FZ30 with DCR6600 and a Gene trick.

[LoveLife]

The DCR6600 almost distortion free always had a vignetting problem with the FZ10 and 20.

With the normal 55-52 step ring vignetting was worse on the FZ30. That is because a 55-52 step ring moves the DCR6600 mounting base 4mm from the front bezel.

Gene came up with this sweet trick of gluing the DCR6600 into a 55-58 step ring. The results are wonderful. The DCR6600 lens base is .98mm from the front bezel.

FZ30 DCR6600 55-52 step ring 23.1mm
http://lovelife.smugmug.com/photos/35784559-L.jpg

FZ30 DCR6600 with glued on55-58 step ring 23.1mm

http://lovelife.smugmug.com/photos/36969928-L.jpg

Same shot as above FZ30 at 35mm

http://lovelife.smugmug.com/photos/36969935-L.jpg

[John_Reed]

...eliminate barrel distortion, Jerry? Because just to my casual eyeball the "Gene Trick" shot looks to be free of same, the vignetted one has distortion. Am I seeing things?

[LoveLife]

That is my fault John,

That is my fault John,

I should have taken 3 of the same shot. The pole in shot one is really on a slant.

...eliminate barrel distortion, Jerry? Because just to my casual eyeball the "Gene Trick" shot looks to be free of same, the vignetted one has distortion. Am I seeing things?

[John_Reed]

I've seen a lot more junkier posts than yours based on presumptions which can only be called "bad science!" Your results look pretty decent though. What does a DCR6600 cost?

[LoveLife]

$115.50 including priotity mail and 55-58 step ring.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7548227936&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1
BTW,my ad on ebay.

I've seen a lot more junkier posts than yours based on presumptions which can only be called "bad science!" Your results look pretty decent though. What does a DCR6600 cost?

[Albacore569]

What type of glue did you use to attach the step ring to the lens? Any special "gluing techniques".

Thanks, Fred

[genece]

I used a black silicone sealant available at autopart stores and hardware stores.
It is a thick sealant that will not run or drip and can be removed later if necessary.

It is made by Permatex and sold as a sealant/adhesive and the # is 16B

[LoveLife]

I did not want something permanent so I used a small GE 2.8FL OZ Silicone II (clear)tube $3.85.

To get a small bead a hammered a small 1 ¼ inch finishing nail to break the seal instead of cutting the top off. I then ran a small bead around the threads of the DCR6600 and pressed the 55-58mm ring into place.

HTH



LoveLife
What type of glue did you use to attach the step ring to the lens? Any special "gluing techniques".

Thanks, Fred

[Albacore569]

One more question please.

I went onto B and H website and they have 55mm-58mm step UP rings and 55mm-58mm step DOWN rings.

Am I steping UP or DOWN.

Thanks again, Fred :o

[genece]

You want to stepup from 55 to 58 and a stepdown ring should be listed as a 58 to 55 stepdown ring.
This is the ring I used

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=60499&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

[Albacore569]

Gene,

Thanks once again for your help and prompt reply.

I've had the FZ30 for several weeks now and really love it. I've read the reviews and comments that hit it for image quality i.e. noise, but for my needs it is an outstanding camera. I previously owned an Olympus 750 and had mega problems with low light photography and slow shutter response.

The FZ30 coupled with the Raynox 2020 and the 6600 that I bought for use with the 750, makes a potent combo.

Regards, Fred :D

[LoveLife]

The correct way of classifying step rings.

The first number is the camera side female thread.

The second number is the change or modified female thread.

First number lower then second = step-up.

First number higher then second = step-down ring.

I can sell you a 55-58 step-up ring for $9.50 shipping included if you have a PayPal account.

One more question please.

I went onto B and H website and they have 55mm-58mm step UP rings and 55mm-58mm step DOWN rings.

Am I steping UP or DOWN.

Thanks again, Fred :o