How to Build a Micro Camera

Building An Adapter

• 1

  Choose two lenses of different focal lengths to create the "micro" lens. Ideal choices should be having one lens at a normal focal length and the second lens with a focal length between 60 and 90 mm. Make sure the two lens have threading designed to attach a filter to the end of the lens.

• 2

  Buy one filter adapter for each lens. The adapters will have one dimension (usually around 50 mm) that is the same as the diameter of the lens surface and a second dimension that holds a larger sized filter. The lens dimension of each lens can differ but the secondary filter size for each adapter must be identical. This secondary lens dimension must be greater than either lens.

• 3

  Take some epoxy and glue the two filter adapters together. The outside edge of each filter adapter will be smooth. Glue both these smooth edges together. They should be the exact same size.

• 4

  Let the epoxy dry.

• 5

  Insert each lens into the respective end of the two filter adapters, which are now firmly cemented together with epoxy. Tighten each lens into each end of the filter adapters as tight as they will go. Now you have two lenses that are joined together, so that they act as one unit.

• 6

  Insert the lens with the longer focal length into the body of the SLR camera.

• 7

  Use the camera unit as a normal camera. You can even look through the lens system and focus the long lens until the object appears clearly on the camera screen. The meter should be accurate, as well as the focus mechanism. The magnification power is greatly increased and the depth of view is very limited. Don't forget that the whole unit can be taken apart (except for the two filter adapters) and used separately and then put back together again.