OT: Opinion on this copy stand

MSD61

So what do you folks think of this? I like it because it's easy to fold up and store or to carry with you. Do you think it would work for shooting coins?
Mini copy stand link

oldshep

My only concern is that it is only 5 1/2 inches high, my camera, for instance, will only work down to 6 inches for macro. If your camera will allow you to get closer, it might be a neat stand.
Shep

Purple73

Another thing you might consider is how flimsy it might be.

For instance with my camera I dont have a place that I can put a plunger. So I would have to hit the "go" button with my finger which might make the stand sway. If I had a plunger hook up on my camera this would be perfect.

MSD61

Both of you bring up excellent points. My camera can take macro images 1.5 inches from the lens but I think this thing maybe flimsy as Purple brought up I don't have a plunger either ( in my manual it says I can order one) so I'd have to do the same thing hit and stand back. Just wanted to know what others thought of this contraption...LOL!

AuldFartte

That looks flimsy to me, too.

I almost hit the BIN on one of those a couple of months ago, but
the 6"x6" base seemed a bit small to use with a larger and
heavier digicam. Looks like it may wobble a bit under a load.

Nice new icon, Michael

MSD61

Yup I like your new I con too Tom. And your're right my coolpix 4300 is a heavy camera and I am afraid ti will tip on this setup also. You know maybe I'll make my own copy stand. I want something small so I can work with on my desk or by a window for natural light. Some of the copy stands I've seen are just too big for my needs. I am shooting coins not large scale aircraft carrier models...LOL!!

AuldFartte

Oh, I know exactly what you mean

I'm trying to find a nice compact stand, too, but it needs to be sturdy.

Thanks for the icon compliment ... the coin is not mine, however
It's the most beautiful example of a Gothic Crown I've ever seen, though.

rhound1977

A tripod is all I use along with my homemade light box, but granted it is not as portable as the copy stand...

mrfred

I have one of these stands marketed by Kodak. I have not yet used it for coin photography -- I plan to get started on that (and break the habit of scanning coins ) this coming summer. My Kodak stand worked well for an estate jewelry photography project a few years ago, and that is why I bought it. I know now from reading various threads on this board that lighting is as important as the stand. Some time ago I bought an Ott Light and I've been using it to work with coins. I use it in conjunction with a normal table lamp and incandescent bulb. The two work well together. The Ott Light helps me see the coins in natural color, and the table lamp illuminates nearby stuff, like supplies or reference books.

(My camera may also need to be replaced. It's an old Kodak 1.3 megapixel, and while I do have some close-up lenses, I may need to SPEND MONEY and get a BETTER CAMERA. The first place to check when I decide which new camera to get will be -- you guessed it -- this discussion board! )

MSD61

That is a cool looking stand mrfred I wished they made something like that for my Nikon.

goldrush00013

$3 at a yard sale.

mrfred

I think that Kodak stand fits any camera w/ a standard mounting screw fitting on the base of the camera.

cosmicdebris

My Setup:


Canon Rebel Digital SLR with a 100mm f/2.8 macro lens on a Testrite CS-2 copy stand. (2) 500 Watt Photoflex Starlites.

ajaan

This may discourage you, but I use the copy stand you linked. It is fairly sturdy. I think aethelred also uses the same one.

MSD61

kop khun krub ajaan. I really like this one because it's small and would work well on my desk area and in other areas.

mrfred

Bill, thank you.

Does your camera have a remote shutter trigger -- one of those spring cords? Or do you have it plugged directly into the computer and then trigger the shutter w/ a computer signal? Something like that?

Aethelred

<< <i>This may discourage you, but I use the copy stand you linked. It is fairly sturdy. I think aethelred also uses the same one. >>



Don is right, >90% of my coin photos are taken using that copy stand and I get good results. He and I both have lighter, smaller digital cameras, but I don't find this stand to be flimsy at all. In fact, because it is solid metal and so small, it is more solid than some of the much more expensive stands I have looked at. The only serious drawback I have with it is that I can't get further away than about 6" on large items or sets.

MSD61

Thanks Michael

Purple73

aethelred(cool name BTW), What do you as a light source with this little copystand.

I have a Nikon Coolpix 3200 and can get about .5 inch(12.5mm) away from the coin and still have a nice clear shot. With my current setup my problem is I block the light with the Camera. How do you overcome this?

Aethelred

<< <i>aethelred(cool name BTW), What do you as a light source with this little copystand.

I have a Nikon Coolpix 3200 and can get about .5 inch(12.5mm) away from the coin and still have a nice clear shot. With my current setup my problem is I block the light with the Camera. How do you overcome this? >>



I use one (sometimes two) GE reveal 50w floodlights. With a little work and lots of good luck I can sometimes get pleasing results:

spinaker2000

I use this compact stand also, works great if you have more than one light source.


also taken with Nikon Coolpix 3200

ajaan

<< <i>kop khun krub ajaan >>


mai ben rai

MSD61, poot pasa thai?

MSD61

<< <i>

<< <i>kop khun krub ajaan >>


mai ben rai

MSD61, poot pasa thai? >>



Phom phoot pasa thai dai nit noi

AuldFartte

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>kop khun krub ajaan >>


mai ben rai

MSD61, poot pasa thai? >>



Phom phoot pasa thai dai nit noi >>



Now, where the heck did I put the translator ...

edit to add: You won't believe this, guys:
Just for fun, I plugged this into a "guess the language"
translater on the 'net ... It came back with "Indonesian".

ajaan

Translation for those who are interested.

MSD61: Thank you teacher.

ajaan: Think nothing of it. Do you speak Thai?

MSD61: I speak a little Thai.

Aethelred

and I thought you guys were talking dirty!

Askari

A good intro to copy stands!