Close up lenses and MFD

[paulinventome]

I have some voigtlander lenses but i want to get them to focus closer. Extension tubes are one way but how about close up lenses? Are they a valid way to shorten the MFD?

I've found conflicting information online and i suspect that you guys are the ones that would know for sure

cheers
Paul

 

[rogerzilla]

Framing is impossible; that's why Leitz came up with the Visoflex. The simplest way to get close-ish focusing is to buy a dual-range Summicron with the correcting "goggles". They are about 500 GBP/800 USD in good condition. Only gets you a whopping 1:7 reproduction ratio, though, which is a subject size of about 10" x 7".

 

[paulinventome]

Thanks for the reply. I should have added i'm using these on a Sony NEX so focusing isn't an issue.

I'm mainly interested in being able to focus closer than 0.7 or 0.9m, i find some situations call for that

cheers
paul

 

[rogerzilla]

Aha!

Yes, close-up lenses are easy to use and require no exposure compensation. You normally get some chromatic aberration (colour fringing) but it may be acceptable.

I won a photo competition once with a close-up of an apple blossom. I used a 50mm standard lens on an SLR with a hand magnifying glass held over the front of it. The 10" x 8" print looked good enough.

 

[oftheherd]

Extension tubes will give you more magnification, less distortion, also less light so longer exposures. Close up lenses will give a little more distortion, but transmit most of the light, and they can be stacked for greater magnification. You will only know if the distortion is acceptable with experience. I have taken shots both ways and found both acceptable, depending on what you are shooting.