Most macro lenses work with the easy35.

​

There are three constraints with compatibility of lenses on the easy35:

​

• Minimum focusing distance/reproduction ratio

• Maximum distance tube length

• Filter thread size

​

Reproduction Ratio

Most non-macro lenses can only focus close enough to, for example, fill the frame with the head of a person. Some a bit closer.

​

To scan with a camera, you will need a lens that can focus close enough to fill the frame you want to scan. Scanning 35mm using a full-frame sensor, this means a 1:1 (one-to-one) reproduction ratio. 

 

To find out, either Google your lens and include "magnification ratio". If you don't find good results, find the frame you want to scan and focus on it. Is it filling the frame of your camera (you can only see the negative itself)? If yes, you can scan with it. If no, you might have to get a different lens or in some cases use extension tubes (only recommended on lenses that focus to 1:2 and are made for use with extension tubes).

 

Maximum distance tube length

The distance between the film and the front of your lens when focused on the film you want to scan must be smaller than 230mm. 

​

Due to this, we recommend you stick to focal lengths that are between the below ranges:

​

• Full-frame: 55-105mm

• APS-C: 40-70mm

• M4/3: 35-60mm

​

If you are unsure of what this means, you can use the technique in the video below, or follow the steps below:

​

1. Draw a rectangle that is 25x36mm (1x1.5") on a piece of paper.

2. Put on your lens and bring the rectangle in focus while moving incrementally closer

3. Once you can only see the rectangle through the camera, measure the distance from the front of the lens to the paper

4. This distance must be smaller than 230mm

​

​

 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

Filter Thread Size

The easy35 attaches to the front of your lens with the filter thread. The native filter thread of the easy35 is 62mm, but the kit comes with a set of adapters to different filter threads:

​

• 39mm

• 46mm

• 49mm

• 52mm

• 55mm

• 58mm

• 67mm

 

These sizes cover most lens-types, but not all, such as the Leica-specific E55 thread. However, you can easily find step-up rings that are compatible with this. Stacking these to get to 62mm is also fine.​

​

You cannot use it with most fixed-lens cameras as they don't focus close enough to fill the sensor. This includes the Leica Q-series cameras.

​​