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How to Use Bellows on a SLR Camera

You may be familiar with those old, wooden cameras with the large bellows that look like an accordion connecting the back to the front of the camera. Those bellows are used to increase the amount of magnification and perspective of the lens. You can also use bellow systems for macro photography with single lens reflex cameras. Modern bellows increase the amount of magnification of the lens, and are used by many photographers who are interested in macro photography.

Things You'll Need

Tripod
Macro lens that can be focused manually

Instructions

- 1
  Attach the bellows system to a tripod. In the bottom of the bellow device, there will be a tripod screw mount.
- 2
  Remove any lens from the front of your single lens reflex camera and connect the camera to back of the bellow system and the lens to the front of bellow system.
- 3
  Switch the lens to manual focus by adjusting the "AF/MF" switch on the side of the lens. Set your exposure mode to "Manual," as you will need to manually adjust the shutter speed and aperture.
- 4
  Turn the focusing ring to its minimum focusing distance. Look through the viewfinder of the camera and adjust the extension of the bellows by turning the round focusing knob.
- 5
  Press the cable shutter release connected the camera and the lens to take the picture once the subject you are photographing is in focus.

Photography