macro focus issues with E-500

[noraleet]

I recently bought an E-500 but am having a very difficult time taking macro photos. I use the macro setting and it never works. Everything is out of focus. I bought the 2 lens set - I've tried each lens but each time it seems to still be out of focus. Maybe I am just not too bright here...Can someone talk me through exactly how to take a close up, like 4 -6 inches away, photo? Sorry if this is a stupid question!

[Bill_Turner]

By getting 4-6 inches away from your subject with the kit lenses, you are attempting to exceed their capability. As an expmple, the 14-45 closest focusing distance is 0.38m or 14-15" while the 14-42 focuses a bit closer. The 40-150 focuses to 0.9m or about 3 feet. Neither of these lenses is macro capable. In order to do what you want, you'll need a Macro lens.

[noraleet]

Thanks for letting me know - I thought I was going crazy! Can you recommend a lens for purchase? Thanks

[Bill_Turner]

From Olympus:
35mm f/3.5 Macro. Standard Series
50mm f/2.0 Macro. High Grade Series
From Sigma:
105mm f/2.8
150mm f/f/2.8

[jebir]

Although not a macro lens, the 14-54 is a very nice close-focussing lens.

If you are new to macro and just want to try, you can always get a set of ordinary close-up lenses (+1 and +2 diopters) that attach to the filter thread in front of your 40-150. They are usually very cheap but doesn't give that absolute edge in image quality. If you want better image quality, you can either get any of the macro lenses Bill mentioned or you can get an extension tube EX-25 to place in-between your lenses and the body. Also an achromatic close-up lens like the Olympus MCON-35 or the Canon 500D will give you very nice close-up shots.

Cheers, Jens.

[olyinaz]

Thanks for letting me know - I thought I was going crazy! Can you recommend a lens for purchase?

In addition to the other lenses mentioned the Sigma 24mm f/1.8 lens is macro capable (and a very very nice lens) and the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 is also rated as a macro zoom (and it does indeed focus very close).

I have the Sigma 105mm, the Sigma 18-50, the Sigma 24mm and the Zuiko 50mm macro. The Zuiko is the best of the lot, but the 105mm is a real gem as well. The lens I don't have and the one I'd recommend to you if the Sigma 105 or the Zuiko 50mm are a bit too expensive is the Zuiko 35mm macro. By all reports it's a GREAT lens at a very very good price and probably a good first place to start. The only thing to bear in mind is that with the Sigma 24mm and the Zuiko 35mm you will be really close to your subject if you want to do true macro work (as in right on top of it - less than 6"). If you like to do photos of things that bite or scare you then the 105 (or the Sigma 150mm) will give you much more distance to the subject.

Good luck!

Best,
Oly

[shrinkpictures]

Another option is to get the EX-25 Extension tube and use it with your 40-150.

This will give you pretty good results and it is cheaper than almost all dedicated macro lenses. You could also combine this with a +1 +2 +3 filter set to get even greater magnification.

[red]

the Zuiko 35mm macro is a real bargain for the price and performance. ultra light and compact but extremely sharp.

[Claven2]

You could also get an MF-1 adapter and buy any of the older OM series manual focus macro lenses. Not really a big deal since you generally want to be able to fine-tune the auto-focus on a ZD lens anyhow.

Some real bargains are out there on older OM lenses. The 50mm/f3.5 becomes a nice contrasty and sharp 100mm/f3.5 macro on a 4/3 adapter, for example, though you might lose up to one f-stop in real use.

[bwenzel]

I bought the 35mm macro lens for my e-500 and love it! I would recommend the upgrade in eyepiece to ME-1 which slightly enhances your ability to make sure your subject is in focus. Check out my latest macro pictures with the e-500 and 35mm here. I have messed with them some in MS Digital Image Suite as indicated in the pitures' titles. The lens really is a great bargain.

[tnordahl]

I'd like to follow up on the extension ring EX-25 and its capabilities, together with a free software package.
I have taken a dead bumblebee who has been gathering dust for a while and shot 7 bracketed images. This is done real Quick and dirty(Q&D), but it serves my purpose.

Attachment 5003
This is focused on the tip of the front leg.

Attachment 5004
This is focused on the rear wing.

The other five are focused between these two.

Attachment 5005

Have a nice day and focus
Tom
And this is the result after processing.

Since my Q&D way of reducing imagesize kills the exif, I include the exif from bb1Small. (To prove its done with 4/3 equipment)
Attachment 5006

The software is CombineZM by Alan Hadley. Its free and real simple to use.

[Ddaside88]

I hope you don't mind my asking, would the Zuiko 28mm 1:2.8 35mm be a good macro lens? And would it be possible to use an OM lens on an E-500 for this?

[ghenton]

yes you can use an OM lens on the E500, you will need an adapter
http://fourthirdsphoto.com/vbb/showt...0677#post80677
and a focus screen helps
http://fourthirdsphoto.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=13113
and with all that I think you would find the 28mm a little short, you would have to be very close to what you wanted to shoot. ok for flowers but bugs and such dont like it.

GerryH

[bwenzel]

I just received a focus screen from a member here and holy crap does it make a diference! I can now use complete manual focus with my Oly 35mm ZD macro as well as my 70-300mm macro (1:2) Tamron (Pentax mount) lens. I dont have to guess what is in focus anymore!! Love it, love it, love it...

[jackfate]

I'm assuming that since this thread is regarding the E-500 that the focusing screen fits this camera. So, please don't keep us in the dark and let us know what screen it is. I also shoot a lot of macro and can use all the help I can get for these old eyes. Thanks.

[bwenzel]

Ya know, I got the screen from user "wfc73" and it was unlabeled. I'll PM him and see if he knows what brand. And yes, it does fit the E500 quite nicely.

[jackfate]

Thank you. I really appreciate the effort you are going through. I was not even aware that the E-500 had interchangable screens until your post.
jack

[bwenzel]

Below is the link my guy gave me. Seems to be the same one I have. Just make sure you do your research before you install. Below the ebay link is the link from this forum that really helped me install my screen - it even has videos if you scroll down far enough! Dont worry that its a different brand of screen, it will work the same. All you need is a small flathead screwdriver or a tweezers and a soft towel for the items to land on when removing. Good luck!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Split-Image-Focu...QQcmdZViewItem


http://www.gadgetmiser.com/E500focus...eninactionhere

[jackfate]

Hey thanks for the help. I really appreciate it.