Bellows Units
Turn small objects into great pictures
The classic way to macro photography leads over the bellows.
We offer a wide range of different bellow systems.
From the universal bellows series BALPRO, where cameras and lenses of different manufacturers can be combined, over automatic bellows that transfer all functions between camera and lens up to the pro model BALPRO T/S with tilt/shift function:
Almost anything is possible with NOVOFLEX bellows.
Please note: focusing to infinity is not maintained when using original camera lenses
ARCA - compatible dovetail over the full length of the rail, allows for quick connection of the bellows with compatible accessories such as QR-units, rails and other accessories
Precise and always reproducible shift and
Tilt adjustment on front and rear standards
Universal connector on front and rear standards for camera- and lens adapters
Bellows Units - Products
NOVOFLEX BALPRO and CASTBAL T/S bellows explained
The NOVOFLEX universal bellows systems are the most versatile bellows systems on the market. With its complete adapter ring system it supports almost any combination of lens and camera systems.
A bellows is nothing more than a "variable extension tube". It adds extension between the camera and the lens and thus increases the distance between the sensor/film plane and the lens (= image width), making it possible to photograph small objects at higher magnification.
NOVOFLEX offers universal bellows and automatic bellows units. By means of adapter rings, the universal bellows can be used with a variety of different 35mm- and medium format cameras and lenses. A system change is possible at any time. The automatic bellows transmit all control functions from the camera to the lens and have the connection bayonets of the system for which they are built. Automatic bellows are available for the following systems:
- Canon EOS
- Canon EOS-R
- Fujifilm X
- L-Mount (Leica, Panasonic, Sigma)
- MicroFourThirds (Olympus, Panasonic)
- Nikon Z
- Sony E-Mount
We recommend the use of macro lenses to achieve even higher magnification factors in combination with longer working distances. As a rule of thumb: the shorter the focal length of the lens, the larger the achievable magnification factor and the smaller the working distance to the subject gets. We offer the Schneider Kreuznach Apo Digitar 4.5/90 lens head for our bellows units for imaging scales from infinity to about 1.8: 1. It is also perfect for slide copying!
In addition to the bellows unit, we recommend using a focusing rack. This is used for focusing without having to change the bellows extension (= image width) or the tripod; i.e. the focus zone can be relocated, while the image scale remains constant. NOVOFLEX offers a wide selection of focusing racks under the name CASTEL.