Bellows Extension Calculator
Calculate exposure compensation and magnification for bellows macro photography.
Bellows & Lens Settings
Total distance from film/sensor plane to lens optical center
Magnification
1.0:1
1.00x life size
Exposure Compensation
Bellows Factorx4.00
Exposure Compensation+2.0 stops
Effective Aperturef/16.0
Compensated Exposure
Base Shutter1/60
Compensated Shutter1/15
Optical Details
Working Distance100.0mm
Depth of Field0.96mm
Subject Coverage36.0mm x 24.0mm
Extension Reference
Extension for 1:1100mm
For 1:1 magnification, extension equals 2x focal length
Bellows Photography Tips
• Use a sturdy tripod - vibration is magnified at high magnification
• Focus by moving the camera/subject, not the lens
• Stop down for more DOF but watch for diffraction
• Consider focus stacking for greater depth of field
• Use mirror lock-up or electronic shutter
• Flash lighting helps freeze subject movement
Bellows Factor Formula
Magnification = (Extension - FL) / FL
Bellows Factor = (1 + M)²
Exposure Comp = log₂(Bellows Factor)