MIND JACKER: The return of the macro effect. part 1.

05 October, 2015

The return of the macro effect. part 1.

After some years without macro pictures new ones are coming strong. In the past I shot them with DIY macro lenses mounted on analog SLRs, but now it's digital and with reverse adapter.

In June I bought at the Durlacher Kruschtlmarkt, a fleamarket in Karlsruhe, a complete Revue set with a SLR, two lenses, a flash, a bag and the manuals.

Primarily I bought the set to adapt the lenses to my EOS DSLR. I didn't recognize the bayonet and hoped that it is a more common one. But the result of my internet search showed that the Revue X4-M is a labeled Mamiya ZE-X. The Mamiya ZE mount is rather incommun and there is only one adapter from Fotodiox which is very expensive.
Of course, it is worth buying this adapter, because the Mamiya lenses have a very good reputation. My set includes the Auto Revuenon MCF 1.4/50mm, which is a labeled, but genuine Mamiya Sekor-EF 1.4/50mm lens and a Auto Revuenon MCE 4.5/80-205mm which is only a labeled Osawa lens.

In September I bought at the same flea market a Tokina 2.8/28mm lens with Canon FD mount for 3 Euro. I have a Canon T50, but it is still in Brazil. So in the next time I won't use it. And the adapter for FD lenses to EOS cameras is also, like the Mamiya adapter, very pricey.

But then I noticed that the Revuenon (Mamiya) and the Tokina have the same filter thread of 49mm and there I had the idea to buy a Macro Reverse Adapter Ring from Tridax for 6,50 Euro to use both as macro lenses. That means, if you install a lens upside down (in other words, instead of the bayonet you turn the lens and install it with the filter thread to the camera), it becomes a macro lens. In this so-called reverse position, the image scale increases compared to the normal position and reproduce the subject greatly enlarged. The magnification factor varies from focal length to focal length.
Of course, automatic diaphragm, auto-focusing, or any other functions will not operate correctly while using this adapter. But some years ago I made my own DIY lenses, therefore these macro lenses will be high tech for me. ;)