Macro Noob

[lilmsmaggie]

OK - got the camera: Minolta X-700

got the lens: Kiron 28-105mm f3.2-4.5 MACRO 1:4

I've been shooting B&W film with the X-700 for about 30 days now.
Primarily Delta 400, but some HP5+. The closest I've come to shooting macro is at the local nursery shooting flowers with a 28mm.

I've been given a shallow depth of field class assignment. I thought I'd try shooting macro.

Although not ideal, I'd like to try shooting with this lens hand held if that's possible. Tripod's not an issue but what-if the only lens you have on the camera is a macro lens sans the tripod? I was thinking of maybe going back to the nursery. Get an idea what the potential is hand-held.

Also, are there any B&W films that are particurily suitable to macro photography? I was thinking of maybe shooting at a slower ISO, Fujifilm Acros

[Christopher Walrath]

MACRO = TRIPOD! TRIPOD! TRIPOD! TRIPOD!

Why do work that is not quite up to snuff. Get your tripod out!

[Chazzy]

MACRO = TRIPOD! TRIPOD! TRIPOD! TRIPOD!

Why do work that is not quite up to snuff. Get your tripod out!

And pray that there isn't a wind, if you are shooting flowers out of doors.

[David Brown]

MACRO = TRIPOD! TRIPOD! TRIPOD! TRIPOD!

Why do work that is not quite up to snuff. Get your tripod out!

Just so there's another opinion: I have shot lots of flower macros (documenting the wife's gardening efforts) over the years handheld with ISO 100 slide film. A tripod is always nice, but not always necessary.

Now, having said that, I use a tripod or even a copy stand for a lot of indoor macro stuff, but outside in bright sunlight, it's possible to handhold.

I wouldn't say that any particular film is better for macro than your other shots with the same camera. You might prefer a different film due to the subject matter, but not to the "macro" part per say.

[Jeff Kubach]

Even though you can handhold for macro shots, I find that usually I get better shots when I use a tripod. But that's just me.

Jeff

[Larry.Manuel]

You may find that even at f/22, the depth of field is surprisingly shallow. If you are in blistering sunshine, that's [possibly] OK handheld, assuming the subject is still. Soon you'll understand why there is more than one recommendation for a tripod [or something to rest the camera upon]. Even steadying on top of a board, on a towel, helps immensely.

[lilmsmaggie]

MACRO = TRIPOD! TRIPOD! TRIPOD! TRIPOD!

Why do work that is not quite up to snuff. Get your tripod out!

OK - so I'l try it both ways. I'll make sure to take along the tripod and I'll try shooting without the tripod.

I'll probably go in a few minutes to try hand-held shots -- see what happens.

[Rick A]

I almost always use a tripod. When I cant get close enough to the ground, I switch to a beanbag(stuffed with rice). At very close range, the slightest movement looks like an earthquake, and leaves you with a blurred image.
Rick

[Christopher Walrath]

MACRO = TRIPOD! TRIPOD! TRIPOD! TRIPOD!

Why do work that is not quite up to snuff. Get your tripod out!

Oh, and for the record, I seldom use a tripod. But there are times where it proves absolutely necessary. I have simply reached the point where I don't have to follow all the rules anymore if I don't feel like it. I keep telling my wife 'You're not the boss'a me!' Yeah, right.

[Toffle]

I'll add my two cents here... If you have the camera, the lens and the tripod, and are going to be doing some serious macro shooting on an ongoing basis, I would strongly recommend a focusing rail. Even a simple single axis rail gives you so much flexibility in choosing your exact focal point... and they are dirt-cheap on the 'bay. (no help at all with flowers on a windy day, but then again, nothing really helps then... )

Cheers,