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How to Use a Nikon Bellows

For photographers who spend a lot of time doing macro photography -- taking pictures of items at extreme close-up -- investing into a set of bellows may be good decision. Nikon manufactured the PB-4 bellows system for just this purpose, and by using lens mount adapters you can use this system on most modern digital Single Lens Reflex cameras. Although you won't be able to use any auto-focus or in-camera metering, by using a digital camera you will able to make any necessary adjustments immediately after reviewing each image.

Things You'll Need

Tripod
adapter ring to mount bellows to any camera other than Nikon
Nikon manual focus lens with aperture ring

Instructions

- 1
  Attach the "Nikon PB-4 Bellows" to your "Nikon DSLR." If you use another brand of cameras, you will need to purchase an adapter that will allow you to use the Nikon "F" mount on your camera. These adapters are widely available on the Internet and in most specialty camera stores.
- 2
  Attach a "Nikon" lens to the front of the "PB-4 Bellows." Again you will need a Nikon "F" adapter if you are not using "Nikon" lenses. You will need to use a lens that has an aperture ring on it, as you will not be able to control lens aperture through the camera.
- 3
  Use the f16 rule for your starting exposure. A good starting point is to set your camera's ISO to 400, then set your shutter speed to 1/400th of second. If it is bright sunny day when you are shooting set the aperture to f16. Take a test a shot and make adjustments from there until you get the correct exposure.
- 4
  Compose your picture. Increase or decrease the amount of magnification by turning the knobs on the bellows rail, thereby adjusting the lens position. It may take some time to get the correct adjustment, but once there you are ready to start shooting.

Photography