Updated Coin Photography System
rmpsrpms
Posts: 1,903 ✭✭✭✭✭
I have finally found lights that are a good replacement for the venerable Jansjos, and actually work a bit better. I have integrated a pair of these into my System-400, which is now "System-400Q" with the new lights. I have also added capability for the system to shoot full slabs, proof and mint sets, small and large size notes, etc. You can see the updated System-400Q on my web page here:
http://www.macrocoins.com/example-system-400q.html
Here's an animated pic of the system shooting the full range of US coins, doing white balancing, and then changing lenses to shoot a slab, a mint set, and a Silver Certificate:
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Comments
One day..... this is on my bucket list... great setups!
Successful transactions with: Jinx86, Flcardtrader, Robkool, JWP.
I like the way you've used a focusing helicoid to mount what appears to be an enlarging lens. The lights look nice, too.
Tag.
Definitely want one.
BHNC #248 … 130 and counting.
What kind of light are you using?
I purchased a system and have been thrilled with the results, highly recommended.
Cell phone pictures:
Proper rig:
I'm all in! Complete amateur looking for the full-boat. Send me some particulars when you get a chance.
The lights are 5W Quans goosenecks. I have already built a few systems with them, but I needed to find an appropriate bracket for them to mount to the sides. They come only with a clamp mount, which I have to remove and attach them to the bracket. It's a bit of work but it comes out very nice.
Will send you a PM but meantime you can see the details on my web page at:
http://www.macrocoins.com/example-system-400q.html
http://macrocoins.com
Yes, I checked that out and it looks great. I will mainly be shooting single coins for myself but would like to have the ability for larger images and for outdoor recreational use as well.
The camera is easily removed from the system and is a good beginner's camera with the 18-55mm lens for general use. You can leave the camera attached to the Arca rail, and get another Arca clamp to go on a tripod. This would give some macro capability outdoors.
http://macrocoins.com
Write it up! The questions will come later. This isn't considered heavy machinery is it?
It's five o'clock somewhere.
It's ready to go...Ray
http://macrocoins.com
Give me 5 minutes. I’ll be out of town till Sunday so pause the shipping until Friday unless you think it’s gonna take a while. I want to be here when it shows up on the patio.
No worries, can ship Friday to arrive probably Tues.
http://macrocoins.com
That works - Thank you!
OK, that one is sold, but who wants me to build another one for them?
One thing to note is the white strip on the side of the Arca rail. You can see in the animated photo that it is marked D C N Q H D for Dime, Cent, Nickel, Quarter, Half, Dollar. This marking is calibrated so you can quickly move between different coin sizes. There is another smaller white strip above that is marked 18-55mm. This is the position for the system when 18-55mm lens is in place for shooting Slabs, Sets, and Bills.
http://macrocoins.com
Several folks have asked about buying just the copy stand portion of the System-400Q, or copy stand with lights. This is possible but may require a taller column if medium or long focal length macro lenses are used. The regular System-400Q has a very compact 12" column, which is tall enough for 75mm and 18-55mm lenses. It will also work fine for 55mm and 60mm macro lenses from various manfucturers. But if a 100mm lens is used, a taller column is needed. I can supply the System-400Q with an 18" column, or if 150mm lens is used, a 24" column. The 24" column could also be used with shorter lenses but the extra column height will require a longer Arca plate. In either case a larger base (like on my System-X, see here: http://www.macrocoins.com/example-system-x.html ) is appropriate.
Pricing for the different options is:
12" Column, small rounded base, 8" rail: $110 (plus $30 shipping)
18" Coumn and larger rectangular base: $120 (plus $40 shipping)
24" Column, larger rectangular base, 12" rail: $135 (plus $40 shipping)
Shipping is higher for the longer columns because they can't fit in a flat rate box, so I have to ship in 2 packages.
Note the pricing above does not include the lights, which are $85 without diffusers, or $125 with diffusers. Shipping is a bit more expensive as well if lights are added since I can ship the bases alone in a Medium FRB but with lights must ship in a Large FRB.
http://macrocoins.com
I've now sold several copystand+lights to folks who have their own camera and macro lens and can confirm the column heights for a few different lenses:
Up to 60mm: 12" Column
60mm to 85mm: 18" Column
Above 85mm: 24" Column
I said above that the 24" column would work with 150mm lens but have not proven it yet. If someone with 150mm lens makes an inquiry, and provides me with the camera heights needed for shooting Dimes, Dollars, and slabs, I'll post back here.
http://macrocoins.com
What kind of memory does the camera (nikon) have?
The cameras I source with my systems are by Canon. The standard systems use the Rebel XS, an older but very capable model. The camera connects via USB cable to a laptop or desktop using Canon's software, and you can view the coin on-screen and snap the shot with your mouse. The image will automatically download for editing and saving. The camera does not need to have a memory card at all as the images are not stored locally.
http://macrocoins.com
If you prefer Nikon, I can of course configure the system for Nikon mount, but you will need to purchase the control software if you want to make full use of the system. Note that Canon cameras also have EFSC electronic shutter functionality that eliminates both mirror slap and shutter shake, so are vibration-free. For Nikon, shutter shake is eliminated, but only the latest higher-end Nikon cameras have electronic shutters. Most all of Canon's range has EFSC, which results in sharper images.
http://macrocoins.com
How do you paint the image on this BST thread?
?
I will use your Canon camera also. What cost would the system ?
PM sent
The complete system as shown in the pic above, including the AC adapter for the camera and the masked diffusers on the lights, is $650.
http://macrocoins.com
does you cannon have a plug in memory chip (i.e., SD cards) where I could plug it in to my chrome book and place the photos?
Yes, it takes SD cards, so you can take photos offline and upload to your laptop.
http://macrocoins.com
I see, it is transferred to the chromebook automatically. from there we can send it to BST threads.
How do u pull the trigger to capture an image?
I am not 100% sure that the Canon software will work with your Chromebook. It would be good for you to check compatibility. I would suggest using your Chromebook to access the Canon software support webpage for the camera. The page will auto-detect your OS and give you a list of the available software. You will need EOS Utility to control the camera, and Digital Photo Professional for image editing. Here is the link to the Canon support page:
https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/support/details/cameras/support-dslr/eos-rebel-xs/eos-rebel-xs?tab=drivers_downloads
http://macrocoins.com
I have a 10 year old laptop (sony) or I might buy a new laptop. Wouid the EOS and other you describe come with?
The software should work fine with the older laptop, and with the new one as well as long as it's Windows. If you get a Mac, only the latest version of EOS Utility will work, and that version won't work with the older Rebel XS camera, so you'd need to get a Rebel T7 or later. So if you have a choice, go with Windows for best update compatibility. When folks buy systems from me, I supply the software that came with the camera on a USB stick, so no need to download as long as you have a Windows machine.
http://macrocoins.com
So the cannon has a built in Macro lens?
How much is the 1941-D bottom right available (green yellow pink) with the matrix of flyspecs in front of Lincoln?
The System-400Q has a macro lens + focusing helicoid. This is part of the system, but not built into the Camera.
I'll try to find the 41-D you asked about. If I can find it I'd charge $10 for it.
http://macrocoins.com
Ill take the 1941-D green roll on the macrocoins page also.
Ill take the two right bottom 1941-D rolls and the one above.
Thanks
I've looked and looked, but I can't find the last few available 41-D coins. I am sure I still have them and will keep looking but it's been 5 years since I sold the others. Will let you know if I find them...Ray
http://macrocoins.com
And the 1945 S coin.
There are a few 45-S available on my toned cents page. If you click on the images they have a number you can refer to. The available ones are #3, #23, and #35, $12 each.
http://www.macrocoins.com/misc-toned-cents.html
http://macrocoins.com
I'm going through a few more toned rolls and will be updating my page with new coins soon.
http://macrocoins.com
Can u give me quick notes to photo slabs and raw coins?
Ill take all of the 1945-S's.
The main issue with photographing coins is lighting. Cameras, lenses, and other techniques make only a small difference compared with lighting. Slabs are more difficult because the slab surface will reflect light and cause glare. For slabs you must move the lighting far enough away from the slab to keep this glare from happening. I make a special diffuser I call a "smile director" that I mount to the lights to help with this. For raw coins, you can go to a higher angle than for slabs, achieving direct reflection off the coin surface to give best color and luster presentation.
Please send me a PM regarding the 45-S toned Cents so we can complete the transaction. I tried sending you a PM but was not able to for some reason.
http://macrocoins.com
Ill take the '47-D and the 54-D also. I like the top right 1945-S with the green toning especially.