If you are planning to do close-up photography. The easiest piece of equipent to use is a Nikon with a Micro-Nikkor lens (Equivalents avaiable in other brands, just don't remember the names off top of my head) This lens will focus from infinity down to a 2 in (50mm) dia circle, without extension tubes or bellows. The lens also includes an extenstion ring that will allow you to go from a 2 in to a 1 in diameter circle, that is 2:1 to 1:1, If you want to go even deeper, you can also get a Ring Light flash that fits on the front of the lens. If you are only going to do a few shots or rolls, and can get your stuff together, You can rent these at a Pro Shop. The Deposit is heavy, but returnable, when you bring the unit back in working condition. For backgounds. If the color is critical, use a grey background. If any light is reflected from the background, it will not cause a color shift. A matte finish background will also reduce unwanted color reflections. RE: "Modern Photography for Police and Firemen" by Sam Sansone If you have never done it before, suggest getting copy of Kodak's "Close up Photography", read and understand before starting. It will save a lot of grief, wasted time and film and reduce your mistakes. For you experimenters, Take a white flower like a shasta daisy. Use a medium to dark green background, take a shot. replace with grey, take another. When prints are back, note slight greenish cast in white petals from green background. Byron