1st Lens Reverse...help

I love looking at macro photography and was inspired by all of you to try. Please point me to a tutorial and/or offer help here for lens reversing. I know how to physically reverse the lens, it's my shooting technique I'd like help with.

Note: I'm new to DSLR, just got my XSi in December, 08, and I know that I have a lot to learn all around. I don't have a budget for new gear right now, but I'd like to learn as much as I can.

(My tools: XSi, 18-55 kit & reverse adapter ring, 50 1.8, 55-250, 430EX II, gorilla pod slr zoom, & a larger manfrotto)

Attached are my first attempts.

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I just started shoot macro by reversing my 18-55 kit lens as well. Strangely enough, I started taking pictures of some coins that I had from my last trip to Iceland. I'm still having trouble trying to get the image focused... Any pointers would be great! (These were taken by hand holding the kit lens in reverse and I used Aperture to change the exposure on the coin shots)

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Can anyone point me to a tutorial/how-to, please? I've searched but came up short. Thank you!

Look good to me Jaten. The biggest thing is just focusing which it looks like you've got spot on, but I will say that lighting with super macros is the hardest thing. Search around POTN for DIY macro flashes and you'll see a few innovative setups that are quite cheap to make. The most expensive part besides the flash will be the off shoe cord. Just take a look and post some updates on how you're doin!

Not sure how you are reversing - ie straight onto the body or onto another lens.

If onto the body you need to preset the aperture with the lens normally attched- AV mode set say F8 and then press the DOF preview button and remove the lens whilst keeping it depressed.
If you are reversing a lens onto another then the reversed lens should be used wide open (ie as is) and focused on infinity.
Focusing in both cases is normally done by moving the camera until you just achieve focus and then gently move it back and forth for fine focus control.
Also useful if you have set the dioptre adjustment in the viewfinder by pointing the camera at something lightish and turning the little wheel until the squares around the focus points are in sharp focus (you don't need to be actually focused on anything).
The one thing about shooting macro is the DOF becomes razor thin (and thinner the higher the mag) so fine focus control is essential.
I found this easiest if you arrange test subjects vertically on a table and just slide the camera on the table towards the subject.

brian v.