New toy for shooting coin pictures

K6AZ · January 4, 2005 9:39AM

I've had this Testrite CS3 copystand for a couple of years now, and most of the time it works pretty well. One major complaint I've had about it is that the light only move up and down, and their placement in relationship to the baseboard can not be changed. I've had some toned coins that I have just not been able to image well, and I hope this flexible light assembly does that trick. Price on it from B&H Photo was $63 including shipping.

Barry · January 4, 2005 9:42AM

Looks like you're ready to interrogate some prisoners, Eric!

K6AZ · January 4, 2005 9:45AM

Funny you said that, it is exactly what Sally said after I turned on all the lights to make sure everything was working.

mgoodm3 · January 4, 2005 10:40AM

You'll like the lights from higher angle. They work much better for practically everything.

coinbuf · January 4, 2005 10:40AM

That is quite an impressive setup Eric, no wonder my pics suck compaired to yours

Chris

K6AZ · January 4, 2005 10:51AM

Thanks Chris. It's actually quite reasonable in price compared to some other brands. This complete setup, the copystand and the flexible lights, can be bought for about $215 including shipping. If you're interested, I can provide a link.

coinbuf · January 4, 2005 11:11AM

Thanks Eric, your right that is very reasonable for the setup. What I really need is a new camera, I currently am using a sony Mavica. No matter what type of lighting I use the camera greatly limits what I can do. It's good for close-ups as it is equipped with a 10X zoom and an optional close-up lens. But the pics are a bit granular, and when it comes to captureing color and luster, well yuck.

Chris

K6AZ · January 4, 2005 11:17AM

For shooting coins, you really don't need to use the optical zoom at all. If you're in the market for a new camera, I think right now a good balance between price and quality is the Nikon 5400, going for about $400 right now.

coinbuf · January 4, 2005 11:19AM

Does that have auto white balance and macro Eric?

Chris

K6AZ · January 4, 2005 11:24AM

Yes, it sure does along with a lot of other great features. Here is the review with all the specs:

Steves Digicams

ElectricEye · January 4, 2005 11:44AM

No need to use a heater in the house when that is turned on. Very nice setup indeed!

braddick · January 4, 2005 11:46AM

Thanks Eric. Neat setup and you just gave me a couple a great ideas.

Stuart · January 4, 2005 11:51AM

Eric: I'll look forward to seeing how you feel the additional high-angle lights impact your coin photos, since I've got the same Testrite Copy Stand as you have.

OnlyBuffalos · January 4, 2005 11:54AM

Eric, what kind and size bulbs do you use in your setup? Thanks.

K6AZ · January 4, 2005 12:07PM

I use 60w GE Reveal bulbs.

meos1 · January 4, 2005 12:23PM

That is a nice rig and yes please post the link. I have plenty of camera, but lack the copy stand. That looks exactly like what I need. I bought my Wife a Sony DSC F828 for her photo tinting business. I use it frequently with good results but the copy stand aspect would greatly improve my imaging. What do you cover that with when your not using it?

Dan

K6AZ · January 4, 2005 12:35PM

CS3 Copystand

23-C Copy Lights

I don't cover the copystand with anything, just once in a while I will give it a cleaning on the baseboard. I do keep the camera covered when I'm not using it with a soft cloth.

K6AZ · January 4, 2005 12:50PM

Here's the first picture using this new setup. I will need to tinker with the positioning, but overall, I'm happy with the results.

JRocco · January 4, 2005 12:57PM

It doesn't get much better than that Eric. Thanks for the links and I look forward to seeing your coins with this new set-up.

K6AZ · January 4, 2005 1:06PM

Thanks John, I'll play more with it tomorrow. I just need to adjust the lights a little bit. The lower half of the crescent shows great, as it really is, but the upper half is a little dark. I'm sure I'll work it out with a little practice.

SemperFI · January 4, 2005 4:51PM

Your setup reminds me of Doctor Octopus from Spider Man 2.

ibzman350 · January 4, 2005 6:30PM

Eric,

I too us the same stand as you and to tell the truth I wasn't to happy with the lighting set up from day one. I also incorporate two more lights and do get better results, sometimes. Two flex desk lamps do the trick for me and of course the 60W reveal bulbs.

Herb

OnlyBuffalos · January 4, 2005 11:40PM

Eric, I must try your additional appliance. I have not gotten anywhere close to what you achieved with the six bulb arrangement. Very nice results. Looks like more money will have to be diverted from coin purchases.

Coinhusker1 · January 5, 2005 12:01AM

Nice picture, K6!

What settings do you use on your camera? I have a Nikon 5200, so comparable settings to yours should work for me (hopefully).

Also, I have the Testrite copy stand with only 2 lights, and have been using a desk lamp as supplemental lighting under the coin.

Coinhusker1 · January 5, 2005 12:02AM

KurtHorn · January 5, 2005 12:11AM

60 W GE Reveal Bulbs? Forgive my newbieness but are they different from normal 60W? Where did you get them? Thanks, -Kurt-

K6AZ · January 5, 2005 5:03AM

<< <i>Eric, I must try your additional appliance. I have not gotten anywhere close to what you achieved with the six bulb arrangement. Very nice results. Looks like more money will have to be diverted from coin purchases. >>

Actually, I'm still using four bulbs. I'm not using the two front lights on the copystand.

K6AZ · January 5, 2005 5:05AM

<< <i>What settings do you use on your camera? I have a Nikon 5200, so comparable settings to yours should work for me (hopefully). >>

I'm using the "P" (programmed) mode with flash disabled. I'm bumping up the aperature to F4.5.

K6AZ · January 5, 2005 5:07AM

<< <i>60 W GE Reveal Bulbs? Forgive my newbieness but are they different from normal 60W? Where did you get them? Thanks, -Kurt- >>

The GE Reveal bulb is a standard incandescent bulb with a coating that causes the light to be closer to natural daylight. Untreated incandescent bulbs give off a yellowish hue that a lot of cameras can not compensate for. Any hardware store that carries house bulbs will have them.