How to Create a DIY Extreme Macro Tube

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Cut a hole in the body cap of your camera.

   (It is assumed that you keep a lens on it and aren't using it any longer).
   
   The hole should be big enough to let enough light in to the camera-body when taking a picture.
   
   Better yet, get a cheap aftermarket body cap and cut that up, keeping your original body cap for protecting the body and possibly adding value if you sell it.
   
   Be careful that the hole stays small enough so that the systems that locks the body cap on your camera body stays intact!
2. 2

   Step 2: Cut a hole in the metal bottom of an empty Pringles can.

   Try a short Pringles can for roughly 1:1 magnification (the picture covers an area about the size of a postage stamp); a long one for significantly greater magnification and more difficult use.
   
   The hole must be a little smaller than the hole in the body cap, so that the body cap can fit perfectly on to the Pringles can. ,,, Since the inside of the can is made of reflective material, you get nasty lighting on your pictures if you don't do this. , Wrap a small piece of cloth around the lens, so that it fits snug into the can. ,, Remember that because the lens itself isn't attached to your camera, you'll lose autofocus and aperture control.
   
   Focus by physically getting closer to or further away from the subject, and control the aperture manually by the lever on the lens.
3. 3

   Step 3: Glue the body cap onto the Pringles can with super glue.

4. 4

   Step 4: Let it dry

5. 5

   Step 5: and clean off excess glue.

6. 6

   Step 6: Line the inside of the Pringles can with black paper.

7. 7

   Step 7: Put your lens into the other side of the Pringles can

8. 8

   Step 8: REVERSE!

9. 9

   Step 9: Attach the whole thing to your camera

10. 10

    Step 10: with the body cap.

11. 11

    Step 11: Take pictures in manual mode.

Detailed Guide

About the Author