Other close-up devices
Minolta XE-1 with MC Rokkor-X 200mm f3.5 and Nikon 6T close-up filter
Close-up lenses
Close-up lenses are the easiest way to gain closer focusing distance than the lens would allow otherwise. These are almost the only optical devices produced by photo industry, that are compatible no matter of the brand. Of course, the best results are obtained by using the close-up lenses specially planned for the lens in use, but usually close-up lenses work pretty well with other lenses, too. You have to test the combination to be sure about the quality.There are two main groups of close-up lenses: The cheap, one element lenses and expensive, double element, multicoated and achromatic lenses. No need to say, the later are the only ones I recommend to be used in serious photography. Except the big camera manufacturers at least Hoya has produced some well reputed lenses of this group.
The photo of Minolta close-up lenses at left is taken by Justin "Red"
Bailey. The one on the right is from an old brochure
Minolta made three close-up lenses in 49mm, 52mm and 55mm thread diameter.
They are labelled by numbers 0, 1 and 2. The 0 is intended for short telephoto
lenses (100 and 135mm), the 1 and 2 for normal lenses, and they can be
used stacked. The number is only a label - not diopter rating of the lens.
The diopter ratings for the lenses are
Lens label Diopter
0
1
1
2
2
4
| Label | Lens used | Minimum magnification | Subject distance at minimum magnification | Maximum magnification | Subject distance at maximum magnification |
| No. 0 | 100 mm | 0,1 | 1000 mm | 0,2 | 450 mm |
| No. 0 | 135 mm | 0,13 | 1000 mm | 0,25 | 530 mm |
| No. 1 | 50 mm f1.7 | 0,1 | 500 mm | 0,23 | 230 mm |
| No. 2 | 50 mm f1.7 | 0,19 | 333 mm | 0,33 | 233 mm |
| No. 1 + No. 2 | 50 mm f1.7 | 0,3 | 200 mm | 0,43 | 150 mm |
| No. 1 | 50 mm f4 | 0,1 | 500 mm | 0,23 | 230 mm |
| No. 2 | 50 mm f4 | 0,21 | 333 mm | 0,32 | 233 mm |
| No. 1 + No. 2 | 50 mm f4 | 0,30 | 200 mm | 0,42 | 150 mm |
The data above is taken from Shipmans book as it is - only dropping the inches away. These are the recommended combinations, others can be used but with reduced image quality. Subject distance is an approximation, from the front of the close-up lens.
Canon labels its lenses by the focal length of them - that is, the subject distance from the subject to the lens when they are used with the lens they are planned for, the lens set at infinity. Two of them are of particular interest for Minolta users, because they happen to exist in 55mm diameter. They are models 240 and 450, both intended to be used with Canon's 50mm f1.8 lens and other normal lenses. They work quite ok with my MD 50/1.7 Rokkor, but I have obtained beautiful soft focusing effects when I tried to use the 450 with MC 85/1.7, MC 135/2.8 and AF 70-210/4 - they obviously fit best to normal lenses.
Nikon makes two kind of close-up lenses, a simple single-element ones
for standard lenses and the more interesting, double element achromatic
lenses, which are designed for use with tele lenses between 85 and 200mm.
They are the following:
| Label | Diopters | Thread size |
| 3T | 1,5 | 52 mm |
| 4T | 2,9 | 52 mm |
| 5T | 1,5 | 62 mm |
| 6T | 2,9 | 62 mm |
For Minolta user these are useful only with an adapter - 3T and 4T for 49mm thread Minolta lenses with adapters. I have used the 4T with MD 50/1.4 with good results, although it is meant for short tele lenses. It also worked nicely with my AF 35-70/4. The same focal lengths are made in 62mm thread, named 5T and 6T - they can be used in 55mm thread with adapter.
These two lenses, 5T and 6T, are the choose of the owner of one special Minolta lens: The MC Tele Rokkor 200mm f3.5, which is one of the only two manual focusing Minolta lens with this thread diameter (the other is RF Rokkor 250mm f5.6). I have used mine with 6T - it gives over 1:2 magnification, which is sometimes a bit too much, so 5T would be enough. Otherwise the combination works well for large and agile insects like dragonflies.
In generally, these Nikon close-up lenses are valued very high, and their price is relatively low compared to Canon and others. I've paid about 30 euros for each when buying used. They work nicely with many zooms, allowing you to change the cropping of the picture by zooming. The optical quality is usually better than using the same lens with extension tubes, and you don't loose any light. The problem is sometimes shorter working distance, and they don't necessarily work with all optical structures. A respected nature photographer John Shaw (his books are excellent sources for a nature photographer) writes, that they work usually best with lenses having the front element close to the filter. He also confirms that with two Nikon lenses, the AF Micro Nikkor 200mm f4 ED IF and the manual-focusing Micro-Nikkor 200mm f4 IF they work best when used reversed. He even occasionally stacks two of these filters to get really high magnifications. (John Shaw: The Nature Photography field guide, Amphoto.) If you find these lenses, I would highly recommend to test them with your gear.
Microscope adapters
There are two microscope adapters available to Minolta manual focusing SLR cameras. The relatively simple Minolta microscope adapter, and more versatile and precise Leitz-system "Micro-attachment", as it is called in the Minolta brochure from the early 1980's. I have never seen these devices, so the following is directly from the brochure.
Minolta
Microscope Adapter (the left picture, from an old Minolta brochure)
This two-piece device is used to connect an SLR camera to a microscope. One section bayonets into the camera body in place of the lens, while the other end fits into the ocular adapter tube section of the microscope. Taking photomicrographs is convenient with this adapter, because you can follow moving specimens up to the precise moment of the exposure. The adapter fits ocular tubes from 23 to 29mm in diameter.
Leitz "Micro-Attachment" (the right picture, from an old Minolta brochure)
The Minolta SLR bayonet-mount connecting adapter on this attachment makes Minolta SLR cameras a part of the Leitz "Universal Camera System for Photomicrography". A highly sensitive built-in phototube sensor enables rapidly making very delicate exposure measurements even of small object details. A vibration absorber is built into the top of the Micro-attachment to prevent any image unsharpness due to transmitted vibration. The field of view as it will appear on the film is clearly visible in the camera viewfinder, making it easy to follow moving specimens up to and after the moment of exposure.
This device was only available through Leitz dealers.
Reverse adapters
These
adapters have the female lens mount on the other side and female filter
thread on the other - they are used to mount a lens reversed to the camera
body or extension device. This is useful in high magnifications, because
the lens usually performs better as reversed with magnifications larger
than the life size (1:1). Usually it is a normal lens that is used - tele
lenses have small magnification if reversed, and wideangles do not perform
very well if reversed, although they give higher magnifications. These
adapters were made by Minolta in 49, 52 and 55 mm. The 55mm came also with
the 50mm MC Macro Rokkor lens.
Macro and copy stands, tripods and table tripods
Macrostand
This is a very simple accessory that attaches to the Focusing Rail I or to the Bellows III with an adapter, and consists of a small translucent platform for holding any small three-dimensional or flat object at precise distance from the lens.
This is intended for copy work, looking a bit like an enlarger without the head. It allows the camera/lens system to be mounted exactly parallel to the base board, and adjusted in height. Because the viewfinder will point directly upwards, either an angle finder or high-magnification finder for the XM is recommended for easier viewing. The size of the base board is 39,4 x 45cm , and the chrome tube supporting the camera is 61 cm high and 5 cm in diameter.
Minolta has made a sturdy table tripod, much like the famous Leitz model - biggest different is the name. Very handyy in nature close-ups at the ground level. Similar ones are produced by all camera manufacturers and sold under several other brands like Hama - most likely they all come from the same factory ;-). Anyway, they are light, cheap and useful - if you find a sturdy one, get it. I usually carry mine together with a monopod, when I'm too lazy to carry my standard tripod, the Unilock 1700 (a Benbo-copy).
Viewfinder accessories
Anglefinder V and Vn
(Photo
scanned from an old brochure) These are the most handy accessories for
a macro photographer save the Benbo tripod - they make your fixed-pentaprism
SLR more easily operated at the ground level, giving you a clear, right
sided viewfinder image. You can even turn them to make vertical shots and
still view the image right! The difference between the two models is that
the Vn model has a special 2x setting to facilitate more precise focusing
at the central part of the focusing screen. Both have diopter adjustment
to better fit to your eyesight, even without eyeglasses. They slide over
the camera eyepiece (like a rubber eyecup), and can be used in AF Minoltas
as well.
There has also been an early version of this device with a screw instead
of sliding over the eyepiece - it is made for the early SR cameras. I have
no other details about it.
These small accessories magnify the centre of the image for more accurate focusing. The Vn model can be turned away from the viewfinder without removing it, the model V not. Both are placed over the eyepiece the same way as the Anglefinder V and Vn. They have adjustable diopter correction and magnification of 2,5x, but only the centre of the frame will be visible through them. I think they are sometimes called focusing loupes.
The photo at left, the Vn model, is taken by Justin "Red" Bailey. The one at right is the V model, scanned from an old brochure.
Flashes
TTL flash systemsMinolta has only two SLR bodies that have through-the-lens (TTL) flash metering, the X-700 and X-500 (called X-570 in the USA). The first generation AF bodies, Dynax/Maxxum/Alpha 7000 and 9000, can use these same flashes. The later AF models have a special dual-rail flash shoe, and these flashes won't work properly even with the adapter. There is an adapter available to mount a flash with conventional shoe to this dual-rail shoe, intended for use with AF 1200 Macro flash. I have not managed to use PX 360 or PX 80 with it in the Dynax 8000i - or 700si - either the adapter was inoperative or such combinations are not possible.
The third manual focusing camera that can use the PX series flashes is the CLE rangefinder - a fine camera but not the choise of a close-up photographer.
In addition to TTL metering, all PX flashes set the correct (=maximum) flash sync automatically in X-, XG- and XD-series Minoltas. In the X- and XG-series it is 1/60 sec., and in the XD 1/100 sec.
This is the top of the line flash for manual focusing Minoltas, with GN of 36. It has TTL capacity, two non TTL auto exposure areas, full manual setting, and can be set to work at 1/16, 1/8, 1/4 or 1/2 of the full power, if desired. The head has both swivel and tilt. Furthermore, the flash itself has sockets both for the Cable OC and Cable FB, so it can be used off the camera shoe, maintaining the TTL metering, with Cable OC but without a separate adapter. The Cable FB allows the Multi-Function back to control the flash in interval photography. The flash can be used at 2 frames/sec with 1/16 power and, with the Power Grip II accessory, with full power at 3,5 fps. So this is the best choose for a demanding photographer. If it is intended for close-up photography, the Cable OC and maybe Power Grip II are needed, to allow positioning the flash correctly. The Power Grip II allows the flash to be tilted slightly downwards, so that it can be directed to a closer subject.
The flash is sized similarly to Auto 320 X, so the same filters can be used.
This is the basic flash with GN 28 and fixed head. It can be attached to the Power Grip II, and used with cables using a suitable adapter. No non TTL auto or manual settings.
This is a small flash with GN 32 and tilting head but without a thyristor, so it takes longer to recycle. It cannot be used with Power Grip II, but the cables (except the FB) can be attached with an adapter. No manual or non TTL auto settings. The flash is a TTL version of the Auto 132X.
This is a special macro flash with GN of 8. It is not a ring flash, but has four small heads around the lens opening. Each of them can be set on or off separately, so it is possible to try to control the shadows better than with a single, ring-shaped flash head. There are also lights to help focusing - a great help with long extensions. The flash has no manual or non TTL settings, neither does it have a socket for Cable OC, but it has its own socket for Cable FB to allow use in interval photography.
The flash comes in a hard, black box that serves well as a storage. There should be the following parts in it: The flash head with a coiled cord permanently connected to it, the power unit that looks like a PX280 without the flash reflector, and two adapters, for 49 and 55 mm thread. To use the flash, put the correct adapter to the filter threads of the lens, and fix the flash head to it using the two tabs on both sides of it for release and fitting. The head can be turned 360 degrees around the lens. Put the power unit to the flash shoe, tighten the lock ring and put in fresh batteries. Connect the head and the power unit by inserting the connecting cord to the power unit - it fits only one way. To release it after the use, push the little button beside it. Select the flash tubes you want to use - each of them has a separate switch behind it in the flash head. Red colour in the switch indicates that the tube is set ON.
There is a picture of PX-80 with X-700, MotorDrive 1 and MC Macro Rokkor 100mm f3.5 QE at my main close-up page.
This is the current macro flash for Dynax cameras. However, it has the conventional hot shoe, not the dual rail of the Dynax. According to my photo dealer it can be used with X-700 - I have never tried this, so if anybody tries the combination, you do it at your own risk. But I would be happy if somebody could confirm that this combination works or does not work. Except better power (GN 12) and different looking power unit, the flash is similar than the PX 80. I don't know if it has a socket for the cable FB.
Minolta dedicated flash system
These flashes have a letter X in their name, and they can set the correct sync speed in X-, XD- and XG -cameras (like the PX series, too). Otherwise they are like other manual or non TTL auto flashes. The Auto 320X is looking like PX360 and uses same filter set but different Power Grip, the Power Grip I. The Auto 132X is non TTL version of the PX 132.
There are countless different flashes available from third-party manufacturers. At least Sunpak and Vivitar made special models that work with the TTL system of X-700 and X-500 - maybe Metz and some other did, too. There are also some macro flashes from third-party manufacturers, but a TTL system is so great to be used in close-up photography that I see no reason to buy a non TTL flash for it. Except, that some pros prefer to set their flashes manually - choise is yours.
Other equipment
Cable releasesMinolta has two kinds of cable releases. All manual focusing Minoltas accept standard mechanical cable release - either to the thread in their shutter release button or to a separate thread beside the bayonet mount (in models with touch switch -shutter release, that is XG and X series bodies). The XG, XD and X series cameras accept also Minoltas electrical remote release cords, which are available in two lengths: Remote Cord S is 50 cm long and Remote Cord L - now this is uncertain, I hope I remember right - 2 m long. These are attached to the same thread as the mechanical cord. The XM Motor has its own electrical remoter release cord.
The Minoltas that can use electrical remote release cords can also use the IR-1 infra-red release.
X-700 Multi Function Back
This back has many additional functions that lack from the standard date-printing backs like Data Back D (for XD) and Data Back G (for XG). It can be used to set the camera to unmanned operation - you can set the number of frames to be taken and the interval between them. The back can also turn the flash on in time to make it fully loaded before the shot. The PX80 Macro flash and the PX360 have the slot for Cable FB, which makes this possible - with PX 280 you must use the Power Grip II in unmanned operation with Multi Function Back. Of course, if you intend to take more than one photo unmanned, you need either Winder G or Motor Drive 1.
The Multi-Function back has a calendar up to 2099. In addition to interval operation (or together with it) it can be used to program long shutter speeds - they must be manually set using the (nicely said) odd user interface of the back, so this is not very practical. Of course the back can be used to print any six-digit code to the lower right corner of the frame - inside the frame, not between them - and automatically it can print date, time or exposure number (it can count automatically). The printing can be set off if wanted. The back gets it power from four 1,5 V alkaline cell, similar than those used by the camera electronics.
I suppose the Multi Function Back can be used also in the X-500/570, but I'm not sure.
Other data backs
Other backs available for manual focusing Minoltas are:
Data Back D for XD series - it can manually be set to print day/month/year or a limited amount of other letters/digits to the film. Problem: the back can not print year numbers after 99.
Data Back G for XG series is similar to D but not interchangeable with it - they have different shape.
Quartz Data Back 1 is electronical date printing back for X series, and it can be used with all X-series cameras. It does not have the special functions of the Multi-Function Back.
250 frame back
This bulk film back is available only to XM Motor - never seen one, but I know where to get a loader if I first got the back and the camera itself :-).
More about close-up photography and Minolta
| Close-up main page | |
| Minolta SLRs | About different Minolta manual focusing 35mm SLR cameras,
specially in terms of close-up photography |
| Macro lenses | Different macro lenses available for Minolta manual focusing SLRs |
| Extension devices | Extension tubes and bellows |
| Photos | Some of my close-up photos |
My other pages
| Home | My home page. |
| My photos | My photo pages |
| Subjective lens evaluations | of some Minolta's lenses |
| Minolta XE | The finest Minolta ever made |
| Tele lenses | of 300mm length of longer for manual focusing Minolta |
| Links | Yes, links. |