My handheld bellows setup

NateS · Jun 29, 2011

I got to playing the other day and wanted to try and fabricate up a setup that would allow me to use my bellows setup to get more magnification (and DOF) than my Tamron 180mm w/ tubes. I came up with the following (pics below). It is my D90 attached to a set of PB-6 bellows. On the other end is a BR-2A reversing ring and a reversed 50mm f1.8. The flash setup is an old piece of wood with a bolt running through it to attach it to the tripod mount of the bellows. Then I have a metal bracket deal that brings the flash mount up with the flash and sync cord mounted to that. This setup is actually extremely convenient. I can now handhold my bellows setup and quickly change the magnification using the rear bellows attachment. I can also move the flash (not that I'd ever need to) by moving the tripod/rail mount.

Some example shots using this setup. Settings are f/8, 1/200th, ISO 200, Manual flash @ 1/4 power.

3-4 image stack

2 image stack

The following are all some single images (no stacks) of flower in the flower bed (aster I believe)

That little critter couldn't have been more than 1/2mm long..if that.

EGphoto · Jun 30, 2011

Seems to have worked out great! Awesome DOF! I would love to do this D80 and 50mm!

Bend The Light · Jun 30, 2011

Fabulous Harvestman pictures (I think that's what they are?)

NateS · Jul 5, 2011

EGphoto said:
Seems to have worked out great! Awesome DOF! I would love to do this D80 and 50mm!

Thanks. You can get some decent magnification with just a BR-2A reversal ring to reverse mount your 50mm directly to your D80. I think the BR-2A is only like $20 so you should give it a try.