$5 Macro Lens

[Warthaug]

I've attached a PDF describing a macro lens I recently "invented". Pretty simple and cheap to make. Adds macro capacity to any underwater camera, and can be used in conjunction with a built-in macro for additional magnification!

Now if only I could find instructions for a DIY wide-angle...

Bryan

 

[ralawrence]

Nicely done. Try a fish eye lens for wide angle??

 

[James_SGP]

Warthaug, I don`t seem to be able to download your PDF file... can you help me and email it to me?

james_wc @ dolphinscuba.com.sg (no spaces!)

 

[alcina]

Need photos of examples taken with it please

 

[Jcsgt]

I couldn't view it/download it, either.

 

[Warthaug]

File must have disappeared during the server move. My scout group is also hosting the file:

http://www.geocities.com/dionysus_pdf/macrolens.pdf

Example images are included in the PDF.

Bryan

 

[alcina]

Link works.

Can you do a comparison without the lens and with the lens on the same subject/conditions? This is a great idea if it works.

The coin appears to be in focus, but neither of the other shots are.

 

[Warthaug]

Link works.

Can you do a comparison without the lens and with the lens on the same subject/conditions? This is a great idea if it works.

The coin appears to be in focus, but neither of the other shots are.

Unfortuantly, no. I'm using a real cheap underwater camera (pixtreme), and it has a fixed focal length. So all you would see in the macro-free pictures is a blur (if taken at the same distance); it is the macro lens which allows me to get the camera close enough to the subject to take those pictures. To get the coins into focus requirs that I be about 5' away; at that distance the couns would be just small circles in the image.

That's also why the underwater photos are a little off. The orgionals don't look near as bad as the ones in the PDF, but they aren't 100% either. Unfortunatly, with a fixed-focal length camera the range which is in focus is rather small (~10cm focal depth), so its pretty ahrd to get a photo that is perfectly in focus. If your camera is not fixed focus you'll get better pictures, as your camera will focus on the subject through the macro lens.


Bryan

 

[KRL1973]

ressurecting this thread in hopes that someone can post the file or updated link on this DIY lens

thanks!

 

[Warthaug]

ressurecting this thread in hopes that someone can post the file or updated link on this DIY lens

thanks!

Your wish is my command (please don't hold me to that).

I would also add at this point that focusing with this can be a real b*tch if you have a fixed focus (i.e. infinity-focused) camera. I doubt many people are still using those beasts, but if you are be prepared for a lot of duplicates as you try to get some pics in focus.

Bryan