Reversed 50mm Focusing

[Andrew Gosden]

<p>I picked up a full manual Minolta lens very inexpensively to use for close up/macro. I got the reversing ring and so far I'm enjoying trying something different. My questions is where should I set the focus for maximum magnification while using it reversed? Infinity or the minimum focus distance, at least theoretically? <br>

So far I haven't noticed much of an effect from using the focus ring at all, but I've just been using it hand held. Maybe a tripod with magnified live view would show the differences.</p>

[Jochen_S]

<p>It's unlikely that a conventional 50mm without floating elements shows any reaction on the focus ring while reversed. In that position the ring just extracts the "lens hood" AKA bayonet. And those few mm don't matter or help</p>

[johnfarrar]

<p>Just set the two extremes and for each look at a ruler to see what magnification you're getting. Jochen is right, any effect will be small, and to increase magnification significantly you'll need extension tubes between camera and reversed lens. These are often very cheap used. </p>

[Andrew Gosden]

<p>Thanks for the responses. They match what I've seen. That makes one less thing to think about while I'm trying to get the picture.</p>

[harold_gough]

<p>This may be of interest:<br>

<a href="http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/663112">http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/663112</a></p>

<p> </p>

[scott_murphy5]

<p>Set it anywhere you want, it will not have any effect. When you use a reversing ring, you are attaching the front of the lens to the camera. The focusing ring now has no effect. As has been mentioned, if you set the focus at the minimum distance, the rest of the body will be like a lens hood and protect the rear element.</p>

<p>I use a reversed 50mm Nikkor a lot for macro work, both on the camera and bellows. One thing you might consider getting is a separate focusing rail. You mount the camera on it and the combo on the tripod. You now can move the camera/lens combination to focus.</p>

[harold_gough]

<p>Turning to matters of focusing and magnification:<br>

I use either variable focus or fixed focus manual focus film lenses for macro. Some may be used reversed. Where there is a focus ring I may set focus approximately with the ring but that nomally means the lens is using internal extension and changing magnification. Most focusing is done by bodily or arm movement to get the camera/lens combination at the right distance from the subject.<br>

The general principle to keep in mind is that even a specialised macro lens is optimised for a specified magnifcation or range of magnifications. That may change when the lens is reversed but will have a similar range of magnifications at which it performs best.</p>