Using bits and pieces to get a picture

oldgroaner

I have a Nikon D60, but no macro lens, so used an old Russian Helios 58mm lens in an adapter (it has an optical element to focus at infinity)
To make it close focus I used the front element from an old sigma 80 to 200 Zoom and Sellotaped it to the front of the Helios 58 mm lens to act as a powerful close up lens.
With the camera on Manual 1/200 sec exposure and 100 ASA, and the camera flash set to manual and 1/8 power I took these.






Not too bad perhaps? one day I will save up for a proper macro lens!

Lord Vetinari

Looks like you are doing very well with your DIY lens- lovely series of wasp shots.
brian v.

mehampson

Nice! Great bug, and great DIY work. Which Helios do you have? I love my 44-2.

Actually, if you're thinking about a macro lens, don't rule out some of the other manual focus ones. I've seen some great macro shots on the manual focus lens forums, and it's not like you're missing out on a lot without autofocus. I wish I knew more about them, actually, because I'd like to pick up a 50mm-60mm macro someday, and I'll bet there's an inexpensive M42 lens out there.

oldgroaner

Thanks for the feedback, folks!

It's the Helios 44M-4 58mm f2 I got it off Ebay for £8 is that somewhere round $10 to $12?
Very fuzzy at f2, but at f5.6 its very good

Regards
Tony

TheMightyZog

Great shots and what a lens.
I have an old zoom, but can not work out how to get it to pieces - any clues?
Chris