*Real* macro à la 1980

Oldest son just sent me this story:

I just saw a post on this image, so to expand on it: way back in 1980 this client wanted a closeup of a catheter tip for a trade show image. I started with the Sinar configured as an 8x10 using a double rail clamp bracket with a Symmar-S 480mm lens for some working distance. Couldn’t come close to filling the frame so switched over to the 4x5 back. Three bellows later, I think was something like an 8 stop bellows factor - it went off the scale but after a few Polaroids, was able to dial in the exposure. Keep in mind, with shooting color transparency film, we always did a 3 sheet 1/4 stop bracket to insure final exposure was right on the money. This was way before focus stacking so I used a 9,600w/s Balcar “Dino” light to give enough power to stop down to f64. Even with the double rail clamp, rather that using the cable release, I always would turn off all the house lights, then open the shutter, then manually trip the strobes to insure no camera shake. Tack sharp!

Have fun!
Claes in Lund, Sweden

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Do you own this setup now?

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No, not yet.
I’m working on it, though…

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