How do I control aperture with lens reversal for macro?

Question

I bought a lens reversal ring to try macro photography on my 50mm f/1.8 prime lens. But when I tried it, I couldn't control the aperture as my lens doesn't have manual aperture control. I attached the lens normally and changed the aperture and again detached it to use it reversed. But still, the aperture hole was the smallest. How can I overcome this problem? And if not possible, what equipment should I buy to make this work?

Will manual focus be available when reverse mounting a lens? — xiota, Aug 24 '19 at 05:57
@xiota It's a Nikon D7000, and yes. I have tried it. Still doesn't work. :( — tomriddle99, Aug 24 '19 at 06:06
@xiota thanks, the blog in the mentioned answer was awesome. — tomriddle99, Aug 24 '19 at 06:19
A possibly cheaper solution to buying aparture control gear might be to buy a lens with full manual controls. Many film era lenses sells for very cheap while still being good. — lijat, Aug 24 '19 at 12:21

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered Aug 24 '19 at 08:55

For Nikon F-mount lenses with mechanical aperture control, you can use the Nikon BR-6 Auto Diaphragm Ring.

For Canon EF lenses, which have electronic only camera/lens communication, you can use an "Automatic" Macro reverse mount adapter.

There are also other "DIY" ways to set the aperture to a desired setting.

For Nikon F-mount lenses they usually involve fixing the aperture control lever at a specific position. For Canon EF lenses, one can dismount the lens from a powered up body set to the desired aperture while holding down the 'Depth of Field Preview'.

How do I control aperture with lens reversal for macro?

1 Answers1