Macro data for reversed 14-45mm and EX-25

[OlyFlyer]

We have discussed EX-25 in combination with EC-14 in another thread just recently. I do not have the EC-14 just some old OM TCs so I can not do real tests with that combination. I decided to check out the results with my 14-45mm lens reversed on an EX-25. I made a few measurements using a ruler and all the combinations possible and calculated the magnification. My lens reverser is also for OM and actually for 55mm filter. I have no 55 to 58 mm converter so I have to convert to 62mm first and then to 58mm. I also have to use the MF-1. All that adds to 20.7mm from the lens thread front part, the most outsticking part of the lens. That means also that the EX-25 together with this is actually 45.7mm extension. So here is the data if somebody is interested.

Lens reversed on EX-25:

Focal length - Magnification
45mm - 2:1
35mm - 2.7:1
25mm - 4.1:1
18mm - 5.8:1
14mm - 7.5:1

Lens reversed only, no EX-25 used:

Focal length - Magnification
45mm - 1.5:1
35mm - 2.1:1
25mm - 3.2:1
18mm - 4.3:1
14mm - 5.8:1

Lens not reversed, mounted on EX-25:

Focal length - Magnification
45mm - 0.5:1
35mm - 0.7:1
25mm - 1:1
18mm - Not possible to focus
14mm - Not possible to focus

The worst combination is when the lens is not reversed and it is on the EX-25 because the distance between the front element and the subject is just too near. That is the reason why focusing is not possible below 25mm focal length. Even above that I find it very difficult. Focusing is done by moving the camera mounted on tripod. AF is only possible in a very narrow range, I did not test for nearest focus.

Edited because I mixed up the presentation and written the wrong way around the magnification. Of course the maximum is 7.5 times and not 1/7.5 as I have written first. Sorry for that, I was just too tired last night. Unfortunately my editing destroyed the nice formatting I have done before and I don't know why. CS removes multipel spaces and does not allow tabs. So, how to do to format tables?

[say123]

Thanks for sharing this info.

havent try 'reverse' photography before.

[NatureTTL]

Hi OlyFlyer,

Thank you for your efforts in providing such a useful information.
I'm also interested in trying all different setup for "extreme macro".
Not sure is there any reverser ring for 4/3 mount currently available?
If yes, I would like to try it with my ZD 50mm f2.0.

Cheers...

[OlyFlyer]

Glad that somebody is interested. As for reverser for Oly 4/3 lenses and cameras, I have no idea about that but I am affraid there is none at the moment. Try visit Novoflex and then send them a mail and ask. http://www.novoflex.com/english/html/products.htm

What I am planning (actually working on) is to make my own. I am also working on a 4/3 automatic macro bellows. The work is to modify a bellows and combine with an EX-25 cut in half to make the lens/camera connections. That way I get full controll over the lens. Now it is a bit more complicated. I have to set the aperture first, then remove the lens and mount the reverser and the lens. This arrangement limits the aperture to around f/8 because after that it gets too dark to focus manually.

[OlyFlyer]

Originally Posted by say123 Thanks for sharing this info. havent try 'reverse' photography before.

Reversing a lens that is used so near the subject as in the cases with tubes and bellows is normally better due to several reasons. I list some of these:

1. Larger magnification
2. Greater distance to the subject
3. Lens simply work better that way for extreme macro due to the way they are made.
4. Easier focusing especially when handheld since you can use the zoom ring to focus.
5. Magnification is large even without macro bellows.
6. Quite easy to handle outdoors.

If you don't reverse the lens you will very soon hit the limit with bellows and really large magnifications can not be done unless you use special lens made for bellows use. There is no such lens on the market at this moment for 4/3 cameras. The only option is old, all manual bellows lenses in that case.

One of the problems are that AF and aperture can not be used if you don't make your own reverser that fixes the problem. AF is not very useful anyway since you have to focus mostly by moving the camera but I would definitely welcome better aperture control with 4/3 lenses.

[say123]

Originally Posted by OlyFlyer Glad that somebody is interested. As for reverser for Oly 4/3 lenses and cameras, I have no idea about that but I am affraid there is none at the moment. Try visit Novoflex and then send them a mail and ask. http://www.novoflex.com/english/html/products.htm What I am planning (actually working on) is to make my own. I am also working on a 4/3 automatic macro bellows. The work is to modify a bellows and combine with an EX-25 cut in half to make the lens/camera connections. That way I get full controll over the lens. Now it is a bit more complicated. I have to set the aperture first, then remove the lens and mount the reverser and the lens. This arrangement limits the aperture to around f/8 because after that it gets too dark to focus manually.

i did a quick search on the reverser. this ebay shop is selling it. carries only 49mm and 58mm. you might want to take a look.

http://stores.ebay.com/CIRRUS-ADAPTE...dZ2QQtZkmQQpZ2


found one site got a simple explanation of reverse rings.
http://www.alanwood.net/photography/...ing-rings.html

hoping to see your new invention soon. cutting the ex25 in half!

[OlyFlyer]

Thank you for the links. The adapters are all for full manual use with the same problems as I mentioned, no AF and aperture control. So for me, not worth the trouble since I already have a reverser, even if mine is not for the 4/3, so I have to use an extra MF-1 to convert to 4/3. I do however believe that Novoflex is making much higher quality converters. I have heard that the cheap ones not always fit in the camera, so there is a quality issue. The price is very cheap, but added shipping would make me think twice. I think cutting the EX-25 gives better results and at the end may even be cheaper. I will let you know when it is done. The problem is the time. I am just too busy, but I am working on it. Interesting though that your second link has a linkt to Novoflex too, but his link is wrong, the one I present in my post is the right one.

[say123]

Keep us updated! I am sure many of the oly users here are waiting to see your invention. I can still remember last time you show a setup consisiting 'a string of attachements' on your camera. impressive!