I remember a variable extension tube as well, but don't have my refeences out
here.

What canon made that was really cool and this dates back to the FL lens time
period were the Macrophoto Couplers FL in sizes 58mm, 55mm and 52mm (as the
years went on). These were reversing rings for the threads indicated and has a
13mm focusing adjustment, plus they came with a "macro hood" to allow manuial
diaphram operation. There were two styles of couplers and hoods, the older ones
came in 58 and 55mm and had smooth edge hoods. These were all metal. The later
ones with ridged edge hoods came in 55 and 52mm and had rubber diamond focusing
grips. They are quite useful if you don't have a bellows.


--- In CanonFD@yahoogroups.com, "Harry Brown" <harryb@...> wrote:
>
> I checked my copy of New F-1 World, and the coupler is shown in use in
> several places on the diagram. I also looked over my small assortment of
> macro pieces, but they are mostly for the older mechanical F-1's, rather
> than the last model. All my various couplers, adapter rings, etc., have the
> Canon name just before the part description. I have doubts that the part
> shown is actually made by Canon. It may well have been purchased from a
> photo shop at the time the camera was bought, but I think it is an
> aftermarket part by Vivitar or similar. These variable tubes were called
> couplers on the FD system, and were mostly used with the bellows. One of the
> parts furnished with the couplers (I own 52/55mm examples) was the Macro
> Hood, which acted to open the diaphragm on reversed lenses. Very hard to
> find that part, and I've seen some silly auction prices. Of course, I've
> seen the Auto Ring sell on eBay for over $120.
>
>
>
> On another note, the chrome ring lenses aren't scarce, just probably not
> offered by the owners as often as the later new FD mount ones. Many of us
> prefer the older chrome mounts, even though lots of them are heavier than
> the later design. When you lug around an F-1n with the full motor drive and
> a handle mount flash, the small extra weight isn't too much of a factor.
> Also, lenses like the 50/1.4 and the concave 35/2 in the chrome mount are
> among the finest in the great line of FD optics.
>
>
>
> Harry
>