P3D Pictures at mag > 1 with macro lens

[fj834@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Dr. George A. Themelis)]

I was asked (in personal mail):

>>For magnifications over 1x (usually the case in duplicating 35 mm film)
>>use the lens reverse for better optical performance.
>
>Does this mean that in order to enlarge a slide you would turn the lens
>around?

For magnifications around 1x it probably does not make much difference. 
But if you are enlarging, say, 2x (as when you are copying VM to Realist
size), and you are using a close-up/macro lens, then it is recommended to
turn the lens around (reverse).  The Minolta Bellows III make this reversal
very easy... just slide a knob and you can turn your lens 180 degrees.  No
adapters required.  If you are using a true micro lens (like the 25mm
Minolta that I mentioned), you use it as-is (do not reverse) because this
lens is optimized for use at higher mags (around 4x I believe). 

George Themelis


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