Improving the X-Series Macro Abilities

The Fujinon XF60mm f2.4R is a really nice short telephoto prime lens and was one of the original three lens that was launched back in 2012 with the 18mm and 35mm alongside the Fujifilm X-Pro1.  The 60mm is also badged as a macro lens but only has a 1:2 magnification, where true macro lenses are 1:1 or better. 

I was ready some of the Fuji orientated blogs and I came across a post about some third party extension tubes that provided full automation when used.  Unlike the DSLR lenses where you can use cheap extension rings with no electronic coupling between the lens and the camera body, the 'fly-by-wire' manual focusing on the XF lenses requires the lens to be coupled to the Fuji camera body to work.

I ordered the Neewer Metal Bayonet Automatic Macro Extension Tube Set, which has a 10mm and 16mm tube that can be used individually or together to increase magnification, from Amazon and they duly arrived two days after placing the order. The price was £34.47, which is a lot cheaper than similar items for Nikon or Canon.

The tubes feel pretty substantial and well made.  I went down to the beach at Winterfield to test out the magnification factor of these extension tubes on the Sea Pink growing on the rocks by the golf course.

The result was a huge improvement in magnification as can be seen from this quick test on a flower head where the focus on the lens was set as close as possible.

no extension tubes used

with extension tubes - both 10mm and 16mm used together

The second item that I've bought that will help improve the macro ability of the X-Series system is a Pixel FC-311/S E-TTL Compact Off Camera Shoe Extension Cord which allows the Fuji EF-20 flashgun to be used off the camera while retaining full TTL operation.  The extension cord is actually for a Canon flash but the pin layout on the Fuji flash is similar and allows full automatic operation.

Using the flash off camera allows me to position the light where I need it, usually above the subject.  Here are two shots showing the difference.

without flash

With flash

The Pixel FC-311/S E-TTL Compact Off Camera Shoe Extension Cord was just £17.95, again this was bought from Amazon.

These two fairly cheap items have improved the macro ability of the X-Series camera system and of course the Pixel Extension Cord can be used for other types of photography, portraits for example.  I certainly can recommend these third party items for any Fujifilm X-Series CSC user.

CLICK HERE for the Neewer Metal Bayonet Automatic Macro Extension Tube Set

CLICK HERE for the Pixel FC-311/S E-TTL Compact Off Camera Shoe Extension Cord  

Macro images taken on a Fujifilm X-T1 + Fujinon XF60mm f2.4R macro lens.  Images of the set up taken on a Fujifilm X100

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