More Coin Photo systems available

rmpsrpms

All the last systems I advertised here sold quickly, but I have just finished pre-building a few basic systems. Contact me by PM or via my website contact page if you have interest in any of these Systems. I have the following available:

System-1: http://www.macrocoins.com/example-system-1.html
The System-1 shown on website has a high magnification objective for shooting 2D or 3D variety images, but I can configure the system for full-coin imaging with a different lens. This is my most compact system which can be configured for shooting a little larger than ASE's/ Dollars down to Trimes with full-coin lens, and 2D/3D images of doubled dies/RPMs/etc with higher magnification lens

System-2: http://www.macrocoins.com/example-system-2.html
The System-2 shown on website has a full-coin lens and also an XY table. This system can also be configured for variety detail imaging like System-1. The XY table is an option for any of the the systems.

System-3: http://www.macrocoins.com/example-system-3.html
This is my most popular system and is the easiest to use for full-coin imaging. The System-3 shown on website is configured for variety detail imaging, but most folks who have purchased these are doing full-coin imaging across the full range of coin sizes.

System-6: http://www.macrocoins.com/example-system-6.html
My largest and most complete system, with integrated XYZ stage for critical framing and focusing.

System-7: http://www.macrocoins.com/example-system-7.html
My simplest system (and most inexpensive), which can mount the camera directly to the stand for use with short macro lenses, or can use the other lens options described below.

The most popular lens options for full-coin imaging are:
Nikon 75mm: A good budget lens with excellent performance.
Rodenstock 75mm APO-Rodagon D 1:1: A high-end lens with world-class performance, available with or without variable aperture.
Kodak 89mm Printing-Ektar: A high-end lens that is near-ideal for coins. This lens is reversible...mount it forward for full-coin imaging, or in reverse for variety detail imaging.

The most popular lens options for variety detail imaging are:
Bausch & Lomb 3.5x: A good budget objective which can be used across a wide range from 2x up to 6x
Nikon 5x Metallurgical objective: A good budget objective which can be used from 4x up to 8x
Bausch & Lomb 10x: Excellent objective for imaging small features like mintmarks
Nikon 5x and 10x Measuring objectives: Best objectives for doing 3D work

I have diffusers available for both full-coin and variety/detail lenses. Also can provide modified Jansjo lights with integrated diffusion, reversible grey/black transfer disks for white balancing and background elimination, etc.

Although the systems described above are pre-built, I can customize / accessorize them as needed to meet your specific needs.

Note that I am also starting to build systems for folks with automated Z-axis for doing focus stacking. I have done both automation to move the camera/lens up/down with coin stationary, or to keep camera/lens stationary while moving the coin up/down, using linear stepper rails. I'm exploring some new methods using voice coils to make this cheaper (and more accurate).

Contact me by PM or via my website contact page if you have interest in any of these Systems.

Broadstruck

Very Cool!

rmpsrpms

I have created a new system which is sort of a hybrid between my microscope stand based systems and a traditional copy stand. One problem with the microscope stand systems is they are very compact, so don't lend themselves well to taking pics of large medals, full slabs, etc. The new system ("System-9", see http://www.macrocoins.com/example-system-9.html) is much taller (25", with granite/composite base) and can frame a full slab with the included 75mm lens. It can also zoom-in to the date and mintmark of a Lincoln Cent with a quick lens swap. It uses a bellows like my other systems, but the bellows is mounted on an ARCA rail, so you can remove the bellows and install your camera directly. This allows you to use it like a traditional copy stand. I have also integrated a pair of Jansjo LED lamps!

Here's a pic of the system, with bellows, camera, lens, and fine-focus stage:

The full system, with copy stand, bellows, two lenses, camera, and lights is $750.

rmpsrpms

Pictured system is SOLD, but I will be making another one so will keep this thread going.

Timbuk3

Nice !!!

1630Boston

Reasonable price for the complete system, thanks for posting it
Boston

rmpsrpms

I have built another System-9 (copy stand style system) and it's available for sale. The first purchaser had a couple of suggestions that I have incorporated, so this second system is improved! Main change is to add photo velvet to the stage, so that the background will "disappear" when shooting raw coins, eliminating the need for circle cropping. I usually only add the photo velvet to my transfer disks, but if the buyer doesn't want the transfer disk, he/she can still take advantage of the deep black background.

Another change I've made is to swap the 75mm lens for a Noritsu 86mm E36C, which is an ultra high resolution lens made for color printers. With the 86mm lens, the system can shoot a full slab, all the way down to smaller than a Trime. If interested in doing detail shots, the buyer can add a shorter focal length lens or objective.

In the last year or so, I have sold more systems without cameras than with them. The camera I offer with the systems is the Canon Rebel XS, which indeed is an older/out-dated camera based on specs (it's only 10.2MP), but it is still an excellent choice for coins due to its electronic shutter capability (which eliminates all camera vibrations), and included (free) tethering software. Of course newer Canon cameras also have these features, and if the buyer chooses to buy their own camera, I have been recommending the Rebel T6i. It is 24MP, which sounds a lot bigger, but in reality it is "only" ~50% bigger in X and Y than the XS. You need to go up to 40MP to get 2x bigger in both X and Y vs the XS, and at this point I don't think there are any 40MP APS-C cameras on the market, so the Rebel XS is still IMO a good choice, especially given its low price.

rmpsrpms

I have created some optional configurations for the System-9/Copy Stand system, see them described below:

Original configuration: Vivitar bellows with camera and lens mounts direct-mounted to the column. This configuration is the most rigid way to connect the bellows:

Alternate configuration #1: Vivitar bellows with Vivitar focus rail mounted to the column. This method gives a simpler way to adjust focus using the focus rail. If you remove the bellows, you can also attach a camera to the focus rail:

Alternate configuration #2: Canon bellows direct-mounted to column. This is a rigid mount similar to the original configuration but without the need to move the arca clamps for focusing:

Alternate configuration #3: Canon bellows with focus rail mounted to column. This gives the simpler way to adjust focus similar to Alternate #1 but using the Canon bellows:

A camera + macro lens can be mounted directly to the column as well, either by mounting the camera by its tripod mount, or mounting the lens by its tripod mount. If the lens and camera mounts are on the same plane, both can be mounted, making a super-rigid connection. If anyone would like to see these configurations, reply here or by PM.

rmpsrpms

The first system has been put to use by a member from another forum. He wrote up a brief review, see it here:

https://www.cointalk.com/threads/new-copy-stand-for-photos.332676/

Gluggo

Ohhhh boy soon I will have my own system 9 by the world famous rmpsrpms! I am excited and it will be worth it!

rmpsrpms

With Gluggo's purchase I have now sold my 3rd copy stand system! I'm putting together more so no worries.

In the 2nd and 3rd systems I incorporated inputs I received from the buyer of the 1st system, but I am still looking for additional inputs and suggestions to improve. A couple folks have requested "axial" lighting, and I will look into that. One buyer swapped out the Noritsu 86mm printing lens for a Rodenstock 75mm Apo Rodagon D M1:1 copy lens, and I can offer this option for additional $100. The drawback is that the max coin size is limited to <50mm, so with the Rodenstock the system can't frame full slabs. If you only want to go up to Dollars then this is a good option.

I showed the Canon Auto Bellows configurations above, and can offer those as no-cost options. The Canon also reduces the range of largest size coins to a max of ~40mm, so still OK for Dollars and ASEs but not full slabs.

Please let me know if there is something I can incorporate or change about the system to make it more useful to you. I'll probably put together a couple more systems this weekend so would like to incorporate any good suggestions.

Gluggo

Well here is my new system and I must say so easy to use!!!!! Glad I bought this now the practicing begins.

Gluggo

Here is a full slab picture. Simply raise the camera up till it comes into focus. Use the fine tune knob. Wala done! I had about 2 minutes this morning to try it. I wish I had time to spend playing with it but off to work 5:30 am.

Now
this has nothing to do with the lighting just simply seeing how easy to go from a 22mm token to a full slab.
The rail is very slick. I went and put my cheap eBay $150.00 stand under my new Rmpsrpms system rail. I am very happy best money can buy.
Here is another after work.

Thank you Rmpsrpms .

Gluggo

I shot these through 2x2 snaps tonight came out well.

mvs7

Nice images @Gluggo - are you supplementing the two Jansjo lights on the copy stand with a few more to get this level of lighting? Looks like you have a few other non-diffused Jansjo lights at 4 & 8pm or so...

Gluggo

Mvs7 I have 2 extra jansko lights on their own stand. I shot a picture for you. I seen this on another site in a picture, and tried it and it was as if the lights came on what a 110% difference in making the coin pop out, as one other member commented.

Aspie_Rocco

Wow, cool set up!