The Adorama lens states: Diaphragm Automatic. Is this a sign I should avoid it? The picture shows a manual aperture ring but the inscription below states: Not actual image.
I'm puzzled. My logic indicates that a cheap lens must be an old one but that note bugs me. I guess I'll have to call them.
Yakim Peled wrote:
1. I am not anti-flash. I just rather do without it. I've been shooting macro for several years (100/2.8 USM, 60/2.8 USM, Kenko extension tubes, Nikon 6T) and never felt the need to add a macro flash. I have a 580EX and OCSC II that I could use as an alternative to a dedicated macro flash but again, it mostly stay at home.
2. I am leaning towards the alternative route and not the 90/2.8 because it simply offer more advantages: Ability to work with a Nikon body, more magnification, more working distance and more DoF control, all for roughly the same weight, size and price.
I used to be an all natural light shooter until I got the Sigma EM-140 DG and now the Canon MT-24 EX. Flash for 1:1 and higher are very useful and when done correctly it can look very natural.
A
Yakim Peled wrote: The Adorama lens states: Diaphragm Automatic. Is this a sign I should avoid it? The picture shows a manual aperture ring but the inscription below states: Not actual image.
I'm puzzled. My logic indicates that a cheap lens must be an old one but that note bugs me. I guess I'll have to call them.
Happy shooting,
Yakim.
Yes, you should call, just to be sure. While they're on the line, ask them to verify that the lens optics are clean and clear throughout, with no marks, rubs and/or other visible defects. Don't worry about some dust.
The manual focus versions of this and other M645 lenses do have an auto-aperture feature, and also a manual aperture control ring. There is an Auto/Manual switch on the lens. In Auto mode, you set the taking aperture by rotating the manual aperture ring to the desired stop, but the diaphragm does not stop down until just before the shutter fires - this is controlled by the camera, and is called auto-aperture mode (same as was introduced into teh SMC Pentax lineup with the -A series). With the Auto/Man switch in Man mode, the aperture stops down as you rotate the manual aperture ring.
The AF version of the lens has auto-aperture, but no manual aperture control on the lens - it's all done by teh camera, just like an EF lens on an EOS body.
I argee with Andreas comments that flash works well for higher magnification shooting. I don't have a ring flash, but I do use multiple Speedlites. I plan to do some macro shooting next week with studio strobes, softboxes and so on, and I'll do some head-to-head comparisons of the 80/4N and 120/4 APO while I'm at it.
Yakim Peled wrote: The Adorama lens states: Diaphragm Automatic. Is this a sign I should avoid it? The picture shows a manual aperture ring but the inscription below states: Not actual image.
I'm puzzled. My logic indicates that a cheap lens must be an old one but that note bugs me. I guess I'll have to call them.
Happy shooting,
Yakim.
I called them. The note is a mistake, as I suspected.
Well, of course the lack of infinity focus is O.K. with me. I want it for macro purposes. You have correctly assumed I am not interested in adapters with optics. I just didn't understand how I can mount this M645 120/4 on a Nikon body with the Mirex adapter. You seem to suggest it is not possible.
jcolwell wrote:
I argee with Andreas comments that flash works well for higher magnification shooting. I don't have a ring flash, but I do use multiple Speedlites. I plan to do some macro shooting next week with studio strobes, softboxes and so on, and I'll do some head-to-head comparisons of the 80/4N and 120/4 APO while I'm at it.
Can't wait to see your result. I just got my 120/4 Macro, and the 80/4 is on the way. However, Mirex T-S adapter (EOS) is currently out-of-stock. They told me I have to wait for 6 weeks.... By the way, I handheld the 120/4 in front of the camera mount and take few pictures. The result is very impressive! The lens is very sharp across the frame, and LCA is barely visible at 1:1. This lens is equal or not surpassed by Leica 100/2.8 APO.
Yakim Peled wrote:
Well, of course the lack of infinity focus is O.K. with me. I want it for macro purposes. You have correctly assumed I am not interested in adapters with optics. I just didn't understand how I can mount this M645 120/4 on a Nikon body with the Mirex adapter. You seem to suggest it is not possible.
There are plenty of m42-Nikon adapters to be found without optics and therefor without infinity focus on eBay. Looking at a picture of one, it appears to be 1 or 2 mm thick. Add the 1mm register difference and the total set-up of M645 lens plus Mirex plus adapter should work as a 3mm extension ring. This may or may not be a problem with your style of photography. With a 120mm lens, 3mm extension doesn't sound too bad though.
Yakim Peled wrote:
Well, of course the lack of infinity focus is O.K. with me. I want it for macro purposes. You have correctly assumed I am not interested in adapters with optics. I just didn't understand how I can mount this M645 120/4 on a Nikon body with the Mirex adapter. You seem to suggest it is not possible.
Happy shooting,
Yakim.
No worries, get the Mirex M645 to M42 T-S adapter, and put it on a M42 to Nikon adapter for the D700, and on a M42 to EOS adapter for your current gear. Do a search on eBay for Nikon M42, and you'll see tons of M42 to Nikon adapters, some with optics and some without. I use my Mirex for many types of subjects, including macro, architecture and landscapes, so infinity focus is a requirement for me.
Please don't think I'm stupid (well, if it's just a little bit it's O.K. ) but I tried several combinations and failed. What is the telephone number at Mirex? I know I should replace the 0 for 49 but beyond that I'm clueless. All the combinations I tried ended up with "The number you have dialed is unavailable".
And they don't respond to e-mails (sent last week) as well. After ordering the lens from Adorama you might understand why I am becoming a bit nervouse.
But I'm sure it's nothing and you'll calm my fears in no time.
I think that all of my correspondence with Mirex was via email and fax. I bought mine in September 2007, so it's been a while, but I recall that it often took them some time to respond to my emails. I'll check when I get home this evening to see if they supplied a phone number that might be different from what you have. On second thought, I had an email meltdown last year, and so the Mirex stuff might be gone, but I'll have a look anyway. As for dialing EU phone numbers, whatever works is what's required. I sometimes think that it's not as systematic as it should be. From Canada, I'd try 011 49 and the rest, and then I'd add the zero for the second try, if it didn't work the first time without it. Have you tried the fax number on voice phone ? If it squeals at you, then you could sent it a fax.
I didn't try dialing to the fax number. It sounds silly but what have I got to lose?
I can not fax them (fax not open to international destinations) but I can call (that is, if I could only figure out what is their number ) and I can e-mail (that is, if they answer ). I hope they are not out of business or something....
I'm sure it will but the fact that both EOS and M42 adapters are to be missing for so long worries me. With all the financial storm around us I hope they are not "planning" on going out of business.
) but I tried several combinations and failed. What is the telephone number at Mirex? I know I should replace the 0 for 49 but beyond that I'm clueless. All the combinations I tried ended up with "The number you have dialed is unavailable".
) and I can e-mail (that is, if they answer