Extension tubes are so that you can move much closer to the subject, usually in the macro territory. It could be that you did not move close enough to the thing you wanted to capture - as in REAL close. OR you moved in TOO close, which in that case, you need to step back out a bit, a couple of cm will do in most cases. As for manual focus, just turn the focus ring if your lens is a manual lens, if it's an AF lens, disable the AF switch and then turn the focus ring.

What lens are you using?

Ooohhhhh... unpowered NEX lenses will not have an active focusing connection AFAIK due to the fact that they're using built-in AF motors. You'll need to use a manual lens or an AF lens driven by screw-drive AF (eg A-mount lenses) to be able to MF.

Honestly, I have not used extension tubes before, I've read about them previously when I had a thought of getting one, but ended up didn't.

So to answer your 3-2-1 issue, I'll leave to those who used them before to reply.

But seeing that you can't seem to adjust focus on your lens, it's either powered off and locked at the infinity or MFD point. You'll need to look for a proper MF lens to test it out for yourself.

extra question: did you know what were you buying into when you get the extension tubes? research on it? read up on its functions and limitations etc?

buy a cheap manual lens off eBay for $50.

I'd recommend this instead of the 50
http://r.ebay.com/TUjP3k

Most dumb adapters are more or less the same in construction. I've both a few and went along with Fotga most of the time.

Again, when people ask "what is recommended lenses" , it's best to support this question to what purpose you want it for?

For portrait go with Minolta 58mm 1.4 , sometimes when I want a more creative approach I go Helios 44.
Street I have a Minolta 28mm 2.8
Tele + tele macro - Minolta 135mm 3.5
Macro - Minolta 50mm 3.5 Macro with 1:1 tube

Among my other less used vintage lenses I also have a couple Industar 61, Minolta 50mm 1.7, Vivitar 75-205mm.

It's pretty fun and surprising to go full manual.


DSC00379 by Redlyfs, on Flickr
Taken with Minolta 135mm 3.5 with 1:1

Manual focus, and aperture. Sometimes you need to do some manual mod. For example to get the manual aperture ring working on Helios 44m-n.
Aperture no. The rest can

For Minolta lenses, no.
Minolta MD/MC and NEX uses different mounts. You absolutely need a different adapter.
So if you want to use that 1:1 tube, you set-up will be like this
Camera + NEX-MD/MC adapter + 1:1 tube + MD/MC mount lens

Menu>camera> AF/MF select.

https://www.google.com/search?q=minolta+rok...19%3B1200%3B804

There are two rings. One for focus, another for aperture. It's a tautology

"release without lens"

What lens are you using? 16-50? Can you show what kind of adapter are you using? Powered / non-powered?

Oh.. now i roughly get what you are trying to do. You are trying to convert the Kit PowerZoom lens into a Macro lens. If there's no electronic contacts on the extension tube, I doubt SELP1650 can be zoomed or focused. 

Instead, you may try to attach the kit SELP1650 lens directly to the NEX body,  and then set it to F8.0 which should be it's sharpest aperture.  WITHOUT TURNING OFF the NEX cam, detach the SELP1650. It should remain open and zoomed out.  Then power off the NEX, attach the extension tube and lens and try.  I guess the Menu >setup>release w/o lens should be enabled

Otherwise, if you can find it.. get the KENKO brand of extension tubes for NEX. This one seems to have the pins which will electronically connect the lens to the body via extension tube.

I'd rather try finding a prime lens with aperture and focus rings for this though.

Shoot some photo. Share it

Daniel, nice colors!

Guyss, how to shoot like these? Blur on the background, while focus on the subject/object. Telephoto lens issit? And the colors, did you edit or it's in its original color?

just a warning to everyone, be careful with your buttons especially the dials at the wheel (ISO,Disp, etc) Just got back mine from sony service center, they changed the switch block and control. Bought mine at mid april only

That's why you should always invest in an external charger. Charging directly thru the body should only be use for emergency cases. Just becoz Sony said you can charge thru body doesn't mean that it will not come with downsides ...

at least if  got electrical surge / spike / lightning - your external charger get burn 1st not the main body..

yes, One of my friend also not dare to transfer picture direct usb from camera, instead he use card reader. Since there are cases the body fried due to unstable usb current