Bellows Focusing Attachment and Accessories

Bellows Focusing Attachment PB-6 Other than the Micro Nikkor Lenses, another useful and flexible accessory that can really help you to work in closely is the Bellows Focusing Attachment PB-6. Flexible because it can help to increase the extension between lens and camera body by just a twist of the knob, which means you can use it with any lens, be it a wideangle lens, a 50mm f1.8 or a telephoto lens. The PB-6 renders reproduction ratios to nearly 11X, depending on the lens used and mounting configuration. Its modular design offers a versatile system of close-up and macro photography.

It operates with manual or aperture priority auto, TTL metering and flash control. Extension range is 48-208mm. Supplied with Front Standard, Rear Standard, Rail Assembly and Bellows.

Although an AF Nikkor such as this AF 60mm Micro Nikkor is ideal for this kind of work, it is not a 'compulsory' lens.. With Bellow, magnification is controlled by the extension between the camera body and the lens used. You can, reverse the lens to shoot beyond 1X, which generally, is the highest reproduction ratio a macro lens can achieve.

Micro-Nikkor Lens Family: | 50mm | 55mm (AF) | 60mm (AF) | 85mm PC | MF-105mm (AF) | MF-200mm (AF) | 70-180mm (AF) |
Bellow-Nikkor lenses: Index Page

Bellow Focusing Unit PB-6E This attachment more than doubles the magnification ratio of the PB-6 (to 22X) and a 20mm lens in reverse position at full bellows extension. Produces continuously variable extension range from 83-438mm. Includes Centre Standard, Extension Rail Assembly, Extension Bellows.

You can also use the PB6 with a Slide Copying Adaptor PS-6 to make duplicate slides. If flash is the primary source, the F3's TTL flash feature will ensure proper exposure. Duplicate and crop 36mm transparencies (with mounts up to 4mm thick) with this unit attached to the PB-6. Operates with TTL exposure systems.

TTL Macro Ring Lite SB-21A/B Designed specifically for close-up work (flash-to-subject distances closer than 40mm is possible with wide adaptor). This compact, battery operated unit features dual rotatable flash tubes, for flat front lighting or selected relief lighting. Advanced electronics assure consistent exposure control with variable output. A built-in focus illuminator aids manual focusing. Further enhancement to lighting is possible using secondary lighting and reflector systems This unit is ideally suited for use with the AF Micro-Nikkor lenses.

More detailed info available for SB-21A/B and earlier SR2/SM2 Macro Ringlights

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The PB-6 is surprisingly a delight to use. It provides continuously variable extension from 48mm to 208mm. Further, there is list of accessories that were made around the PB-6 to extend its function. To ensure proper synchronization, special Cable Releases AR-4, AR-7 Double Cable Release and the AR-10 Cable Release (see below for more info) provide the PB-6 with automatic diaphragm control, even for a lens in the reversed position. For handling small items, there is a macro copy stand PB-6M with 18% grey surface.

Cable Release AR4 with Nikon Thread AR-7 with ISO Thread AR-10 for MD Terminal

When used together with the Bellows Focusing Attachment PB-6, the AR-10, AR-7 or AR-4 stops the lens diaphragm down to the preselected aperture the instant the shutter is released. To enable automatic diaphragm operation with PB-4 or PB-5, uses the BR-4 ring. When used with a double release or double cable release, the BR-4 ring also allows automatic diaphragm operation of the lens mounted in the reverse position via optional Macro Adaptor Ring BR-2. When the BR-4 Auto Ring is used between the lens and bellows, its 9mm extension influences the range of magnification. When the lens is mounted in reverse position, the reproduction ratio remains the same as that given in the instruction manual of the bellows.

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A Bellows Spacer PB-6D enables moving a motor drive camera body like the F3 with MD-4 (Nikon F5, F4E, F4s) on the PB-6 rail without interference. It mounts between bellow standard and rail to provide sufficient clearance. Two are required for operation of the PB-6. An additional spacer is required for both the PB-6E and the PS-6.

Having selected your reproduction ratio, you can mount the PG-2 Focusing Stage between the bellows and the tripod and move the complete system back and forth to obtain the sharpest focus. Eliminates any need to modify either lens focus ring or bellows extension.

Auto Ring BR-6

When using the PB-4 or PB-5 bellows with a double cable release, this ring enables you to retain automatic diaphragm control. Macro Copy Stand PB-6M Attaches to the end of the PB-6 to convert it to a miniature copy stand or specimen stage. Macro Adaptor Ring BR-2A Fits between the camera and lens to enable lenses to be reverse mounted; an inexpensive means of obtaining a relatively high reproduction ratio.

The BR-2A also increases the working distance for normal or wideangle lenses. Adaptor Ring BR-3 is a handy adaptor that converts the bayonet mount of reverse mounted lenses to the 52mm thread used for filters and hoods. Note: The BR-2A enables you to mount a 62mm front thread lens in reverse on the PB-6 and Nikon cameras to increase magnification and working distance. BR3 provides a 62mm thread for filters and other lens attachments with lens in reverse. BR-5 allows mounting lens with 62mm thread (use with BR-2A). BR-6 for the PB-4, PB-5 and PB-6 enables Nikkor lens auto-diaphragm control with AR-4/7/10 cable release.

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Miscellaneous Close-up Accessories:

Motor Drive Holder PH-4 - Enables motor drive with PF-4 Repro copy outfit.
18% Gray Card for PF4 - Replacement item.
Table Clamp PC-3 - Enables use of PF-4 with table or firm support up to 1.5" thick.
Tripod Adaptor Plate - Attach F4S, N90, N8808S to PF-4.
Slide Copy Adaptor ES-1 - Fast, accurate slide duplication with Nikkor 55mm f/2.8 Micro-Nikkor lens.

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