Help with lens stacking technique for macro photography

[PrimeTech]

Hi,
First let me explain that I'm not into photography, although I'd love to be If I had the time. My current need is to implement some techniques used in photography to a process I'm performing in my current field of work.
So the very little background in this matter comes from what I've collected of reading around the web in the past 10 days or so. Let me emphasize that although the experts here may have a suggestion other than the current route I've taken up to this point, I prefer to stick with this until I can make improvements.

So what happens is that I'm looking to get a nice view of .6mm and smaller particles soldered on electronics components during their work process, in order to see how/when/how long etc they change from their solid state to liquid, then back to solid again.

I started gathering the equipment for my set up based on the one from a colleague, who I lost contact with and got the desired results, and now I need to finish the set up without his support.

The set up consists of a computer camera the ImagingSource DFK 31AF03 ( DFK 31AF03 - FireWire 400 Color Camera ), a zoom lens (Manual 18 108mm F5 6 2 3? Macro Zoom Lens C Mount LMZ45T2 | eBay), plus an extra lens to be stacked using a macro coupler ring.

The need for the stacked lens comes from needing to be able to position the camera set up at double the distance while improving the zoom, if possible. For example, if I use the setup (with the diopter as described on the zoom lens ebay listing), I get a zoom and nice focus of the target at a distance of about 4.5" from a surface that gets very hot (around 250c). I need to position the set up farther away from this hot surface while getting a better zoom if possible.

So I bought a used QUANTRAY 28/2.8 LENS MINOLTA MD (52mm filter thread, which is the same as on the zoom lens) and attached it backwards using the macro coupler ring 52-52mm. Well, I cant see anything other than light and like a foggy type of view. I've tried with all possible adjustments on both lenses and the only changes I see are from one thing to the other which are both different nothingness and eternal darkness, unless I point it towards a direct source of light (like a lamp or something) then I see a circle of light.

I dont know whether I need to try a larger stacked lens (52mm or something) to decrease the zoom or something, or whether this quantaray lens is somehow defective.

I'd appreciate if anybody can give me some clues.

Regards,

 

[480sparky41 40]

Post a sample so we can see what you're up against.

 

[bsinmich]

One way to get closer than the normal focusing distance is with an extension tube, or tubes, and another is with a close-up lens that fits on the front of the lens. You can couple a 2X and 3X close-up lens and have a 5X total. Either method will let you get much closer than the normal lens focusing would allow. I use a bellows and a 75mm enlarging lens on my Pentax if I want to get within less than a few inches. You will need good lighting to do what you want.

 

[PrimeTech]

I'll post pictures shortly.

Yeah I've read about the different techniques and the the stacking lenses kind of seemed better and I'd like to achieve my goals this way since I'm all the way in with the purchase of the ring and the 28mm lens. All I'm looking for are clues of why this is happening. Could this lens be defective that way? I'll be returing the lens regardless since it's not working and pick a more fitting one if I can be given some guidance. One of the down sides of this technique, as I have read, is that not all combinations work well, and I can live with that. But in my case is just not working at all.

I'll visit a local photography store and see what they say. Just wanted to start here since they're closed for the weekend.

Regards,

 

[480sparky41 40]

The problem with just a reversing ring and a lens is you only have ONE magnification ratio. Focus is obtained by moving closer or further from the subject.

You could obtain 7 more levels of magnification by getting a set of 3 extension tubes. A far more variable set of ratios can be easily secured with a bellows.

 

[PrimeTech]

Hi, thanks for your reply 480sparky,

You know during my little research I've found some information that explains it really good and is how I was able to get this far. As explained in both of the links below it seems like a reasonable technique to try for my needs, plus I know of a person, whom I lost contact with, who is using it this way.

Rod Barbee Photography--Different Ways to Get Close
Close-up: Stacking, Reversing and Other Lens Gymnastics - Photo Tips @ Earthbound Light

Here is a picture of his set up so you have an idea.

 

[bsinmich]

Before returning the lens and saying it doesn't work you should attempt to see at what distance it will focus. You can do this by moving a printed page closer and farther from the lens. I think it would be less expensive to get a set of extension rings. You would just use the C mount lens and get closer with each ring. The rings can be coupled together for added control. The farther the lens from the camera the closer the focus will be. I once took a picture of a mosquito sitting on the lens front. I posted this the same time you put the picture on. Looking at the picture I think it looks like at least one extension tube in that setup.

 

[PrimeTech]

Thanks for the tip about checking with a printed sheet of paper. Well looking from about a feet away from the lens it kind of focus at about 1.5-2 inches from the printed paper.

PS
He has a Quantaray wide angle lens (two- lens set up).

 

[PrimeTech]

Here is what I got. Pictures were too big to upload here.

Set put together

Quantaray lens

 

[480sparky41 40]

By 'sample photo', I mean a sample of your results.