unexpected results. It is also the most mobile since you can fit a reverse ring in your coat pocket or camera bag.

Often times, with reversed lenses, all you need is the reverse ring for your compatible camera. Some lenses need a little more than that to get the most functionality. Contax G lenses lack their own aperture ring, so for reverse-mounting it, we need to keep our Contax G adapter attached to the back of the lens so we maintain a means to focus. Some lenses with out aperture rings (such as Nikon G-type lenses or Sony A-mount lenses), will need an adapter to allow for aperture control.

Final Thoughts

Adapting already breathes new life into old lenses. With mirrorless cameras it's never been easier. Macro gives us even more ways of getting use of these old lenses, vastly improving close-up performance and cutting down that minimum focus distance.