I have a Minolta XT-Si and I'm having trouble getting good quality portrait and other close-up photos. I've tried the Portrait and Flower modes. I have a 28-70 (or 80?) lens and then another lens that goes to 200. Can't quite remember exactly. But anyway, if anyone could recommend a macro lens or the best technique to get quality photos up-close, I'd really appreciate it. And if there's any particular film that is best for these types of photos, please let me know. Thank you

-- Chris (cgleason9@aol.com), April 04, 2002

Answers

You didn't say what the problem with the images was, but I'll post a couple of generic notes.

1) Those lenses you mention, zooms, aren't the sharpest lenses possible. If what you're noticing is softness or distortion at the edges, that's the problem. Get a good prime. I saw a Maxxum 135 2.8 on eBay for $300 just today. It's a great portrait lens.

2) For good portraits, you need to BACK AWAY from the subject and use a longer lens. You may find using the 70-210 zoom at 100-200mm will give you more flattering results. Getting closer will distort the facial features and look more like a funhouse mirror than a portrait. (Check photo.net for info on portraiture.)

3) On camera flash sucks. You need to either use remote flashes (does the XT-Si support wireless TTL flash with the 5700 flashes? Can't remember...) or bounce your flash off a white ceiling or wall. Don't want to spend the $$ on flashes? Go outside and have a helper hold a white sheet so the light reflects into the subject's face. Works very well...

Scan one of your "failed" portraits and we can offer you more targeted advice.

Don

-- Don Tuleja (don@calimages.com), April 04, 2002.