Zenzanon wide angles with S-36 extension for closeup

[tbransco]

I'm considering adding the S-36 extension tube to my Bronica SQ-Ai kit, but would like to see more examples of how this particular extension tube works with the 40mm and 65mm lenses. Searches for "bronica" and combinations of 40mm/65mm/S36/S-36 turn up absolutely zero images on Flickr. Anyone have any examples of these two combinations?

 

[AgX]

I have no experiences with these lenses, so take it with a heap of salt. But in general wide angle SLR lenses are even more susceptible to image degration at extending than standard lenses. Think of that feature of floating elements that had been introduced at such lenses still in their helicoid extension.

 

[glbeas]

Using the 36 and a wide angle will also reduce the working distance a good bit without getting any better magnification.

 

[tbransco]

I have no experiences with these lenses, so take it with a heap of salt. But in general wide angle SLR lenses are even more susceptible to image degration at extending than standard lenses. Think of that feature of floating elements that had been introduced at such lenses still in their helicoid extension.

And that's why I'm seeking out images taken with the S-36 tube, to assess whether and to what degree the image quality might suffer.

Terry

 

[AgX]

And that's why I'm seeking out images taken with the S-36 tube, to assess whether and to what degree the image quality might suffer.

As you seem to already have got the lenses you then might give it an improvised try with a plain, but rectangularly cut piece of tubing of the respective lenght and diameter.

 

[ruilourosa]

don´t buy the extension tube, buy the macro lens...

retrofocus are far from the simetrical design of true wide angles and by comparison are also far from their quality as macro lenses

biogon or super angulon make reasonable macro lenses (large format)

 

[DWThomas]

The OP has not really explained why he wants this combination, but some of the suggestions aren't going to help much. For basic "macro" work, I indeed use the Zenzanon PS 110 mm f/4.5 1:1 which is a really sweet piece of glass. The Bronica extension tubes typically come into play to focus a bit closer, as most of the bare lenses can't focus closer than about 1 yard/1 meter, some not even that close (true of many medium format families I believe). Temporarily improvising would be pretty tough for the SQ series -- the shutter is a leaf type in the lens driven by mechanical linkage and timed by electronics in the camera body. That would be mighty difficult to improvise -- and likely also explains why the extension tubes sell for non-trivial sums -- which is why I don't own one! I guess a secondary question is would a +1 closeup lens work better than an extension -- although the 40mm likely can't handle anything stuck on the front. I have a 50mm and any attempt at using a lens hood is tedious.

 

[tbransco]

The OP has not really explained why he wants this combination

I could have been much clearer about that, and the fact I already own the 40mm and 65mm, along with the 180mm and the 250mm. I'm happy with all of them, and my they fit my shooting styles/tastes. I just wanted a relatively inexpensive and lightweight option for taking advantage of any closeup opportunities that always seem to be available when I'm out and about. I've shot on other platforms with closeup filters and with extension tubes, and since I can use the tube with all of them, and it's glass-free and therefore lower risk, I think the latter are the better long-term choice. While I too would love to get my hands on the PS 110 f4.5 Macro lens, it's almost never available for sale, and I really have spent more than enough already on glass. Sadly, Canada is a very small market, so I pay a premium in shipping and import charges compared to many in the US and UK/Europe.

Thanks to all for your comments,
Terry

 

[AgX]

.. some of the suggestions aren't going to help much. ...Temporarily improvising would be pretty tough for the SQ series -- the shutter is a leaf type in the lens driven by mechanical linkage and timed by electronics in the camera body. That would be mighty difficult to improvise.

Sorry, my fault. I was unattentive and overlooked that this is about lenses with shutters, to be coupled to the body.

 

[Neil Grant]

I just wanted a relatively inexpensive and lightweight option for taking advantage of any closeup opportunities...
Terry[/QUOTE]
if they are inexpensive just go for it ! With many macro subjects only part of the image will be sharply focused anyway - just make this the centre of your lens. I'd guess your 65mm would be the best option considering working distances. I'm an RB 67 owner so all this talk of extension tubes is just a bit of 'theory' - we just 'rack-out' the bellows and just sail right on down to life-size with a 50mm or half life-size with a 90mm. As I recall, the 50mm is OK for cu work, but a small aperture is suggested by Mamiya. Basically it's a lot better than a poke in the eye.

 

[glbeas]

If you really want to go all out try to find an auto bellows. I have one and its great for getting really close. You have to finagle with a short extension tube and a special pc cord to use ttl flash with it.