Useful macro extension tubes for great close ups with screw thread SLR cameras and lenses

• Automatic extension tube set
• 1:1 (life size) macro close ups
• Very solid, metal construction
• Automatic diaphragm system
• Three tubes, >50mm extension
• For Praktica/Pentax M42 screw
• Adaptable to some other SLRs

Extension tubes are a really good way of taking extra close up shots, with higher magnification and better quality than close up lenses. They fit simply between the body and lens, and retain auto diaphragm operation. This is a set of three tubes in screw thread fitting for older Pentax/Praktica and many other M42 cameras and lenses. They can also be used on many 35mm film and digital SLR cameras with extra adapters (not included), and M42 lenses - see the Compatibility section below for more details.

The tubes can be used individually or together, for extensions of up to slightly more than 50mm, for a macro reproduction ratio of 1:1 (life size) with a 50mm standard lens. At these magnifications, you can fill the frame with subjects as small as 24x36mm (1x1.5 inches). This could be an insect, stamp or a small detail of a flower, etc. Other focal lengths are also usable - wide angles give closer focusing and higher magnification, while telephotos give lower magnification with longer working distances.

If you need even higher magnification, you can buy and use extra sets of tubes. The maximum magnification will depend on the lens, but usually around 2x the focal length will be the most attainable. So, two sets of tubes with a 50mm lens will provide 2:1 (double life size) magnification, and so on. Any more, and the focus point will be inside the front of the lens!

The automatic diaphragm operation of the camera and lens are retained (where available), so the viewfinder stays bright for focusing, and the lens stops down as the picture is taken. This is especially useful for macro work, where small apertures are often required for depth of field. Compatible with metered manual and aperture priority auto exposure modes on suitable cameras (see below), with stopped down metering. Extra exposure is required as you get closer (up to two stops with all three tubes and a 50mm lens), and TTL metering will take care of this automatically.

These independent tubes are solidly made (in Japan) with metal barrels and lens mounts, and an attractive black finish. The standard of fit and finish is high, though the style and brand may vary (see below).

An excellent macro accessory for Praktica, Pentax and M42 users!

Condition: Excellent++ (8/10)
The tubes are in fully working order, and the auto diaphragm mechanism works correctly. Cosmetically they look good, with a smooth black finish and clean paintwork. There is only the usual evidence that they've been used, including some scratches and scrapes, slight paint wear around the lens mounts, etc.

No dents, dings or deep scratches, and overall they're in good shape!
Please note that we have several sets of these tubes and the style may vary from that shown, though all work in exactly the same way, and all will provide over 50mm of extension.

Compatibility
These tubes are in screw thread fitting for many M42 cameras including Pentax (Spotmatic, etc.), Praktica, Pentacon, Icarex TM, Voigtlander VSL TM, Chinon, Cosina, Ricoh, Fujica, Mamiya, Yashica, Edixa, Petri, Zenith, Carena, Voigtlander Bessaflex and many, many others. Accepts most M42 screw thread lenses.

Automatic diaphragm, compatible with stopped down TTL metering on suitable cameras. Automatic exposure (with stopped down metering) available on cameras such as the Pentax ES/ES II, Fujica ST901 and AZ-1, Yashica AX, Chinon CE, CEII and CE-3, Cosina Hi-Lite EC, Praktica EE2 and others.

Other cameras
With the appropriate adapter (not included) M42 lenses and accessories are usable on many 35mm film and digital SLR cameras including Canon FD and EOS, Contax/Yashica, Praktica B and Jenaflex, Pentax K, Minolta MC/MD and Maxxum/Dynax, Konica, Miranda, Petri, Sigma, Konica Minolta, Sony, Olympus, Leica, Panasonic and other Four Thirds (4/3), Pentax and Samsung GX, Samsung NX, Sony NEX, Sigma SD, Fujica AX, Rollei SL35 (Voigtlander BM) and Mamiya XTL/NC1000S/ZE. They work with some restrictions - usually manual focusing and diaphragm, with stopped down metering in manual and aperture priority auto modes. NOTE: The tubes will only accept M42 screw lenses and not bayonet ones, and the lens must either have a manual or preset diaphragm (or auto with a manual switch), or it will only work at full aperture.