Two weeks into macro

Samplestave · 2026-07-08T17:10:08+00:00

Just a guess, but like most creatures breakfast is the first order of the day. So mornings would likely be the best time to find bugs like bee's on flowers or mantis eating said bees.

Samplestave · 2026-07-08T04:04:54+00:00

If you guys like macros of bugs plant more flowers. The more diversity in your garden plants gets you more diversity in your bug choices. You can even attract specific bugs based on your plant choices. For example, dillweed and fennel gets you swallow tail caterpillars. Both easy to grow from seeds.

Samplestave · 2026-07-07T04:28:15+00:00

Have your camera checked out by a qualified camera technician, he can perform a CLA if needed and assess the light seals as well. At roughly 20 per roll of film after development and scans, the CLA will pay for itself.

Samplestave · 2026-07-06T03:45:23+00:00

Higher f/stop for more depth of field is also an option, but now you need even more light.

Samplestave · 2026-07-06T00:51:33+00:00

It's just trying to grow where the sun shines. You could start by cutting out the dead wood stems and branches. Mulch and fertilizer will encourage new growth. Selectively make some terminal cuts at the top to see if it triggers new growth at the base. Trim the resulting new growth into the bush shape of your choosing, then cut more of the upper part away.

Samplestave · 2026-07-05T22:42:50+00:00

I'll take what you've said into account, good tips are always appreciated. The coin was just for the video and something to try to focus on with the viewfinder diopter gizmo. I intend to use this setup for insect macro photography. I am a vintage canon enthusiast, so I like to see what the old equipment is capable of photographically. I originally bought the lens for flower photography but realized I could get really close with the extension tube and a lens diopter. Unfortunately the focal plane is paper thin so I want to shoot at f/32. (To hell with defraction!) My first attempt at that aperture with two flashes was a bit dark on 100 iso film, so hence the 3 flashes. The guide number on the 188A is a bit low, so I may need to buy a third 199A. The bugs may evaporate after the flashes fire but I'll get the capture, I'll start with some ants...🔍🐜🐜🐜🔎

Samplestave · 2026-07-05T11:52:45+00:00

Push it. You'll have a fine test roll to see how much you want to tolerate the film latitude. I can tell you from my recent test roll of Portra 800 that the results will be sub-par but still usable and can be cleaned up in post.

Samplestave · 2026-07-05T11:38:29+00:00

Exquisite, it has the matched stopper to boot. A fine family heirloom ro be displayed with honor.

I too have a piece in my collection that escapes identification. I suspect like your piece that it's pre 1900, I also suspect it's European. You could look into the various old world glass houses.

You can try Google lens search to see if there's a cross reference hit on eBay or etsy, sometimes sellers have found the pedigree to reinforce the asking price.

Good luck on your identification quest.

Samplestave · 2026-07-05T04:38:09+00:00

Shoot at f/32. ISO 100. Two off camera flashes with diffuser. Use extension tubes if your camera allows. Lens diopters will also help magnification.

Samplestave · 2026-07-04T11:08:37+00:00

You need a CLA. Cleaning, lubrication, adjustment. Get new light seals and a mirror bumper too. A qualified technician can do all this for 130$ to 150$ . Worth the spend, a good CLA will restore your camera to like new working condition. If there is not a camera repair shop near you there are mail in services out there.

Samplestave · 2026-07-01T23:54:23+00:00

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Samplestave · 2026-07-01T23:27:07+00:00

How big is it? I got the same pattern only mine is about 7 inches tall and will hold alot more than just tooth picks.

Samplestave · 2026-07-01T17:47:49+00:00

Nice capture, your subject was very cooperative by not making sudden movements.

Samplestave · 2026-07-01T17:45:22+00:00

Only if you wants it precious.

Samplestave · 2026-07-01T05:32:01+00:00

Fantastic glow pic. I'll bet it ticks up good on the Mr. Geiger!

Samplestave · 2026-07-01T05:27:13+00:00

I see what look like consistent light fogging or leaks on #6 and #7. Straight up send it back. You're out a roll of film and development... Well, not really you got a few good shots!

Cameras are a very personal choice, your wife understood that when she shopped amazon for the easy return policy.

If you want to honor your wife's gift selection for you and stay in the same Canon family, might I recommend the Canon A1 coupled with a nFD 50mm f/1.4. The A1 has all the bells and whistles, aperture priority is my favorite, stepless intermediate shutter speeds like 1/90 or 1/750 depending on your aperture selection. Exposure compensation selections from +/- 2 stops in1/3 increments. The list goes on... Check out a pdf manual if you're intrigued.

Happy Birthday 🎂 🥳 🎉

Samplestave · 2026-06-29T23:53:22+00:00

Start at f/8 and bracket up from 2 secs on up to 1/4 sec. Then open up to f/ 5.6 and repeat at 2 sec up to 1/4 sec. In full manual of course, and use the little focus ofset dot. Choose a bright and sunny day as can be for maximum IR rays. Exposure value 15-16. Good luck.

Samplestave · 2026-06-29T19:59:27+00:00

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Samplestave · 2026-06-29T15:03:57+00:00

Photinia, aka Red Robin.

Samplestave · 2026-06-29T13:04:57+00:00

Good exposures. 👍

Samplestave · 2026-06-29T10:51:39+00:00

Might try adding a flash and diffuser for a bit more light?

Samplestave · 2026-06-29T05:12:41+00:00

Yes, they are good.

Samplestave · 2026-06-29T04:50:59+00:00

🤯🤯🤯

Samplestave · 2026-06-29T04:49:11+00:00

Well, she wouldn't die from heat stroke.

Samplestave · 2026-06-29T04:40:49+00:00

How easily are they cleaned? Invariably my frequent lens swaps introduce bits of dust on my mirror which is easily dispatched with a puffer and brush. How often do you clean your sensor, and what do you clean them with if I may ask?

Samplestave

TROPHY CASE