What do you guys think of this -- Device for better coin pics!

FrattLaw

Found this on Ebay -- wondering if it would be easier then the titled glass technique I'm currrently using for toned coins.

EZcoin Photography.



Michael

mgoodm3

The diffusion tent may be useful, esp. proofs. MS coins look better with direct light (shows luster better IMO). Should work well for showing color and doing angled shots. i'm not sure what use the light box on bottom is. The copystand is very useful although may be a bit lightweight for a really big camera but a normal digicam should be fine.

dorkkarl

that looks like some sort of new-fangled space-age solar-powered microwave/washing machine combo!

K S

FrattLaw

Any other photographers want chime in? I'm wondering if this would be good for slabbed toners?

Michael

ss350camaro

I looks like one of those 'pop-up' laundry hampers you can get at Linens & Things or Walmart.

Not sure why you would need a light panel below the item you're trying to photo tho ??

Seems like you would want the light source(s) outside the "hamper" so it could difuse the light. ?

mozeppa

a very large white plastic serving bowl with the bottom cut out (bought at the goodwill store) works just as good!

total cost 27 cents including tax.

$148 bucks saved to buy more coins of course!

shylock

Interesting, looks like a better version of the Cloud Dome, a light diffuser/salad bowl that's very awkward to work with. I think the light box below the coin is suited more for raw coins than slabbed.

A better option for imaging proofs and deep toners may be to find a good diffusing material (perhaps like this) and place it directly over a pair of elevated lites, giving you more flexibility. I've always thought the ideal imaging system for tough coins, like monster toned copper proofs, would be a custom made Ott lite system with an intensity rheostat control for each light and optional diffusing screens. Every coin is a bit different and that would allow you to set up the light intensities and positions in countless ways.

Darkhorse

Much more glamourous than my usual method of taking pictures on my hands and knees on the floor with a desk lamp and a maybe a sheet of white paper. But I get decent results.

shylock

For only $5,000 you can purchase this coin Digital Imaging System. Their US distributor will come to your house to set it up and train you as part of that small fee (camera not included)

DHeath

Cheap, portable diffuser,

IrishMike

This one is free, I posted it this past weekend. Shoebox and tin foil.

airplanenut

I'm not sure if it would work--remember, the slabbed coins are recessed in the holder a bit (most are) and sometimes the light has to be at an angle, even if diffused... paper works fine and is, well... cheaper

ldhair

Check out this site.
Not cheap

nwcs

<< <i>I'm not sure if it would work--remember, the slabbed coins are recessed in the holder a bit (most are) and sometimes the light has to be at an angle, even if diffused... paper works fine and is, well... cheaper >>

That's basically the way I do it. Paper to diffuse the light. Works pretty well for me. Kind of a middle road between direct light and diffused light.

oldcameoproofsguy

The device pictured looks like it may create a backlit situation. The good side is that lighting tables emit light that is fairly neutral and well balanced.

In all honesty, if you are at all serious about getting the best coin images, consider a moderate investment in a SLR and a nice telephoto macro lens. I can't describe in words how much easier it is to light a coin when you are able to shoot it from a foot or two away. Anyone who has been shooting with a SLR setup will attest to this. I use a tripod, but others use a copy stand. This gives the freedom of using whatever lighting source will yield the best results of any particular coin.

cosmicdebris

That camera looks familar.

ibzman350

an inverted lamp shade works for me

Herb