Useful Lenses for Close-Up Photography: El Nikkor 105mm APO f/5.6.

[Michael Erlewine]

I notice you use the Zacuto Z-finder. Could you please comment on the benefits of this finder and on the way you attach it to the LCD screen?

In my work, I only use LiveView. Except to check it out or for a family photo, I have never used the OVF on my D810. I use an older version of the Zacuto Z-Finder, with the included elastic bands, balls, and sockets to attach the Z-Finder to the camera. I do not stick the Z-finder on the back of the camera or any other method. The Z-Finder moves around a lot, but mostly that is OK.

I do my focusing using Live View so that I can clearly see that all I want is in focus.

[Dr Klaus Schmitt]

As much as I like to see the setup and lenses, using "close up" lenses in the title is at least confusing.
A "close up" lens usually is the term used for a diopter lens, screwed  into the lens front of a taking lens
to achieve higher magnification.

The Nikon Apo EL-Nikkor lens(es) were per design enlarger lenses for highest fidelity color prints and
just turned out later to be very useful as taking lenses for macro and yes, close up.

So I would have possibly written "Useful Lenses for Close-Up" (btw. why plural, it is just about the 105mm
Apo EL-Nikkor in its two, old and new emanations....)

Just my 2 cts.....

[Michael Erlewine]

As much as I like to see the setup and lenses, using "close up" lenses in the title is at least confusing.
A "close up" lens usually is the term used for a diopter lens, screwed  into the lens front of a taking lens
to achieve higher magnification.

The Nikon Apo EL-Nikkor lens(es) were per design enlarger lenses for highest fidelity color prints and
just turned out later to be very useful as taking lenses for macro and yes, close up.

So I would have possibly written "Useful Lenses for Close-Up" (btw. why plural, it is just about the 105mm
Apo EL-Nikkor in its two, old and new emanations....)

Just my 2 cts.....

Good Point Klaus. I changed it.

[Kamosor]

My compact set: Rollei x-act 2 with recessed bellows and APO EL Nikkor 105/5,6 N

[PeterN]

Michael,
I am very interested in your series. I am looking forward to reading more!

[Michael Erlewine]

My compact set: Rollei x-act 2 with recessed bellows and APO EL Nikkor 105/5,6 N

Great set-up. What is the advantage of the 99101 recessed bellows for close-up work?

[Dr Klaus Schmitt]

Very good looking setup!!

[Kamosor]

Thank you

Great set-up. What is the advantage of the 99101 recessed bellows for close-up work?

Standard bellows is sufficient for close-ups and for macro even better. I don't have the leather bellows, but it should be in the middle of these standard and recessed bellowses. Recessed bellows provides additional capabilities, allows you to: capture a larger composition, move away from the subject and gain greater depth of field. You can use lenses with shorter focal lengths, eg. Apo rodagon 90 mm, but it depends also from the camera. Klaus is a master of such calculations, he has even recessed focus helicoid adapter . Every millimeter is also important when you have a thick camera's adapter. I wanted versatility sets and opportunities to use AEL not only for close-ups.

[Thomas G]

Very interesting. Learning a lot. I hope that you will continue.
Thank you for the effort of showing and explaining.

[Erik Lund]

Very nice set-up! Looks solid.

The helicoid adapters I have seen have been of mediocre quality with a lot of play, is there play in the one you have? Maker?

[Michael Erlewine]

The El Nikkor 105mm APO is perhaps my most-used lens. At this time I use it on the small Cambo Actus, which is easy to take in the field. While I have the Rollei X-Act 2, it is IMO a clumsy and very heavy rig. Another setup I use with this lens is the Novoflex BALPRO T/S.

[Arninetyes]

Ha, I fantasize about finding rare lenses at flea markets, thrift stores, and garage sales too!
No luck yet.

Yeah. The closest I've come to a "rare" lens was finding a Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI at a yardsale for $20. Not really rare, but an excellent price.

[Michael Erlewine]

Yeah. The closest I've come to a "rare" lens was finding a Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI at a yardsale for $20. Not really rare, but an excellent price.

Not all great lenses are "rare." There are TONS of large-format lenses, used on bellows, on Ebay... all the time, including lenses like the AM-ED 120mm Nikkors, enlarger lenses, and many more.

[John Koerner]

A lot of thought went into this system, that's for sure.

Which is surprising because, despite all the thought that went into the gear, before publishing the flower image (on p. 1), it would have been a good idea to remove the artifact on the left ... and the crisper on the right

[charlie]

A lot of thought went into this system, that's for sure.

Which is surprising because, despite all the thought that went into the gear, before publishing the flower image (on p. 1), it would have been a good idea to remove the artifact on the left ... and the crisper on the right

John, shouldn't you be on a playground making fun of some kids or something?