modern day macro photography

close-up shot of a spider – courtesy of How-to Geek

Toronto. In the days of film and film cameras, lenses rarely focussed on subjects closer than a metre. Newer lenses would focus down to a half metre or some times a few inches closer.

Macro shots were initially taken with the normal lens using some means to bring subjects, too close for the lens adjustment, into focus – usually a bellows, extension tubes, or a copy stand. Sometimes, if the normal lens design was asymmetrical, the lens could be turned around before being used. In some cases a positive diopter lenses (+1, +2, or +3) was bought and screwed into the lens instead of a filter.

Later, a special macro lens, corrected for a close subjects could be purchased and used instead of the normal lens.

When digital cameras (especially on smart phones) became common place, they often had a built-in macro capability or a special add-on lens unit could be bought to allow a close-up focus. Sharp images are possible with a bit of practice (and a decent  light setup necessary even for film).

One of my favourite blogs/newsletters, How-to Geek, posted a detailed article called, “What Is Macro Photography?” much of which is also applicable to old film cameras. Have a read – and try close-ups! Are you into film but missing that special close-up stuff? Check out one of our events like the May 5th auction!

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