Help with (real) macro shots.

I used f11 to decrease the shutter time to get a shutter time of seconds (I also tried f5.6 with shorter shutter speeds).

The tripod is probably causing the problem. It is not the most sturdy one, and the Manfrotto 222 (please google) makes the camera off-center a lot. But it is the only setup i've got.

The same setup (but different images), was used with a A33. Those images where much better, probably because the much lighter moving parts. Just the curtains.

Thanx.

One other thing: are you using auto or manual focus? If you're using autofocus, there could be a front/back focus issue, which could explain the difference between the A500 and A33 with the same setup.

Menkert

There is something I do not understand from your post:
You use a Minolta 50mm macro f2.8 and a kenko 1.4x converter to achieve 1:1 magnification
What I do not understand is why the Kenko converter, the Minolta 50mm macro can do 1:1 alone.
You are at 1.4 : 1 from what I see. And at this magnification and considering the fact that you are looking at some red dots (and red stats first to enter into diffraction) and the f11 aperture your image may be soft because of diffraction.
Plus the converter introduces some softness of is own.

For a true 1:1 try only your Minolta 50mm focused at 1:1 and an f no lower than 9.5.
( Magnification does not change with the size of the sensor a lens that does 1:1 on a full frame is also 1:1 on an APS-C)

If you want to use your converter than do not go lower than f6.7

Thanx you all!

I think i know what to do right now. => sturdy setup + move the setup to a bright location + about F5.6 + shutter speed preferably 1/200.