5 REASONS TO SHOOT WITH VINTAGE MACRO LENSES - Up Close and Personal

[@MarkHoltze]

Any vintage macro lenses I should check out?

[@MinhajMalik]

Nikkor 200mm f/4 and Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 perhaps :)

[@patrickvandervalk9622]

I absolutely agree; these vintage macro lenses are a steal! I have the Tokina ATX 90 M , better known as “Bokina” . With dedicated extender it will give you a 1:2, 1:1 macro lens whilst it is a perfect portret lens too! And did I mention the great bokeh already ;-)?

[@TheBarrelDoesGaming]

Super Paragon PMC II 28mm, really nice on APS-C

[@garystarnes5178]

Here are three of my favorites: www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/vivitar-series-1-90mm-2-5-macro.html www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/vivitar-135mm-f-2-8-1-2-close-focusing.html www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/kiron-lester-dine-105mm-f2-8-macro.html Thanks for another great video Mark!

[@pangderek9507]

Hey Mark, how about the Laowa 100mm f2.8 2:1 macro lens? I know I know it is not really a vintage lens ................

[@pal2tech]

LOVE LOVE LOVE your channel. You B-Roll is mind blowing and outstanding video production. Well done, sir.

[@MarkHoltze]

Thanks mate! All shot with vintage lenses by the way ;) there's nothing they can't do when inspired ;)

[@bustaubie]

Thanks for the advice. I've been having the itch for macro photography and now I'm sold.

[@RunNGunPhoto]

*Mesmerized by the shot at **4:47**!!!!* Great Tips Mark! I have yet to try out any vintage Macro lenses, other than a Canon 135mm, natively on my AE-1.

[@MarkHoltze]

Thanks mate. Says a lot coming from you. Master photographer.

[@bacanovic1]

You did a tremendous job with the macro lenses. Your exceptional coverage of vintage lenses, Takumar in particular, has inspired me to build a broad collection of Takumar lenses myself. I now shoot with them the majority of the time. Thank you for the inspired tutelage.

[@MarkHoltze]

My pleasure mate. It’s been a trip myself and sharing that I think was my only outlet to help contain it.

[@kptalteamtv6084]

The is something magical about those vintages lenses. I don't know but, in my case, I have Minolta 50mm 1.7, Sigma 35-70mm, Sigma 30mm 2.8, Sigma 8-16mm and Rokinon 12mm 2.0. Any moment I put the Minolta after using the any another lense , I fell something, a satisfaction, a feeling that is the right lense I just put. Other lenses are sharp than the Minolta but, I prefer it. I've sold the 30mm and the 35-70mm. Am getting the Minolta 28mm 2.8

[@gerryhardman9060]

I totally agree with you Mark, a macro lens makes so many possibilities for shooting outdoors or indoors. My MF 105 2.8 micro Nikkor has become my favourite lens. That one along with my old 55 3.5 micro are my two sharpest lenses. The detail they render is incredible. Using a mirror-less camera with slower aperture lenses makes them a lot more useable as well, thanks for the video you do an awesome job as always. Regards Gerry

[@MarkHoltze]

✊

[@HeeCheeFox]

What an informative and superbly produced video... Thank-you, amazing...

[@_tographer]

Great points, it’s easy to overlook the benefits of vintage lenses in favor of modern glass but older lenses can be really inspiring and a lot of fun to use.

[@vaskoobscura_]

Macro is so much fun. My 50mm macro has some in handy so many times. I haven't used a vintage macro yet but I have my eye on one.

[@mdkooter]

Love the dinky voigtlander/cosina 100mm f3.5. It weighs near nothing, but it's simple optical constitution means it's a phenomenal lens to work with and somehow gives that 80s film look on modern camera's!

[@andreasbuder4417]

Mark, the Mandalorian: This is the way! (So fittingly about „old“ ways like vintage lenses, as the Mandalorian is all about the old, ancient way)

[@MarkHoltze]

I like it Andreas! THIS IS THE WAY!!! *nods*

[@LayilaFaon]

This looks so awesome perfect - it seems to be unreal ( the flowers/nature shots) 🙈stunning !

[@mouta8036]

i discovered the legacy lenses so i have bought yashika ml 50mm f1.4 and i found it really sharp

[@vincentdiggins5191]

Love the video. Macro is a great hobby during lock down. I am a bit jealous of your Zeiss 60mm macro.

[@LA-yv5us]

You have extraordinary work with these videos, I really appreciate your craftsmanship and detail, and really dig how much expertise insight you give in your studies to these Relic lenses.. I wish some of the videos were longer, very inspiring.. Keep studying these great lenses.

[@MarkHoltze]

Thanks mate! Yes, I'd like to produce longer videos, but they all come out pretty much the same. I generally try to keep things under 10 mins, my issue with this one is most of those macro shots were taken over the last 3 years so I didn't have good broll of setting those up. I really have a hard time just letting myself sit and talk on camera feeling the needt o cut away, so if I don't have decent coverage for a concept, i'll trim it back. If the concept has legs and I've got the time, longer for sure. Thanks for the kind words.

[@ReimannPembroke]

Just picked up a vintage Vivitar 55mm f/2.8 in FD mount for my Sony! Excited to use it for macro work and for scanning negatives with my Sony A7III!

[@MarkHoltze]

Go!!!! ✊

[@FINNSTIGAT0R]

I'm so glad this channel was recommended to me by youtube, since the content quality is through the roof!

[@tomislavmiletic_]

I guess I never mentioned to you before, I worked as a medical photographer for almost 3 years back in the day, and that involved 90% of all work being macro photography 😊

[@realamericannegro977]

I'm curious was it all macro because of the work or because you simply choose that lense?

[@tomislavmiletic_]

@@realamericannegro977 Dental photography is 90 % macro work, so...

[@realamericannegro977]

@@tomislavmiletic_ makes sense. I thought you were doing general medical stuff in hospitals and etc.

[@tomislavmiletic_]

@@realamericannegro977 I'm sorry, I wasn't accurate enough...

[@Andersm91]

Thanks for posting this video! Good to get a different point of view 👌

[@MarkHoltze]

Thanks for stopping by

[@SuperLala33]

Love the video! Exploring the world of macro, be amazed and enjoy

[@MarkHoltze]

✊

[@Lavi-Aemilia-Astori]

Vintage lens just feels better then modern counterpart, even at a lower sharpness it is just more pleasure to use

[@MarkHoltze]

I actually can't see any difference in sharpness at F/8 between a modern macro and a vintage one. Macro optics are pretty simple compared to wider angle lenses or zoom lenses. And most macro stuff is done at higher F/stop's because you need more of the small subject in focus and the close focusing distance will still give nice separation even as high as F/22. It's at lower F/STOPS where the differences in sharpness are more apparent. F/2.8 for example. Also auto focus and optical image stabilization which vintage don't have.

[@caldera878]

The only major difference I see between vintage lens and modern lenses is the improvement on multi-coating. Old lenses will flare more often but sharpness is very close between the two almost indistinguishable.

[@MarkHoltze]

Agreed!

[@kamishimoproductions8587]

Mark, you have recommended lots of lenses, vintage and modern true you're never wrong. I love the way you approach, teach and guide the uninitiated into the realm of vintage lenses. I have a few vintage macro lenses now including a Canon FD 100mm f4 S.C. Definitely you're my go to with your very detailed videos, thanks again..

[@MarkHoltze]

Makes me happy to hear it mate. Nice reminder to try to keep going, thank you for the kind words

[@jorshhh]

Just bought a Minolta MC Rokkor 50mm macro to scan some film negatives. This got me all excited to use it for other kinds of photography! Great quarantine past time activity.

[@jamallarose1452]

Thoroughly enjoyed this entry, Mark. Indeed, they provide 'an exotic vacation of possibilities'.

[@MarkHoltze]

In your own backyard lol! Thanks Jamal! Hope you’re well mate!

[@jamallarose1452]

@@MarkHoltze😊 Yes, I'm doing okay. Thanks.

[@djmarzek]

pure quality videos! Thanks Mark!

[@MarkHoltze]

Thanks you mate!

[@villemononen5303]

I'm a cheapo (mostly), so most of the Macro lenses i have are in ~50mm range. I prefer the smaller lenses anyways, more handy than 100mm, and often i don't need the 1:1. My most favorite macro lens is the compact 50mm types, that extend when needed. Perfect for travel. I mostly use the quite rare Fujinon EBC 55mm F3.5 Macro (M42), but most of the them are equally good. I think of brands such as Pentax, Minolta, Konica etc. At work i prefer to use the Canon FD lens, and there my favorite macro is the Canon FD 50mm f3.5 and FD 35mm f2.8 for other general use (i use both equally often). FD lenses seem to work very nicely on m4/3, aps-c and full frame all the same, cheap small light-weight cheap lenses and surprisingly good even wide open, many of them. For beginners on a very tight budget (and just wanting to try out something), i'd recommend the ultra-cheap Industar 55mm f2.8 N-61 L/D on M39 mount. It's not a macro lens per say and the minimal focusing distance is rather long, but with an extension tube (or few) you can get some surprisingly nice macro out of it. I like the bokeh, rendering and surprising sharpness for such ultra cheap lens. But, it's not macro lens sharpness. It's small too and light-weight. Nice vintage look and feel. Something to try out and adapt. I dabbled through many lens types, but a good macro lens is the most versatile and works the best for my photography style. With just a one good prime macro lens i could go through a vacation, no problem.

[@MarkHoltze]

This is a great post! Thanks so much!

[@miguelangelmuniz2778]

Excellent! Congrats you make me guide to select a correct vintage pentax macro. Regards!

[@trueaddict8733]

I have the 1:1 version of the 50mm takumar macro and its one of my favorite lenses even among my regular lenses. What a stunner. That zeiss is incredible!!!

[@120fps]

That zeiss 😍 oh my. Man I’ve got some lens envy. And actually Mark this video was the kick I needed to get back on ours. It’s been two weeks off and starting to really feel that itch again. This video was so good dude, love your covering shots and that you can now use a full archive of footage too. Also your AE stuff is really adding some prod value. Anyway, so good to see you you here again dude.

[@MarkHoltze]

Thanks AJ. Was nice to have an archive to start to be able to utilize. Now I just need to commit to that RAID...but it’s oh so hard lol.

[@pepeye]

One of the things I noticed when trying to handhold shots with longer vintage lenses (75mm+) on cameras with IBIS was that the IBIS produces an unpleasant motion effect trying to keep that longer shot steady. On a whim, I tried lying to the camera about the focal length of the lens attached (i.e. setting it for 28mm-50mm on a 70mm lens) and. voila, that unpleasant effect was greatly reduced. Worth a try.

[@soaringvulture]

I don't think IBIS works with lateral motion. The stabilization compensates for angular deviation, which is fine for long distances. But if you move side to side, it can't compensate for that. And that gets important with macros. The Canon 100mm macro is supposed to handle this with its lens-based stabilization but I've never used one.

[@CGScarf]

I have the EBC Fujinon 55 mm f/3.5 Macro and it's excellent.

[@MarkHoltze]

Fujinon! I need a few of those....don’t see many of them around here.

[@CGScarf]

@@MarkHoltze They are rare to find and somewhat expensive.

[@villemononen5303]

Another Fujinon user here and i love it! However, i think with most macro lenses the brand isn't so important. Just buy a macro lens to start out that feels good to you (and is conveniently available), and go out and shoot. Just have fun, and make the most of what you have.

[@rfalconator7896]

Can we have a video about the best vintage lenses for a m43 camera? I've heard there can be some issues with the distante to the sensor.

[@bensneen]

Another amazing video! I don't know if anybody is ever mentioned but your color grading for your videos is excellent

[@MarkHoltze]

Thanks mate, I tend to grade based on how I feel or the overall look i'm going for. It always changes lol.

[@jpr-tech]

Awesome video as always! I was happy to see the Pentax 100mm f4 macro. I use it in a lot of my close up shots in my videos. But I really love the focusing grip on that thing! Another PRO is that this particular lens is very light in weight and compact. It's an amazing lens.

[@Raychristofer]

Preach it Mark! They're killer for video too.

[@MarkHoltze]

It’s mainly how I use them!! Macro days are almost always scheduled into a shoot. The best cutaways

[@tobiasjennerjahn8659]

I just recently discovered your channel and have since then binge watched most of your videos. Really outstanding content! In fact your videos are so good, that my next lens will almost definitely be a vintage lens, whereas I wouldn't have considered one before at all. Not sure which one as there's so many to choose from, but that's part of the appeal.

[@MarkHoltze]

So many, what camera do you have now?

[@34Media]

if i may suggest a great start is a super takumar 50mm , great all rounder and the 7 blade is readily avail on ebay that should get you hooked with the rest of us

[@tobiasjennerjahn8659]

@@MarkHoltze Nothing special, a canon 200d/SL2. Right now it does most of what I need it to and I decided to invest most of my money into a couple solid lenses. Looking back I think that was a smart decision. Your Takumar lenses have me very intrigued, especially with the cine mods, but I'm also missing a dedicated macro lens. It'll be a while before I make a decision. But these lenses have survived decades, they can wait a few more weeks/months before going onto my camera.

[@tobiasjennerjahn8659]

@@34Media Thanks for the tip, it's actually one of my top contenders right now. It's cheap enough to just try it out. I also own a 50mm 1.8 yongnuo lens (fairly popular knockoff of the canon version) and it'd interesting to see how they compare since they are so similar in price.

[@34Media]

@@tobiasjennerjahn8659 too easy enjoy , i know you will

[@RaicesUrbanasTj]

I am just getting in to vintage lens you gave me the idea thanks happy vibes from Mexico

[@MarkHoltze]

Cheers my friend! Any questions let me know.

[@HoggetBlanker]

Hi Mark. Here's a macro shot from the vintage Tamron 90mm I've been playing with, in case you're interested. flic.kr/p/2ji6Smn I've also used it for portraits with my older camera. I agree with you saying vintage lenses are great to tinker with and discover what type of photography best suits your interest. Generally they're just great fun, too!

[@MarkHoltze]

Love the shot Paul! So much fun! Fun leads to good things!

[@caldera878]

I use the excellent Canon FD 50mm f3.5 Macro lens. Its lightweight and very sharp wide open. Many people had turned down this lens because of the cheap feeling plastic construction and the rather tricky Canon FD breech lock mount, which is an overblown issue so to speak.

[@villemononen5303]

Absolutely! I think it stems from the older users that were used to the previous build quality, and i'm sure there's something to the previous optics aswell. However, FD lenses are really nice for mirrorless cameras and the plastic is durable, and the focusing is pleasingly smooth all the same. And often cheaper too, not too bad to adapt either. When i comes to value to quality propositions, i think FD lenses stack up on the highest poles. So fitting for mirrorless cameras too. Great lenses, so many of them!

[@YOUAREMYKIN]

Awesome episode Mark! 🙌 Those macro shots are beautiful. I’ll be getting a macro lens then :)

[@MarkHoltze]

A lot of missed shots lol. It’s tricky. But I love it

[@gufettos67]

Another interesting alternative is the contax zeiss 100mm f2.8 macro.

[@hurleygreen927]

Love this information...I just got a used Nikon 55mm 2.8 macro lens for my Nikon D750 for only about a $100 bucks and I am impressed with its sharpness and resolution. Thanks!

[@MarkHoltze]

Macro lenses from the land before time are the best. Really hard to beat their value.

[@ChristopherBurress]

Just found your channel, top notch production! I cant imagine the amount of effort that you put into your videos, well I can imagine it.... but I respect it lol

[@MarkHoltze]

Hi Christopher welcome mate, ya I don't know how all this stuff gets done, I always joke the lenses made me do it, because I have no memory of it. Thanks for the kind words!

[@TinyWorkshop]

you are always so inspirational :) thanx!!!

[@MarkHoltze]

Thank you for being here.

[@DanTim-hy8ts]

I love my vintage Minolta A mount lenses.

[@Zapto01]

You should really check out the Konica 55mm f3.5 MACRO, it's such a sharp lens and it's producing such accurate colors. I've owned a NOS one, with the original Konica extension tube. In Romania they are really rare and expensive.

[@MarkHoltze]

Awesome mate! Thanks so much for the recommend!

[@gitithadani]

I have a collection of vintage manual lenses which I often prefer to use despite having the sony 90mm macro. Manual focus for macro results in seeing what one would otherwise miss - not getting the right angle on such a small focal plane etc. One of my favorites is the old canon fl 50/3.5 - the glass has a glow and one can get some amazing compositions and colors. The nikon micro in contrast is very sharp. Vivitar has some great macro lenses - heavier 1:1. I had the 90mm f2.8 - beautiful rendition and now I have the 55mm f2.8. I also have the sigma 105mm f2.8 which was made for both slr and dslr. It is a lightweight lens 450gms and the prototype for their later much more expensive af mirrorless lenses. The earlier lens is a joy to use because of its MF & lightweight. On the new sony7r4 the evf & stabilization is much better - particularly for small hand movements so at 120fps one can even do handheld video. Sigma also made a lightweight 150/5.6 apo (450grams) apparently also very good.

[@MarkHoltze]

Outstanding list my friend, thanks for taking the time to let me know!

[@gitithadani]

@@MarkHoltze Thanks for all your videos on vintage lenses. And for sharing the passion for explorative optics. These lenses make one take the time to compose & bring out the mediation of working with light.

[@BryanEnsign]

Great framing in this. Fantastic video.

[@MarkHoltze]

Thanks Bryan!

[@nickgrace4699]

I'm planning on buying old Russian super 16 lenses for my Lumix g7

[@MarkHoltze]

That will be incredible!! What lenses are you looking at specifically? You know?

[@nickgrace4699]

@@MarkHoltze Vega 7 (20mm) Mir 11 (12.5mm)

[@42-media]

Great video as always! I got a Vivitar 55mm Macro and a Vivitar 105mm macro 1:1 and I love them both, I also got the Takumar 50mm f4.0 but it has problem with a screw and I need to fix it.

[@MarkHoltze]

Thanks for the suggestions Thomas! Vivitar I hear is a great macro!! Will check it out!

[@marcinbera1842]

Hey @Mark - what did you shoot the mushrooms with? Great subject for sure but colours and contrast are truly amazing.

[@MarkHoltze]

60 macro. Image was cropped though so got a bit of resolution out of it.

[@marcinbera1842]

@@MarkHoltze Thank you a rapid respond. I look around and hesitate what Planar to buy: 50/f2.0 or 60/f2.8. First one is pricey but nearly perfect? Have you ever compared those two? PS 60/f2.8 much cheaper but quality is nearly good as 50's?

[@MarkHoltze]

@@marcinbera1842 I haven't actually, the 60 is good enough for me I don't even need a 50. I'd rather go for the 100 as I have a Canon EF 100 USM 2.8 that never gets used, I'd rather swap out all my modern glass with old stuff anyway. 60 and 100 are big enough difference, I would go for the 60 personally. I have a tak 50 and I love it, but the 60 gives me just a bit more when I need it most.

[@marcinbera1842]

@@MarkHoltze I don't take macro but looking for a great quality lenses from the past :) . At the moment I own Fuji X-T3 and Helios 58. I also have 10-24 for most of my work. But from time to time I love to use manual lenses thanks to their 3d effect and top quality. For example this capture I took using Fuji X-T20 and Helios: www.flickr.com/photos/marcinbera1/39767134963/in/dateposted/ or this one www.flickr.com/photos/marcinbera1/48394810902/in/photolist-2hnCV3L-2gKwhoW-2gJu4eq-2eUA1v2-2c5xX2C-23A5XKZ-29mKh99-2c7deVz-2b1SnbY I love my Helios but in my opinion Zeiss lenses give extra better look than others. Creamy and wormy tones and also fantastic contrast I would say. Therefore I considering something from Zeiss but cannot decide what would best choice for my needs :) .

[@drazenlacmanovic1449]

I use Pentax 100mm f2.8 1:1 and Travenar R Macro 50mm f2.8 1:1 ☺️

[@astro7996]

You got a new hat :p thanks for the video! You may want to check the Fotodoiox Pronto adapter, it honestly has changed the game for me!

[@MarkHoltze]

New hat yes lol. First time wearing it, super crisp lol. What does the pronto do? Auto focus? It won’t work without phase shift auto focus I read. So it won’t work with my A7sii

[@johnrflinn]

My favorite is the Tamron 90mm F2.5 Macro Version 52B.

[@denkbrein]

I bought my in absolutely perfect condition (probably never used) af Minolta 100mm macro last year (2021) for only €28. Shipping cost from Japan was €18, only problem was I had to wait six months before delivery occurred due to some unknown mistake at the Netherlands postal service, PostNL offered me its apologies for that.

[@MarkHoltze]

Wow!!! Minolta I swear the hidden secret amongst the community. Nice find!

[@professionalvr]

Can you use vintage macro lenses for archaeological photography or not ? Also can you use vintage lenses for archaeological photography in general ?

[@bluesdude758]

Great video! It motivated me to get my lazy butt out of the recliner and go outdoors shooting. But you should have included links to used lens retailers like KEH, B&H and Adorama, plus any others you know about.

[@MarkHoltze]

Thanks mate! B&H stock varies wildly, eBay has been my most reliable source so it’s why I use eBay links at this point. Also unlimited stock based on search vs other sources.

[@sunnyghosh8725]

There are some amazing vintage macros you can check out. Tokina 90mm f2.5, olympus 90mm f2, contax 60mm f2.8, Leica 60mm f2.8, Leica 100mm f2.8, Pentax 200mm f4, Steinheil 135mm f2.8 macro, topcor 135mm f3.5

[@MarkHoltze]

Suggestions written down my friend! Thanks so much! Very helpful

[@sunnyghosh8725]

@@MarkHoltze Mark if you are interested, I would like to point out film lenses with exit pupil near 70, mostly below 100mm lenses will not perform good on Sony cameras. Their sensor stack are thicker. The glass infront of the sensor. You will get a lot of CA and other optical issues. It's preferable to use to use cameras with thinner sensor stack. To get the most out of film lenses. Canon and Leica are your best bet. And fuji. But only the high end variants.

[@CasaAllacampanile]

Awesome work as always! If you ever find one for a good price you should try the tamron 500mmf8 reflex. It goes 1:3 but at 6 feet!!! It can make for some interesting shots.

[@rodrrico]

Another perfect video. Loved these tips. Mark, I swear you are trying to get me to buy some vintage masterglass ;)

[@MarkHoltze]

Thanks mate. Performance of my last video really helped me zero in on my niche. Figured a modern lens review would do alright in the SEO, but how wrong I was lol. Vintage forever

[@rodrrico]

@@MarkHoltze Well you are the Vintage King ;) Keep it up!

[@MrCochise71]

Epic level vid. Love shooting macro. Incredibly underated.

[@MarkHoltze]

Thanks mate. I agree fully it is. So much fun though!

[@phillipnichols4859]

I pull my extension tubes out at every wedding to get shots of the rings and the bride's flowers. Love the idea of picking up a vintage lens for this same purpose.

[@MarkHoltze]

It would cover that kind of stuff perfectly. Just have it adapter mounted ready and swap for shots ;)

[@Myxakep19]

Nice one! Thank!!!

[@strandloper]

Good video. I have the SMC Takumar 100 1:2 but a different model that goes to f/32 and also the older, more rare Takumar 50 1:1. It's taking some practice to get good images from them as my Fujifilm X-E1 doesn't have IBIS.

[@MarkHoltze]

Try setting a time delay 2 seconds for your shutter. Video footage, tripod for sure. I rarely have my ibis turned on as it often fights my hand held stuff.

[@strandloper]

@@MarkHoltze I gave up on using the Takumar 50 handheld. I'm using a tripod and cable release and don't shoot video. Focus zoom and peeking help a lot. I've got some good shots with it but lot's of rubbish ones too. I think it's not so much use of the lenses but learning macro as a discipline that takes practice. This is my favourite shot taken with it to date. www.flickr.com/photos/strandloper/28650206943/ The Takumar 100 is a recent acquisition. It was supposed to be a Bellows-Takumar 100 with bellows but the courier lost it. The seller had the SMC Takumar 100 and sent me that instead. It's a pity, I was looking forward to trying the bellows. old.bidorbuy.co.za/item/476437445/_Rare_Bellows_Takumar_100mm_F4_with_Asahi_Bellows_II_M42_Screw_mount_Great_Condition.html

[@kristyzheng4789]

Hi Mark ,good review . Do you have any interested in doing a review of the Falcon Eyes RGB 100w LED pannel light ?

[@MarkHoltze]

Very kind of you to offer, I’m pretty backlogged with my core stuff now and just don’t think I would have the time right now to give it a proper review. Appreciate the vote of confidence; I hear they’re fantastic lights :)

[@Jerre27]

Just got my Asahi Tak SMC 50/4 makro for 67€ (excl shipping and handling) - yay.

[@scrptwic]

Mark I want with K mount extension tubes for my K mount lenses . I also have a set of M42 extension tubes for my Takumar lenses

[@deniselisboa1]

I LOVE my vintage Pentax 50mm macro f4... i wanna get extension tubes for it though :P i don't think im going crazy enough hahah macro sure is a lot of fun

[@MarkHoltze]

So much fun, tubes are pretty cheap and worth what they give you I think. Good luck with it Denise!

[@paulm8157]

Points well covered. Love the snail and ant shots. On tripod, cam IBIS should be off, of course. Have adapted Nikkor macros to Sony E with very good results. Excellent point on non-macro use as a bonus. Gotta scratch that itch. Given enough Botox one can say anything with a straight face😁.

[@MarkHoltze]

😂 Botox 😂. Truth.

[@MarkHoltze]

I don’t even use IBiS, too lazy to chase it and get decent results without it. Almost always on a pod, or holding by breath ;)

[@34Media]

"REFRACTOR" gold mate another gem

[@MarkHoltze]

Hidden in plain sight lol.

[@proudindian79]

hello mark....! Your videos made me fall in love with vintage lenses. I am getting canon 55mm f1:1.2 FL mount. should I buy for $200??

[@MarkHoltze]

your call mate, FL is OLD...I do think that's thoriated glass too (radioactive) but totally your call! :)

[@proudindian79]

@@MarkHoltze Thanks a lot Mark...! ❤️

[@lography6917]

Awesome video, subbed!

[@MarkHoltze]

thanks mate! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@rhalfik]

Yashinon 60mm was quite a pretty lens. Looks almost modern, because many modern lenses draw inspiration from it.

[@MarkHoltze]

✊

[@tonybaker55]

I don't have any real vintage macro lenses, but I do have the 50mm and 100mm Minolta macro lenses, both f2.8 and use them on my A99. Although they are AF and 80s built, I consider them "middle aged", unlike myself! I agree that manual focussing and a tripod are a must when doing really close up work. The 100mm also makes a great portrait lens, as it is so sharp in the middle. Together they cost just over £200, so still a bargain in my eyes.

[@andrew41134]

OMG I want that Carl Zeiss 60MM Macro

[@smkunder1]

I love the idea of vintage lenses, but some of these cost as much as a modern equivalent. But I do love your videos!

[@MarkHoltze]

Some do, most of those Takumars don’t :) but ya the Zeiss lenses aren’t cheap.

[@villemononen5303]

Actually, most of them are often way cheaper than modern lenses, especially on ~50mm range. It's not so much about the brands in macro lenses. And manual focus beats AF / focus-by-wire so that's another bonus and value itself.

[@domtomazo]

TAK SHARP - nice one! :)

[@drazenlacmanovic1449]

A.Schacht Ulm M-Travenar 2.8/50 R, my favourite macro monster no hexagons even stop down and probably most exotic lens that l own 🙄

[@sclogse1]

I bought a Hasselblad 120mm 4.0 macro to use on my Fuji X. Picked up an excellent fotodioX adapter for it, built like a tank, which has a tripod mount to help even out the weight distribution. But I lost the macro. Now the closest I can focus is about 31 inches. Why, I don't know.

[@bodarville6527]

As always great video. Gonna go check ebay.

[@MarkHoltze]

I was going hard down the rabbit hole last night. I had to pull myself away lol

[@daniel635biturbo]

Yet a nice one Mark, I have a lost feature, about focus. On my age old Sony a300 APSC Dslr when in manual focus, there still is a REAL focus confirmation in manual mode, why is that gone ? Ok to zoom or "punch in" is superb, and we also have the focus edge highlight (Forgot the term my camera menu is in Swedish) But my old a300 gives me nice green boxes in live view, or a green light at the bottom of the Viewfinder when focus is confirmed, great but lost function I think. Imagine, now when focus point more or less covers all over, if green boxes appears "when half pressed" Am I the only one missing this I S C R E A M out in the abyss ;)

[@blake.crosby]

Love the shot of Refraktor ;)

[@MarkHoltze]

I couldn’t help myself. Sound wave in the background of my talking head, star scream behind my Sony on table, ;) everywhere

[@-hexmode-6417]

Great video. What lens are you using to film yourself?

[@MarkHoltze]

Canon 24mm F/1.4 L only because I need auto focus on myself. I'm so close to going full vintage, but it limits me without an operator to a very confined space.

[@-hexmode-6417]

Mark Holtze nice. Are you using it in F1.4 for these shots? Or higher?

[@MarkHoltze]

2.8 on my face, otherwise the focus will hunt with every move I make.

[@shzammpatapon9865]

another great video mark. subscribing to you is the most financially damaging thing ever done to my wallet. gotta try one macro lens

[@HoggetBlanker]

I hear ya! Not that I've been hiding it, but it's probably a good thing my wife doesn't know exactly how many vintage lenses I now have :D

[@MarkHoltze]

I feel the same, vintage money sync I call it lol. Only way to justify it is make videos with them. Maybe sell them in a few years at higher value and you’ll thank me later ;)

[@JonathanBelle]

Hi! Do you have any suggestions for an m42 Mount to a canon 6d Mark ii?

[@MarkHoltze]

The fotodiox m42 to EOS works well.

[@JonathanBelle]

@@MarkHoltze thank you!

[@JonathanBelle]

@@MarkHoltze sorry, another question. I am trying to get into Vintage lens. I have a canon 6d mark ii. Looking in your descriptions I see the amazon links for adaptors. None of them say 6d mark ii. would this be an oversight on the product end? Or should I really try to keep search for a company that says it will fit?

[@MarkHoltze]

Fotodiox M42 to EOS will fit. 6D is an EF mount so you’re good mate. Google. Fotodiox M42 to EOS adapter and you’ll find it :) let me know if that doesn’t work for you

[@JonathanBelle]

@@MarkHoltze thank you

[@ryanbeer5262]

I've explored strange alien worlds with my 105 macro, shot weddings, portraits, & landscapes. Best piece of kit I ever bought. It's probably even "vintage" by now. Screw drive af anyone!

[@pedrova8058]

the Micro Nikkor 55 f2,8 Ais is a gem, cheap and sharp AsF%$ , with a slightly rolloff toward borders (just the newer Z macro lenses are superior) A great all-around lens

[@MarkHoltze]

55 is such a good macro focal length. I use the 60 all the time but that lens is a bit more pricy. Nikkors are still overall amazing value

[@carlosencarnacion9667]

I just bought a Cosina 24mm M42 lens, It says Macro, it is 1:4 magnification, 4" focusing distance. When I started in photography, back in '75, a macro lens was a 1:6 magnification, anything less than that was a close-up lens, Nikon made a 1:1 lens that they called a Micro lens. By today's standards, it is no longer true, but it was, ask the manufacturers. They should know. Now I have the Cosina 24mm "macro" combo, the Pentax K 100mm, and a Pentax K 50mm and a 2x converter M42 in the mail. I enjoy your videos on Pentax lenses.

[@MarkHoltze]

Thanks for the info and your time Carlos! ✊

[@maazahmed4121]

Pls do a review on Helios 77m-4

[@830Video]

Nikkor 55mm F2 is a great option

[@MarkHoltze]

Yes I’ve heard this! Must look into it, thanks Robby!

[@albylizhard]

Hello I need suggestion about my Takumar macro 50mm f4 : it's flagged lens ( there is a little tab on the bottom of the lens which is conntected to f ring )so when I try to use it with my M42-nex adapter it doesn't fit well and if I lock the lens to the adapter I can't move f ring anymore. I have to unscrew it a little in orde to use f rings but then lens it's all loose . Any fix to this ?

[@cameraprepper7938]

I have had several "vintage" analog Macro Lenses, now I only have 3, the Tamron SP 90mm 2.5 Adaptall-2 (first version model 52B), the Leica Macro-Elmarit-R 60mm 2.8 (latest version, I also had the first Leitz version) and the Hasselblad Macro-Planar 120mm 4.0 (I can recommend all of these 3 Lenses). Although old analog Macro Lenses can be very good to excellent, then the new Macro Lenses designed for mirrorless digital Cameras are excellent to outstanding, new multicoating, new computer optical design for very high resolution, so the best new Macro Lenses are sharper, have more contrast and crisper colors, I have the excellent Voigtländer Macro APO-Lanthar 65mm 2.0 which have outstanding optical performance and it is built like a tank, so I do not use my analog Macro Lenses any more.

[@joncandyfliprecords]

Hey @Mark - what did you shoot the vinyl scene with? Really nice separation and focus. Looks like a 50mm Macro at minimum distance, overhead soft box - one light only, and daylight behind? Am I close? ;)

[@MarkHoltze]

Yes, 50 and 100 for the super tight stuff. The light was all daylight spilling into the room. Didn’t use any lighting, was a nice cloudy day lol. The big window in the wide. Just turned the table in a way to maximize it.

[@joncandyfliprecords]

@@MarkHoltze beautiful mate. I use daylight as much as possible too, but the little Elanzi portable lights add that nice coloured accent when you need it. Vinyl likes those. :)

[@nathanburtner2273]

Got a manual Vivitar Macro FD mount, but the minimum focus is more than 3ft away. Anyone else have that trouble? I have a FD-NEX adapter for my Sony a7iii.

[@adamjoeyork]

Contax carl zeiss is no joke in any focal length. I want the 35-70 3.4 and 35mm 1.4

[@MarkHoltze]

Been keeping myself from buying the 35 to 70 but I’m going to fold any day now. The 35 is money, they’re off being modded now for cinema use. I miss them but will come back stronger lol.

[@khanceptbelal]

Is there a disadvantage of using an extension tube to get 1:1 macro vs native 1:1 lense?

[@MarkHoltze]

I don’t think so, but this could be a technical limitation on my part. Don’t know enough about the options, just the results. I’m not seeing major differences to be honest. I would rather 1:1 native, or bump that to 2:1 or 4:1 to get super close

[@soaringvulture]

It works fine but it's clumsy. If you have a lens that goes infinity to 1:2, then you have to put a tube on it to get closer than 1:2. But then with the tube, you can't get further than 1:2. So you spend your life putting the tube on and off. But most macro primes are just as sharp with tubes as without them. So once you figure out whether you need the tube or not, you're fine.

[@PaulVRo]

god your videos look so AMAZING !

[@MarkHoltze]

Hey Paul, thanks so much mate! The lenses made me do it lol. I can't help it.

[@jamesmcvicar564]

Mark Holtze feeding into people's vintage lens addiction since whenever you started this channel lol

[@MarkHoltze]

I know it’s the only way I can cope with mine. Share, share, share lol.

[@AlbertKarhuFilms]

i want to learn how to be able to create the flashy logo thing you did in the beginning of this video! any tutorials or websites someone can point me to? Thanks.

[@MarkHoltze]

After effects templates. Need basic understanding of how after effects works but it’s not too hard

[@AlbertKarhuFilms]

@@MarkHoltze damn. using resolve. have to start experimenting.