I got my Qx5 Microscope Yesterday!

moosesr

I got my new Qx5 yesterday and am having problems with reflections off MS coins. I am getting good pictures of circulated somewhat dull coins. Does anyone else using one of these microscopes have any advice or recommendations?

Thanks,
Charlie

This is an example of pictures of the same coin, one with my Kodak DC290 and one with the Qx5.

seanq

I have the older QX3 model, and I've always had the same problem with glare on lustrous coins, especially proofs. Assuming the housing hasn't changed from the QX3 to the QX5, I can suggest a couple of things to improve your shots.

If you haven't done it yet, and you don't mind hacking your shiny new scope into pieces, cut away the bottom of the blue bezel surrounding the camera. This will allow you to get close enough to focus on a slabbed coin, and it will also let you get a little more natural light between the coin and the camera. Then you can try turning off the top light and using foil or mirrors to reflect light onto the coin instead.


Sean Reynolds

Rampage

My QX5 had a short so I had to send it back.

moosesr

Hi Sean, I trimmed the shield down so I could focus thru slabs, but I didn't trim it up on the sides. I will have to try trimming the sides also so I can use outside light as you suggested.


I couldn't get the picture I took with my DC290 to show up so I am trying to add it here.

DorkGirl

I don't know about the 5, but on the 3 there is a light control. I had to turn down the intensity of the light to get decent pictures. Have you tried that?

moosesr

Yes, I did turn down the light control, but still had a glare problem. The light just doesn't seem to evenly cover the surface. I may remove more of the shielding and try to use external light.