Best Bellows / Nikon mount

[Maxence]

I am looking for a good Bellows in Nikon mount

I have been thinking of the popular and expensive PB 6 but there seems to be mixed reviews about it : http://www.imagepower.de/IMAGES/imgEQUIPMENT/PB6.htm

On the other hand, I have seen a lot of other bellows available but it seems all don't have the ability to have the camera moves instead of the lens. I really need the final image preserved wherever focus is made ..

Would you suggest a good (better) alternative to the PB 6 ?

 

[bgD300]

The principal requirements for a bellows are that the standards for lens and camera remain parallel at all times and that movement is smooth and controllable.

There are plenty of good ones around that meet those requirements. Look for rigidity of the frame and geared controls. I used to use a PB-4 which also allows for swing/shift or rise/tilt but that isn't really a necessity. The Nikon bellows also had provision for dual cable releases for aperture control.

There are several older Novoflex models on auction sites now at reasonable prices. Just make sure you get them with the adapter to fit Nikon.

 

[Maxence]

I actually need smooth movements as I will do focus stacking. I need to make focus with the camera and the lens staying fixed aswell. And good rigidity to use on tripod.

I am checking what is available from Ebay but prices range from 30 USD to 700 USD, and I can't really know by looking at it what it can actually do ..

Maybe you can suggest one or two specific models, from novoflex or others ? My budget is 300 USD




(I am not sure to need tilt/shift and the dual cable release for now ..)

 

[bgD300]

I don't think I can help you with specific models since I bought by PB-4 when I was still using my brand new F2. I do know that the Novoflex seem to have a good reputation as do the Nikon PB series.

If you go to the big auction site and search for 'macro bellows nikon' it will bring up a pretty long list. I would avoid the straight from China stuff. It may be fine but some of it looks a bit flimsy compared to the PB and Novoflex bellows.

The PB-4 incorporated a focus rail which most don't have and had four tubes for rigidity.

Nikon PB-4


The PB-5 was similar to the PB-4 without the focus rail and lens shift and swing functions. The PB-6 worked on more of a girder and also incorporated the focus rail.

Nikon PB-6


I haven't seen him posting here lately but, KEVZPHOTO has some great focus stacking tips on his blog at http://kvincentphotography.ca/blog/2012/1/focus-stacking and some great examples at http://kvincentphotography.ca/stackedimages



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[mbernard]

I do not think that you need bellows for focus stacking. A simple focus rail like this: http://www.novoflex.com/en/products/macro-accessories/focusing-racks/castel/ is enough + a macro lens.

 

[Maxence]

Oh no, I actually already do some focus stacking. I use my tripod and focus on different areas of subject (it's close-up photography more than macro)

The rail could be fine but I would like to really get into macro and use some lenses with no focusing ring etc...

I think i will go for the PB6. PB4 seems sturdy but I will get more flexibility with PB6. And some persons are actually happy of the PB6 , so ...