Extension tubes for R system

[bscott]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I would like to use a set of extension tubes on my Leica system inorder to reduce my focus distance to the subject. What should I use and where can I find the correct tubes?

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[wildlightphoto]

I would like to use a set of extension tubes on my Leica system inorder to reduce my focus distance to the subject. What should I use and where can I find the correct tubes?

 

Which body, which lens(es), how close, and do you want to preserve the lens' auto-aperture and full-aperture metering capabilities?

[bscott]

I am using an R8 with a 250mm V2 lens. I don't require auto aperture but I do require auto aperture metering.

[wildlightphoto]

With this camera body and lens I'd use a 14256 Macro-Adapter-R. It will give you 30mm of extension for a very handy close-focus range, and it has the couplings to maintain full-aperture metering and auto-diaphragm.

[bscott]

Thanks so much for the information it gets me going in the correct direction. In my catalog the number for the macro-adapter in 14299 will this still be acceptable?

[wildlightphoto]

Thanks so much for the information it gets me going in the correct direction. In my catalog the number for the macro-adapter in 14299 will this still be acceptable?

 

Yes this will work too. The 14299 has ROM contacts but since your lens does not have them the 14299 will provide no additional functions the 14256 provides.

[geaibleu]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

May I suggest to use old bellows instead, so as to allow for more continuous "independence" than you would get with the fixed tubes. (When I write "old" I mean not the BR2 from Novoflex that is horribly expensive.)

B&H have one such "old" for sale on "Leica used".

 

B&H Error

Ntt=Leica+bellows&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&usedSearch=1

 

Btw a 250 is not IMHO suitable to the task, even though I have used a 350 Telyt within the same context, but with limited success. A 2x extender would give you better results.

You will even derive far more satisfaction from getting second hand Macro lenses from say the most honest dealer I know i.e. KEH, such as 100 f4.

Yet macro is the utmost pleasurable task!

[bscott]

Doug, thanks again and I'll try to find a 14256.

[geaibleu]

Here is the correct address:

 

Used Leica bellows

[bscott]

I have been trying to photograph butterflies as they land on flowers. My macro 100 is good but I must get too close. The 250 with a 2x is a little slow so I was thinking the 250 with extension could give me the focus distance needed and not have a loss of speed. I'm still open to suggestions.

[dkCambridgeshire]

You could try a 3 diopter achromatic supplementary lens in 67mm fitting eg https://www.harrisoncameras.co.uk/productdetail.kmod?Productid=6827 ... being an achromatic doublet it should give good quality results and with your 250mm lens will enable up to 0.75x magnification ... sufficient for medium sized butterflies to fill the frame.

 

Raynox market high quality supplementary lenses but you'll have to check whether they list same in 67mm fitting.

 

And if you mix some honey and water and carefully drop some solution via a small syringe onto the stamens of any "butterfly flower" (not all flowers attract butterflies) , the meal should keep any interested butterfly feeding long enough for you to make several exposures.

 

However, your 100mm macro lens is a better tool for the job.

 

dunk

[geaibleu]

I had no honey to give out but with 4/3 camera and Apo-Asph Cron 90 (about 180 equ.) handheld.

Here is the original image (no cropping) that can give sizable enlargements.

Searching Google for "Photographing butterflies" or any similar title would yield a mine of information.

[dkCambridgeshire]

I had no honey to give out but with 4/3 camera and Apo-Asph Cron 90 (about 180 equ.) handheld.

Here is the original image (no cropping) that can give sizable enlargements.

Searching Google for "Photographing butterflies" or any similar title would yield a mine of information.

 

The Monarch butterfly in your photo is not really sharp and thus not capable of sizeable enlargement. The OP is seeking a solution to obtain 'in camera' full frame format close-ups.

 

dunk

[geaibleu]

What's the old say again?

Yeah , it's in the eyes of the beholder?