M42 lens on Bellows for Pentax K10D

[Fabulozzz]

I have been reading this forum for some time now and having fun using old MF lenses on my Pentax K10D, mostly Pentax and Tamrons.

I have just purchased a very nice Honeywell Pentax Auto-Bellows that i will be using with a Super Takumar 55mm F2 lens.

I did not have time to set up the tripod and ligthting to take macro pictures, but i mounted the setup on my K10d and this thing can focus really close to blow up details.

Now, it would be nice to have a bit more room to work, so i may get a longer focal lenght to mount on the bellows.

Any suggestions for cheap lens that would perform? I was thinking of getting an enlarger lens about 75mm or 90mm. Already have a real cheap LUCKY 75mm, but waiting for an adapter to mount it and i don't expect much from this lens.... but who knows, it may surprise me.

This is a great forum and i love reading you all

[Attila]

Welcome! Thank you for joining us!

[scsambrook]

Enlarging lenses of 105mm and longer are good on bellows units - you can often buy them very reasonably. Depending on the construction of the actual bellows unit, you'll probably find you can also get focus back to infinity.

[patrickh]

Welcome. The biggest issue with enlarger lenses is the mount size. Many are M39, but Schneider in particular uses some very odd sizes. The names to look for for value/quality are El-nikkor (all M39), Rodenstock Rodagon and Schneider Componon. Any of these in 80mm or above will give you plenty of room for macro.


patrickh