Extension Tubes

[Professional]

Hey there,

I would like to ask about extension tubes: what are the differences between each extension tube? I would like to know how much is the minimum or working distance with each extension tube to be used on normal non-macro lenses, i mean how much close-up i can go with any of extension tubes.

 

[R.E. Marquis]

Greetings.

To help answer your questions I would suggest downloading the “Close-Up Photography” article specific to your system (there is one for V-System, and one for H-System) from the Hasselblad Technical Information website. Both articles define field coverage and exposure compensation requirements for a large number of lens, extension tube(s), and converter combinations. Also included are some practical examples on how to use the tables and what to consider when making your equipment selections.

The URL is: http://www.hasselbladusa.com/downloads/technical-information.aspx


Once on the website scroll down and select the article associated with your system - you'll then be on your way.

Hope this helps –


RE

 

[polypal]

Close up calculator

This article was once available as a nice booklet from Hasselblad dealers.
Some may still have a copy or try any of the auction sites to get one.

Hasselblad used to make a special sliding ruler to find all variables that are important with the use of extensions.
Any extension be it fixed rings, the variable extension ring, the bellows or any combination can be found in this ruler.
It gives distance, EV correction, and reproduction scale of the objects.
Keep in mind this is all for 6X6 of course.

You might find this calculator in the classified section!

 

[Professional]

Thank you very much for your answers, i will give it look

 

[Professional]

I can't understand the table at all, but i will try to compare it with Canon Extension tubes so i can understand those numbers.

 

[polypal]

Macro Calculator

The slding ruler is not a static list.
The inner part can be moved to show data for a given distance or scale and size of the subject.

It is a clever device that allows you to find the right lens/extension for a given macro task.

 

[Professional]

Still can't understand it, and is there larger size of your attached table or sheet?

 

[polypal]

Close up calculator

The calculator is not a table or sheet it is a sliding ruler.

The calculator gives all variables for a given lens and a subject varying from 15 till 500 mm to record that subject filling the film frame completely.

You will find: extra extension needed for any lens from 80 mm till 250 mm, distance from subject to the lens, correction factor for the exposure, and magnification factor.
The calculator even gives information about the lens extension itself in these cases.

In short all variables are found once you have selected the actual size of the subject.

This calculator was designed for 6x6 film frames but it can also be used with 6x4.5 using a correction factor.

 

[Professional]

The calculator is not a table or sheet it is a sliding ruler.

The calculator gives all variables for a given lens and a subject varying from 15 till 500 mm to record that subject filling the film frame completely.

You will find: extra extension needed for any lens from 80 mm till 250 mm, distance from subject to the lens, correction factor for the exposure, and magnification factor.
The calculator even gives information about the lens extension itself in these cases.

In short all variables are found once you have selected the actual size of the subject.

This calculator was designed for 6x6 film frames but it can also be used with 6x4.5 using a correction factor.

I will try to understand this calculator, but i think the best thing is i test them, too bad that the dealer said there is no extension tubes available, but he ordered some to come soon, so then i will go and try it, but i am sure 100% that i will buy a macro lens, but my budget is bad after getting H3D kit.

 

[polypal]

Macro Lens

The 120 lens is a great lens for macro and worth every euro/dollar you pay for it.
It is recommended for use with extension tubes.

The 80 mm lens is a useful alternative.

 

[Professional]

The 120 lens is a great lens for macro and worth every euro/dollar you pay for it.
It is recommended for use with extension tubes.

The 80 mm lens is a useful alternative.

I like to shoot some close up shots, i tested that 120 in the store and i love it very much, i used it without any extension tube and it is perfect, but with 80mm i can't go so close up enough to fill the frame or get more closer magnificent for example, so that i asked about extension tubes as i want to see if it will help me much to use 80mm much closer same as 120 even not 1:1, i know that 120 worthy every euro/dollar/pound i pay for it but it is not cheap, and i don't much enough to buy it now.

 

[romanf]

Why don't you just get a bellows unit. It is better (and maybe cheaper) than having all those tubes laying around. With the bellows you have tremendous capabilities in terms of closeup work. If you get the 135mm lens, you can also focus to infinity with it and the bellows.

 

[polypal]

Why don't you just get a bellows unit. It is better (and maybe cheaper) than having all those tubes laying around. With the bellows you have tremendous capabilities in terms of closeup work. If you get the 135mm lens, you can also focus to infinity with it and the bellows.

The camera in use here is one from the H series. For that camera there is no bellows or bellows lens available.
The only option to use a bellows is to get the V converter and connect the bellows to the converter with a suitable lens for the bellows.

Although the 135 mm lens will focus at infinity with the bellows the i.q. is not what you would expect of a Carl Zeiss lens.
The 120 mm Makro Planar and the 135 mm S-Planar were designed as macro lenses.
These lenses are optimised for close range where lenses for general use are optimised at infinity.

 

[jotloob]

Why don't you just get a bellows unit. It is better (and maybe cheaper) than having all those tubes laying around. With the bellows you have tremendous capabilities in terms of closeup work. If you get the 135mm lens, you can also focus to infinity with it and the bellows.

Here is what romanf is talking about .

View attachment 898



But you could also use any other lens with the bellows , although it does not make much sense with some focal length .
There is also a variable extension ring (not produced any more) with extensions from 64 to 85 mm . This one was designed to be used with the 5,6/136 PLANAR .

 

[jotloob]

Here is the variable extension ring and the CF 5,6/135mm lens .

View attachment 899

 

[Professional]

Sorry people, but i don't have that 500 or V system, i have H3DII Hasselblad, so that means only H series.

Anyway, i just bought an extension tube [26] 2 days ago, i tested at the store before and i never look or tested 13 which was available, and there wasn't 52 available [and the salesman told me that he has been told by Hasselblad that 52 is not recommended], so i just tested 26 and got it immediately without thinking a second, i can't afford a Macro lens now so this extension tube will do the job for a while.

The only downside i have with it which make me to hate Hasselblad overall is that bad slow focus, but i will never give up.

 

[polypal]

The only downside i have with it which make me to hate Hasselblad overall is that bad slow focus, but i will never give up.

This so called slow focus is still the fastest available in MF!

The suggestion by romanf about a bellows as an easy way to prevent a load of extension rings only goes for the bellows with the special 135 mm lens.

A bellows with ordinairy lenses is seriously limited in its applications because the minimum extension of the bellows is 64 mm.

For occasional macro jobs at a budget extension rings are the way to go.
The 13 mm and the 26 mm are the rings to start with.
Last choice will be the 52 mm ring.
The H system does not have the macro options that were once available for the V series.

 

[jim_lukow]

I've tried the 16mm (?) extension tube with the 120mm on the 500c/m and I think its great. Though I wonder about the reference to slow focus . . . ?

I want to try to get a couple more of the extension rings.

Jim

 

[polypal]

Jim,


The remark about slow focus is about H series cameras.
They offer autofocus.

Please note the correct way to fit multiple rings is one at a time to the body and finally the lens.
Removal is the reverse i.e. first the lens tahn each ring till the last one comes off.

An attempt to remove all at once may lead to a seized body.



Paul