How to build an X1 macro converter

[JeTexas]

Someone requested the details on how I built a macro converter for the X1. My total cost was around $20. I bought the step-up and step-down rings on eBay for $2 each. I also got the Nikon UR-E8 adapter tube on eBay for $8. A tube of epoxy was $5 at Home Depot.

I already had a broken Nikkor zoom lens. Nikon wanted $200 just to look at it to see why it wouldn't focus, so I had bought a new lens and thrown this one in a drawer. I dissected it to remove the front element. I did have to dremel off a bracket, but unfortunately I don't have a photo of that.

It's incredibly simple. The quality and grind of the element you find to use in yours will affect the sharpness and how close you can focus to your subject. Mine focuses at about 4-6 inches, which is a HUGE improvement over the X1's unassisted macro focus.

Hopefully his photo will explain it all.


Home Brew Leica X1 Macro Converter by ffacker, on Flickr


L1011777 by ffacker, on Flickr

[ezc203]

Results are fantastic!

[RockyIII]

Good job!

Rocky

[msbel]

very nice, though I'm afraid I 'aint got the tech skills to pull it off.

one could buy a broken "non-functioning" zoom off c-list or ebay for a fraction and try it I guess.

start making them, and we will buy them.

[JeTexas]

Originally Posted by msbel

very nice, though I'm afraid I 'aint got the tech skills to pull it off.

one could buy a broken "non-functioning" zoom off c-list or ebay for a fraction and try it I guess.

start making them, and we will buy them.

The total tech skills required are having a tiny screwdriver to take apart an old lens and being able to mix epoxy to stick the adapter rings on each piece, so they can screw together.

However, I'd be more than happy to put one together for you if you send me a PM. The cost would most likely be somewhere between $50 - $100 depending on what kind of bargains I can find on the donor lenses. The NIkon UR-E8 adapter tubes are also out of production although for now there seem to be plenty available on eBay.

[h00ligan]

If lens mate doesn't come out with the adaptor I may try the extension tube plus clip on I've been using for my 7d

[h00ligan]

I went ahead and bought he tube, cheap enough to try..but I have a quick question for you. Is it threaded on both sides? Silly question perhaps and I assume so, just checking!

[JeTexas]

Originally Posted by h00ligan

I went ahead and bought he tube, cheap enough to try..but I have a quick question for you. Is it threaded on both sides? Silly question perhaps and I assume so, just checking!

The tube has the correct 50mm threading on one end to screw onto the X1. It has some strange 53.5mm reverse threading on the other end, which is why you have to glue the 49 - 52mm ring onto it. That gives you standard 52mm threading for filters, adapters, etc. on the other end.

You could also go 49-58 or whatever size you want if you already have filters in a certain size, but the 49mm fits right inside the end of the adapter tube, which makes it very easy to glue together.

[h00ligan]

That should work perfectly with the raynox as is. Thanks for the info!

This is what I'm putting on the end of it fora try.

I was surprised at the iq on my 7d.

[JeTexas]

I was able to pick up a couple Leitz Wetzlar lenses very inexpensively on eBay to see if I could make true Leica converter. Unfortunately the diameter of the M lens is just too small to work without vignetting.

I have a couple more lenses showing up after Christmas, so if anyone wants one of my remaining adapters, a hood and a macro converter, drop me a line.


My Leica X1 adapters and a 135mm M lens by ffacker, on Flickr

[JeTexas]

Ok, I'm testing the market. I've put my second generation macro converter up for auction on eBay. This one uses very nice Canon FD glass and is easier to focus than my first one. However, it will still give you mad bokeh at f2.8.

Leica X1 filter adapter with macro converter and hood - eBay (item 270690945365 end time Jan-16-11 19:42:21 PST)