Extension Tubes

[WannaTakePix]

Hi All,

I've just grabbed a set of "dumb" extension tubes off ebay.

I was assuming that I just:

- stick them on my camera body (Nikon D70)
- add my lens (35mm f1.8G)
- & SHOOT

Not quite working out as I thought.

Looking through the viewfinder:

- everything is pretty dark.
- does not focus ( guess it's because the tubes are "dumb")
- when a shot is taken it is just black

What do I need to do; Step-by-Step ?

Should I try my 18-105mm?

Thanks,

WTP

p.s. Tried the camera & lens in full manual mode

 

[tezmed]

the extension tubes (cheaper ones) generally need manual focusing....

light intake is limited further due to the sensor being further from the glass, so may required slightly longer exposure setting or an iso alteration

 

[WannaTakePix]

the extension tubes (cheaper ones) generally need manual focusing....

light intake is limited further due to the sensor being further from the glass, so may required slightly longer exposure setting or an iso alteration

Thanks.
Increased exposure and got some better results.

Only problem is the D70 doesn't have LiveView so it takes a bit of trial and error to get the shot.

I've got a 40D too, will order some tubes for that too, maybe the focusing ones.

Will try and post pics in a bit too.

WTP

 

[modchild]

I've got a set of the Kenko AF tubes and they are so much easier than the manual ones. A friend had a set for about a week before he relegated them to a pen holder on his computer desk and went for the AF set.

IIRC he had to attach his lens as usual, set the aperture he wanted in manual, remove the lens, add the tubes to the lens and then to the camera, focus on the subject and then take the photo.

Not easy, especially out in a field with the insects flying around. He only used them twice I think before he gave it up as a bad job.

 

[jomike]

The problem with the manual tubes is that you have no control over aperure, and G lenses like the 35mm and 18-105VR have no manual aperture ring. Therefore you are always shooting at smallest aperture (highest F no.), hence the dim viewfinder.

With Nikon G lenses, the aperture is controlled from the body by a lever that operates the aperture blades on the lens, so the Canon DOF preview workaround will not work. You could try jamming the aperture lever on the lens open, but if you do not know what you are doing you could damage things, so not recommended.

Tubes like Kenko that support AF also control the aperture from the body so you do not have these issues.