Need help with macro calculations

Steve Mack · Dec 11, 2009

I have a 55mm Nikon macro lens, really neat older lens, and I would like to use it for plant and flower shots. I understand that there is some compensation factor needed for the macro end of the spectrum. What are some good references on this, or some rules of thumb? I plan to be using color transparencies. (Fuji).

Thanks to all who reply.

With best regards.

Stephen

bobwysiwyg · Dec 11, 2009

This might help, scroll down a bit. I have a 55mm also, nice lens.

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/consumer/products/techInfo/ab20/ab20.shtml#59297

Rol_Lei Nut · Dec 12, 2009

If you're using the camera's TTL meter, then the compensation is automatic.
With a hand-held meter, you need to know (or approximate) the factors: I've stuck a piece of tape on my lens barrel next to the focusing scale with the factor written on it...

FYI:
At 0.6m (c. 1:9) the factor is 1.2
At 0.4m (1:5): 1.5
At 0.25m (1:2): 2.2

(without additional extension ring)

Q.G. · Dec 13, 2009

All the formulae involved, and how to use them can be found here.
(The page (the entire site it is on) is dedicated to another format film, but the calculations are the same.)

Need help with macro calculations

Steve Mack

bobwysiwyg

Rol_Lei Nut

Q.G.

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