Macro 3d with the
Panasonic 3D Lens
By George Themelis
NSA - June 2013
Macro—The Challenges
#1 Focusing
#2 Excessive Deviation (“Too much depth”)
•
To take a close-up/macro 3d picture we need to get closer to the
subject to increase the magnification. We are limited by the lens’
close focusing distance
•
In 3d getting closer means increasing the deviation/depth, which
can be a problem (picture cannot be fused or viewed comfortably)
To take a close-up/macro 3d picture we
need to reduce the spacing of the lenses
(Stereo Base, B) and be able to focus close
Rule of thumb: B = 1/30 x Distance of Near Object
(for macros 1/10-1/20)
Type of 3d
Stereo Base
Normal
50-75mm
(includes infinity)
Close-up
20-30mm
Macro
5-10mm
Representative Cameras
Panasonic 3D Lumix G
•
Has a micro 4/3 mount
•
It will work on a variety of cameras
(Panasonic, Olympus)
•
It will produce a 3d MPO file in certain (most/all recent
micro 4/3 Panasonic) cameras
•
Two lenses, 10mm apart
•
12.5mm FL, f12 fixed aperture, fixed focus
(Range: 0.6m-INF)
•
Not good for general photography
•
Very good for macros thanks to its lens spacing but it
needs to be modified to focus closer
Focusing Close
Two possible Solutions:
1. Move Lens forward
2. Use Close-Up Lenses
Initial Modification—Jan 2011
Initial Modification of 3D Lens
1. Move Lens
2. Use CU Lenses
Lens Power
No Mod
Mod
+1 (1000)
+3 (350)
+10 (100)
Extension
(mm)
0
0.07
0.33
0.41
0.70
Focusing
Distance
1200
600
350
300
200
(I)
1200 mm
350 mm
260 mm
175 mm
80 mm
M
(F/I)
1/100
1/30 (3x)
1/21 (5x)
1/14 (7x)
1/6 (17x)
Conv
(B/I)
1/120
1/35
1/26
1/18
1/8
16”
12”
9”
5”
Second Look—March 2013
Macro Calculations
Focus, I
INF
1575
794
533
403
325
273
236
208
186
169
155
143
133
124
117
110
104
99
95
91
78
CONV (B/I)
INF
157.5
79.4
53.3
40.3
32.5
27.3
23.6
20.8
18.6
16.9
15.5
14.3
13.3
12.4
11.7
11.0
10.4
9.9
9.5
9.1
7.8
1000
900
800
Focusing Distance (mm)
Extension
0.00
0.10
0.20
0.30
0.40
0.50
0.60
0.70
0.80
0.90
1.00
1.10
1.20
1.30
1.40
1.50
1.60
1.70
1.80
1.90
2.00
2.40
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
Extension (mm)
After some search and trial and error, I purchased washers no. 2 from McMaster-Carr.
These come in two thickness, 0.5mm and 0.8mm. I tested several combinations from
0.5mm to 2.4mm (3x 0.8mm washers stacked together)
2.0
Convergence Ratio
Convergence
Ratio = B/I
Normal Stereo = 1/30
Close-Ups = 1/20-1/10
B
I
CR in different macro/close-up systems
Camera System
Focus, I
B
CR (I/B)
1/30 Rule
Panasonic 3D1 24 in
Panasonic 3D1 12 in
Macrolist (16mm)
Horseman (34) near
Horseman +1
610
305
100
700
420
30
30
16
34
34
30
20
10
6
21
12
Lumix G - As Is
Lumix G + 0.5 mm
Lumix G + 1.0 mm
Lumix G + 1.6 mm
600
300
150
100
10
10
10
10
60
30
16
10
Weak Macro
Good Macro
Strong Macro
30
20
10
Personal Recommendation:
• Anything less than 0.5 extension is not useful. Use 0.5mm extension
in combination with close-up lenses.
• If you are only going to have one lens, 1.0mm is the best for macro.
• 1.6mm is as strong macro as the lens can comfortably handle.
Step-by-step Modification
•
•
•
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, tweezers, strong reading glasses, washers (no. 2)
Remove the 3 screws in the back of the lens, push
the back out a bit.
Using the tweezers, insert the washer(s) in one slot,
put the screw back, tighten just a bit. Repeat for the
other two screws.
•
Tighten screws when done.
•
Total time (if all tools/space is available): 5 minutes
Lenses For Sale
•
Lens Only (no modification), $95
•
Modified for 1.0mm, plus 2x0.8mm, $125
•
GF2 camera + modified lens + focus bar, $250
Extension
0.5mm
0.5mm
x
0.5mm
0.8mm
0.8mm
0.8mm
x
1.0mm
x
1.3mm
x
x
x
1.6mm
2.1mm
x
2.6mm
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Camera & Flash
•
Focusing bar & grip are very useful.
•
Flash is indispensible for Macro 3d (allows for sharp handheld pictures, darkens distracting background)
•
For best results try: Manual (M), Lowest ASA (160), Highest
Shutter speed (160)
•
Built-in flash works great for 90% of the pictures (sits high,
can be tilted if desired)
Camera & Flash
•
Focusing bar & grip are very useful.
•
Flash is indispensible for Macro 3d (allows for sharp handheld pictures, darkens distracting background)
•
For best results try: Manual (M), Lowest ASA (160), Highest
Shutter speed (160)
•
Built-in flash works great for 90% of the pictures (sits high,
can be tilted if desired)
The 10% (or less)
•
Less Contrast is desired
•
Side/back lighting (instead of top)
•
I have been experimenting with the
Metz Macro flash (expensive)
•
You can use any external flash in manual or auto mode (the
GF2 has a hot shoe, all you need is an inexpensive flash
adapter)
3D Lens vs. Macrobox
3D Lens
Convenience
x
Portability
x
Reliability
x
Macrobox
Flexibility
x
Resolution
x
Examples
Inside the house
• At the Supermarket
• “Portraits” (Body close-ups)
• Flowers
• Bugs
• Special projects
•