OK folks, here is a way to do macro for those of you that do not have the funds to buy macro lenses, extension tubes, close-up lens, or macro focusing teleconverters.

Do this at your own risk.

The first thingl you need is an 'A' lens set to other than the 'A' position, or 'K' lens, or an 'M' lens, or an M42 screwmount lens. I used an M42 screwmount SMC Takumar 50/1.4.

The second thing that you need is the cardboard tube from a depleted toilet tissue roll. Cut this tube to 50mm if you are using a 50mm lens. Cut the tube to 100mm if you are using a 100mm lens. These combinations will give you a 1:1 macro.

Pre-set your aperture on the lens to about f8 or f11. Set your camera to the Av mode. With your left hand hold the lens up to one end of the cardboard roll while placing the other end of the cardboard roll against the camera body. Move forward/backward to focus. When in focus, press the shutter to take the macro image.

I used my sister's little bowl of toothpics that she uses to glue things for her crafts as my subject. The first image below I used f4 and bounced my Pentax AF280T flash off the ceiling. The second image below I set the lens to f16 and bounced my flash off of some white vitamin bottles that were to my left.

http://www.ancientman.com/brandc/pentax_istds_photos/takumar_50mm_f1p4_m42/zcm_01.jpg

http://www.ancientman.com/brandc/pentax_istds_photos/takumar_50mm_f1p4_m42/zcm_02.jpg

So there you have it. A zero cost macro lens. Now, wasn't that fun folks. :-)

--
Ron ~ Retired