El Cheapo Extension Tubes: A $10 Hong Kong Experiment - Part I

I've always been fascinated with Macro photography and unfortunately due to time constraints (I'm a full time accountant) I have been limited to my Sigma 70-300mm APO DG Macro lens for all my close encountered needs. For the 2 (maybe 3) people who have read the previous entries of this blog you'll know that I recently stumbled across a (1 of 1,500k made) Nikon 50mm f1.8 Series E lens in amazing shape for a measly 30 bucks. Now it got me thinking as to how I can use this $30 purchase and come up with one of the cheapest macro setups ever and that's when I stumbled across a $5 set of macro extension tubes from Hong Kong on eBay. Now I'm 100% certain these are probably the biggest pieces of crap ever made but for the sake of experimentation I bought them (free shipping helped). Hopefully they arrive soon so I can bless the internet gods with some ultra budgeted cheapo macro photography. Stay tuned.

Edit: And now as of 10:56pm eastern time we'll also be testing out a 52mm to 52mm coupler reverse ring adapter as well for a grand total of $6.24. I'll use the Nikkor 50mm f1.8D on the body and the 50mm f1.8 Series E reversed. So I guess this experiment should now be called the $16.24 Hong Kong...............I'll stick with $10.

Monday Wish List

Every now and then I put together this cheesy little list of old lenses that I'd love to be able to find. I'd love to add this older lens to my collection of "relics"...














The lens shown was made by Kiron / Kino Precision Industries. Kiron made this lens under its own labels and for other brands. There are four known versions:

• Kiron 105mm f/2.8
• Lester Dine 105mm f/2.8
• Vivitar100mm f/2.8
• Vivitar 105mm f/2.5 Series 1

Apparently, it's one of the best MF macro lenses ever made and unfortunately the name has caught on and it's very difficult to find one under $200.

I'll hopefully be going out tomorrow for a little shooting if the weather permits...I'll post the results.

Friday Awesomeness

What's up nobody,

Recently I was able to pick up a 70/80's era MF 50mm f1.8 Series E Nikon prime to add to the collection of old relic lenses. I already have the AF 50mm f1.8D and have always loved it but I had a want for the earlier version as it was on the very first 35mm SLR camera I shot. I was able to pick this one up off craigslist in absolutely perfect condition. I've been coupling it with a 52mm +3 filter and having a blast. It has not left my camera since. The difficulty of shooting with it is much greater not only because on the MF and the lack of metering but the extremely short depth of field coupled with the filter. Anyway, I picked up the lens/filter/case for only $30.00 and I'd recommend it to anyone. Unfortunately, what I've just told you is absolute lunacy in the photography world. Most photographers laugh at the idea of using a manual focus lens on a digital camera but I have way too much fund doing so to not recommend it. What the hell do you care anyway. Go experiment.

Webpage

This blog is designed to go hand in hand with my new website. Check it out and let me know what you think.

http://JWBphoto.smugmug.com

Welcome

Hey,

John here. Starting the blog. Well I guess it's more of a photo-blog. I doubt any of you want to here about my wonderful life. Anyway from time to time I'll try and post to let everyone know what I've been up to photo wise. I hope you guys enjoy my stuff and please leave comments if you stop by.

-Johnny