Want to do macro with a consumer digicam?

[Ausmosis]

For those of you who only have a consumer digital camera and want to get some close-up macro shots, here are a couple of set-ups I used before I purchased a DSLR. The photo's are pretty self explanatory but I'm happy to answer any questions if required. I used what's known as a reverse lens technique:

#1 - Camera - Fuji S5000 3.1MP with a reverse 50mm attached to hood:

http://users.on.net/~falcidi/IMG_1273.JPG

http://users.on.net/~falcidi/IMG_1274.JPG

Example of macro shots I took with this setup are my grasshoppers shots in the photo section of the forum.

#2 - Camera - Canon A30 1.3MP with a reverse 50mm attached:

http://users.on.net/~falcidi/canon_macro_setup.jpg

Here are a couple of macro's I took using this setup:

Water drops on leaf:
http://users.on.net/~falcidi/IMG_1307_640_x_480_re focused_border.JPG

Gecko:
http://users.on.net/~falcidi/IMG_1308_640_x_480_re focused_border.JPG

PS: The set up and camera's above are mine :-)

[Aukiman]

cool thaks for the tips Ausmosis ... thats a pretty flash lens for a non DSLR !

Has the lens got reversible threading too or is it an attachment?

[Ausmosis]

Auki,

With the fuji camera I attached a macro coupler ring which threads to the camera's lens hood (part with the blue ring around it) and the other side to the zuiko lens. You will find that most SLR lenses have a thread at the end to enable a lens hoods to be attached. You have to make sure you get the right size coupler ring and if you can't it will be necessary to use a step up or step down ring to the exact diameter size in mm for both the lens hood and SLR lens (I had to do this with the Canon set up). Remember that the lens is 'reversed' onto the fuji camera. The 50mm f1.8 zuiko lens I used in this set up is a cheap second hand $50 lens I bought on ebay. I like the images I got out of it and ended up buying two :)

You should pop around to my place one day (this weekend if you want) and I'll show you the set-up so you get a clearer idea of how it's all done.

[underdone]

Those are excellent macro shot Ausmosis just goes to show you dont need the most expensive equipment to do great photography :)