Does anyone have experience using the 20mm f/2.8 Nikkor reversed on a bellows? If so, what have your results been?

I'm considering purchasing this lens for landscape photography and it would be nice to have it do double duty for high mag macro work. I know the 24mm f/2.8 is great for bellows work so I'm curious as to whether the 20mm is as good.

Thanks,
Tad

Hi Tad. I've been using my 20mm reversed on my PB-6 with good results (stamps and flowers mostly). Magnification is nearly 12x at maximum extension! I still need to "practice" more with this - now that winter's here I'll have plenty of opportunity

You'll need a bright light source, sound tripod and remote shutter release cable - but you probably know that already. The biggest challenge I had was finding the BR2 ring, B&H had to special order it. Good luck, Nancy

Thanks, Nancy. I had long ago given up hope on getting an answer to my question. I finally settled for a 24mm f/2.8 because I figured it would be more versatile to me in the long run. So far I don't regret my decision.

I use an F-3 with a PB-4 bellows and the reversed 24mm lens (about 11x). I'm mainly photographing scientific specimens on a copy stand with tungsten lights. Very stable and plenty of light, but I do have trouble getting a good focus at high magnification. Which focusing screen do you use with your F-5/bellows setup?

Tad

Tad - I'm using the "M" screen with the DW-31 high mag viewer. This was the only way I could good focusing - this combination takes a bit of getting used to though. Everything is backwards, but the field of view is brighter and much easier to focus. If you decide to go this route your copy stand will probably make things easier since the angle you'd be viewing from would negate the "backward" sensation.

Nancy

Thanks, Nancy. I've tried the M screen for the F-3 with the DW-4 high mag finder, but I'm still having problems. Of course it might be the fact that I don't see as well as I used to Anyway, I had Santa bring me a C screen to try out. I almost think the M screen is too clear for me.

Tad