MX-10

[Scubajude]

Hi,
Just purchased the close up lens for my MX-10, was hoping all you MX users can maybe give me some helpful tips on using it. The instructions that came with the lens were not very informative, so hoping you can help me on fstop settings and distance to subject etc.

thanks
Judy

 

[kelpmermaid]

The lens reduces your minimum distance to 18" at f4.5. Your f/stop will depend on what film you are using and what depth of focus you want. If you don't own one already, think about buying a copy of The New Guide to Sea & Sea by Joe Liburdi and Cara Sherman. The book reviews how to get the best out of Sea & Sea cameras and has a lot of things I have found helpful (or wish I remembered.) The best tip I have received, though, is to secure the lens to the camera with a strand of monofiliment so that it can't get away from you. Assuming you have the YS-40A strobe, did you get a lens caddy?

 

[Scubajude]

Thankyou for your response, yes I do have the lens caddy I have all the extras for the MX. I will invest in a copy The new Sea & Sea.

Thanks
Judy

 

[herman]

Hi Sucbajude,

The book mentioned above is very good. In addition to what has already been said, don't forget to remove the lens underwater and flush all of the air out from between the lens. I recently got a close up lens for my MX-10, got some good pictures with it.

 

[DivingGal]

Scubajude

Good question -- I purchased the "whole kit" for the MX-10 when I was down south (duty free don't cha love it), and I'm still discovering what to do and what not to do. An u/w photographer friend who has won many contests, has warned me for every roll of film, only expect 1/3 (or less) to be truely noteworthy. Personally, I'm pleased with 3/4 of my pics. Sure they're not "contest winners" -- but for now I'm very happy to recognize the d*** thing I'm taking a picture of.

I'm now pretty good with the standard (no extra lens) and the wide angle. I'm now experimenting with with close up and the macro lens. My first attempts? Lets just say, I didn't even make 1/3 recognizable!

Thanks for the question, I'm going to track down the book.

 

[Dee]

You might want to look at the Save-A-Lens kit. http://www.gbundersea.com/

I've been using one on both my MX-10 and MMII for a couple of years. A simple system that does n't get in the way. In fact, the small steel cables work better than monofiliment. BTDT.

For that fast lens changes, just let the first lens dangle while you attach the second one. It's well worth the price and I won't change lenses underwater without the security of it.

 

[scubatexastony]

Hey Dee!
Was chattin' with the folks in Scuba Room of aol, was told the MX10 is a good "entry level" camera. That's contrary to the remarks of the fellow that sold me (wifes anniverasary present) the MX-10/YS-40A package. He noted the quick attachement of additional lens the definate plus of the Sea and Sea and was just courious as to it's ratings among the real photo gurus. And was my super-sale price of 550 a deal or did I pay too much?....

 

[scubatexastony]

even in 100' viz. rule of thumb, or so, is 1/2 the distance, but i found and extra light can only help. but of course take this with a grain of salt from one who has shot less than 10 rolls underwater. I liked all my photos, just wished I would have strobed em all!, then again the effects of the water and blue/green hazes give a good backgound for some of them. shoot, learn, enjoy!

check em out @
http://communities.msn.com/TexasSwampDivers/scubatexastony.msnw

 

[joewr]

Scubajude,

In general, it is most useful to stop the camera down as much as possible when using a close-up lens. That is because the more you stop down the lens, the greater the depth of field, i.e., the more that is in focus.

You can use ISO 100 or 200 film with your strobe and an f-stop of 16 or 22. f/22 is preferable in general.

The accessory that Dee recommended or a home made version is nearly mandatory. You cannot imagine all the scenarios that will lead to a lost lens! Among the most common is stopping to take a photo and another diver coming over to see what is worth photographing...and bumping you or your camera. Has this ever happened to me? Well, one time I was "bumped" so hard that my regulator was jerked out of my mouth!

Oh yes, I think you will love the close-up kit. Usually things that are amenable to close-ups will hold still for photos! Look for little things like nudibrancs, flatworms, all sorts of small corals, etc. It will make you more aware of the variation in the marine environment...and you will get some of the most colorful photos possible!

Joewr

 

[Scubajude]

Thanks to all for the good advice,
I have recently returned from a trip out to the reef where I tried my new close up lens, nearly had a magnificent shot of a large moray, what I meant buy nearly is I stuffed up on the framing, got a great shot of a Moray from the bottom jaw down, ;-( the carity and depth of field was spot on.
I am more the wiser for the experience.

Jude (Downunder)