Bellows are extension tubes that can vary the amount of magnification or in simple words by using bellows you get a macro zoom. Cool…. Yes. So let’s see how we could easily build one.
I found a couple of empty shuttle cork containers which I could use for my diy bellows for macro photography. You may use any material even pvc pipe of roughly about 2 inch diameter for the purpose. The shuttle cork container which i used was 9.25 inches in length and 2.50 inches in diameter.
I found a couple of empty shuttle cork containers which I could use for my diy bellows for macro photography. You may use any material even pvc pipe of roughly about 2 inch diameter for the purpose. The shuttle cork container which i used was 9.25 inches in length and 2.50 inches in diameter.
Materials you might need for this project
- One tube of approx 2 inch diameter, length of tube depends on the amount of magnification you desire
- Black Felt cloth
- Glue
- Double side tape (can easily find it in any auto mobile spare parts store)
Shuttle cork case which i used for the project.
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| DIY Bellows Extension Tube for Extreme Macro Photography |
This shuttle cork case is 9.25 inches in length and 2.50 inches in diameter.
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| DIY Bellows Extension Tube for Extreme Macro Photography |
Using a scale and a marker pen mark points on the exact centre of the case.
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| DIY Bellows Extension Tube for Extreme Macro Photography |
Cut the tube into two
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| DIY Bellows Extension Tube for Extreme Macro Photography |
Black felt is the best available substance to absorb light. It is commonly available and does not cost much.
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| DIY Bellows Extension Tube for Extreme Macro Photography |
I first glued the black velvet on the inside of one of the tubes, then when it is set i cut it length wise.
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| DIY Bellows Extension Tube for Extreme Macro Photography |
Place the cut tube on the inside of the other tube and measure how much you need to cut in order to make the tube fit tightly into the other. Remember you will eventually cover the outer part of the inside tube and inner portion of the outside tube with black felt so while measuring do keep it in mind.
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| DIY Bellows Extension Tube for Extreme Macro Photography |
Cut out the measured amount from the inner tube and fix it. I applied glue and then taped it in place using some masking tape.
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| DIY Bellows Extension Tube for Extreme Macro Photography |
Cover both the tubes with the black felt. Even though applying black felt on the outside portion of the outer tube does not have any effect on the image quality, covering it with felt will definitely give it a professional look.
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| DIY Bellows Extension Tube for Extreme Macro Photography |
It is time now to attach our accessories.
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| DIY Bellows Extension Tube for Extreme Macro Photography |
I attached the cut out rear lens cap on to the lens and on the other end attached a couple of filters to my macro reverse ring. You may even make use of the diy macro lens reverse ring for this purpose.
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| DIY Bellows Extension Tube for Extreme Macro Photography |
Now attach double side tape on to the rear lens cap and on to the filters and affix both to their respective tubes.
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| DIY Bellows Extension Tube for Extreme Macro Photography |
Both ends of the diy bellows tube, now that we have securely attached the reverse lens cap to the front side of the tube we could easily mount any lens of our choice.
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| DIY Bellows Extension Tube for Extreme Macro Photography |
The lens is now attached to the bellows tube.
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| DIY Bellows Extension Tube for Extreme Macro Photography |
Our finished diy bellows extension tube attached with a Pentax 40mm f 2.8 lens popularly known as the pancake.
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| DIY Bellows Extension Tube for Extreme Macro Photography |
Here is the set-up with my favourite canon 50mm f 1.8 prime lens attached to it. The 2.5 inch diameter of the shuttle cork tube allows the lens to fit tightly on to the tube without the need for any double side tape. However the lack of manual aperture control ring makes life a lot tougher when attempting extreme macro photography.
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| DIY Bellows Extension Tube for Extreme Macro Photography |
Here is a shot taken with our diy bellows extension tube. It was shot in direct sunlight with an aperture of f/22, shutter speed 1/5 sec. The photo is not cropped.
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| Hibiscus Pollen |
In the next article we will discuss about Photography - DIY - DIY Lens Reversal Filter for Macro Photography - Macro in a budget series part V