Position:Home>Visual Arts> How do i focus on very close up plants? I have a manual k1000 Asahi from school.

The problem with answering the question is that you have imposed a near impossible condition, "without having to buy anything"!.

Most ways of achieving close focus have already been covered by previous answers!. Let's review:

1!. Move the lens away from the film with an extension tube or bellows!.

I'd like to congratulate Dr!. Sam for posting a resourceful way of making an extension tube at near zero cost!.

2!. Add an additional element to the existing lens with a screw on close up lens!. You may be able to do this without buying a set of close up lenses!. Try borrowing a magnifying lens from your school's science department and tape the lens to the end of your existing lens!. Even a cheap plastic lens from a hand magnifier will work!. If your instructor asks about the weird ripples and fringes in your photos with the cheap lens, just say you're being "arty"!.

3!. Use a macro lens!. Although it's possible to get good macro lenses from various sources for less than $20, you would have to spend something!. If in your future photographic career you want to invest in a starter macro lens, I recommend one of the kiron made vivitar macro telephotos, either the 70-150, or 75-205!. The kiron made vivitars have serial #s starting with 22!. The 75-205 is running cheaper these days since word has leaked out that the kiron vivitar 70-150 is internally the same as a cult nikon lens

There is one more low cost method of getting closer to your subject using your existing equipment that hasn't been covered!. Try reversing your lens!. You might have to use duct tape or one of Dr!. Sam's cardboard tubes to mount the reversed lens on your camera, but you'll find that when reversed, your normal lens now focuses sharply at about 4 inches!. If you're willing to spring for a couple bucks, lens reverse mounts that screw onto the end of your lens like a filter are available!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

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I think the closest you can get without buying anything is 12-15 inches!. Sorry!.

The cheapest way to go is to buy either "extension tubes" or "close up lenses!."

Close up lenses are probably cheaper and they do not cut the light the way the extension tubes do!. They generally come in a set marked +1, +2 and +3 (or +4) and sell for under $50!. They are not as good as a real macro lens, but that would cost ten times as much!.

If you want FREE macro and feel adventurous, you can make your own extension ring out of the cardboard tube from paper towels or toilet paper!. Cut it about an inch long for your first attempt!. Paint the inside black with a marker!. Read the description under this picture for the details: http://www!.flickr!.com/photos/samfeinstei!.!.!.
Bear in mind that you will lose a few stops when you do this, so you will need to light your subject pretty well and/or use ISO 400 or faster film!. The lens will have to be set on manual also, because you will lose the meter coupling and auto-stop down function!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

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You don't need to spend big bucks!. You can either get a set of close up lenses (screw on like filters),or you can get a macro lens!. The best bet, and I just looked at some of the prices, is at KEH!.com!. go to that and open "camera store", click on "pentax manual focus" and then click on the lenses that zooms are not Pentax brand!. for somewhere in the vicinity you about 45-60 bucks, you can get a good lens with macro!. I would call them on Monday and discuss with the sales person what you want to do and how much you have to spend!. They are all polite and well informed, most are pro photographers on the side!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

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sorry, there's nothing much you can do!.
you can get a macro, but i it costs a ton and i don't recommend it unless you're really into photography!.
sorry!
:[[Www@QuestionHome@Com

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