Another lesson in eBay photo manipulation (my photos, his photos)
airplanenut
Posts: 22,218 ✭✭✭✭✭
Pretend for a moment that I'm not skeptical of certain eBayers and their photography "enhancements." That would mean I might like this lustrous, flashy dollar that has vivid color with some nice pop to it. But, of course, I am a skeptic of sellers, especially Bondman in particular, after I had my own run-in with him.
In addition to just being a skeptic, I remember this coin. I used to own it. While not an unattractive coin, the colors are quite dark, and the lustre is extremely subdued through them, really not enhancing the toning when put under a light. So here are my pictures, and his pictures...
My shot of the color:
My shot of the lustre:
Nice reverse, though no frost on the deviced:
His photographs:
Of course, his auction also states:
-Better date (it's in a mislabeled holder, and an 83-O is not rare with color... for that matter, neither is an 83)
-Kind of semi-PL (ok, I think that's funny, even though it's nowhere near anything PL)
-64++++++++ (normal 64; with the lack of obverse lustre alone, it's not high-end)
Ok, so that's my rant on this auction. The moral? Always remember that some sellers will do whatever it takes to make a buck, even if it's wholly dishonest. Of course, you probably already knew that. So take this as yet another example, but not just linking an auction--one where the actual comparison has been made in-hand.
Jeremy
In addition to just being a skeptic, I remember this coin. I used to own it. While not an unattractive coin, the colors are quite dark, and the lustre is extremely subdued through them, really not enhancing the toning when put under a light. So here are my pictures, and his pictures...
My shot of the color:
My shot of the lustre:
Nice reverse, though no frost on the deviced:
His photographs:
Of course, his auction also states:
-Better date (it's in a mislabeled holder, and an 83-O is not rare with color... for that matter, neither is an 83)
-Kind of semi-PL (ok, I think that's funny, even though it's nowhere near anything PL)
-64++++++++ (normal 64; with the lack of obverse lustre alone, it's not high-end)
Ok, so that's my rant on this auction. The moral? Always remember that some sellers will do whatever it takes to make a buck, even if it's wholly dishonest. Of course, you probably already knew that. So take this as yet another example, but not just linking an auction--one where the actual comparison has been made in-hand.
Jeremy
JK Coin Photography - eBay Consignments | High Quality Photos | LOW Prices | 20% of Consignment Proceeds Go to Pancreatic Cancer Research
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Comments
Edited to add: Now I see the link.
<< <i>Maybe he works in or took lessons from the photography department at Goldberg's or Heritage???? >>
Heritage surely not... they're pictures are just bad; not dishonest--at least, not tweaked to be dishonest.
As for Bondman, one of the funniest coin show moments I had was delivering a CD of photos, and also a print of a 3-coin set. Happened to meet with the person at Bondman's table, and Bondman liked the photos... asked what setup I used. I really wanted to ask him what he used, but the lack of desire to start an argument prevailed
That said, he's left a sour taste in my mouth online, and also in person, where he's belittled extremely PQ coins (and priced them with bluesheet) and reminded me how much I don't know about the toning market (ironic how the next week, at a larger show, I sold everything I showed him, at the prices he said were outrageous for the market--and all to dealers). I stay away from him at all cost.
<< <i>...he's belittled extremely PQ coins (and priced them with bluesheet) ... >>
sounds like a bunch of violin dealers I know...
So, what name does he go under? "Bondsman"? Or, something like "Bubba John's Coins & Collectibles"?
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
All I will add is this -- there are many others, including some on this board, that do the same thing. Be careful, and always ensure you have a return privilege...Mike
<< <i>You met with him at his coin show table?
So, what name does he go under? "Bondsman"? Or, something like "Bubba John's Coins & Collectibles"? >>
Not a show that has a sign for dealers. I only found out who it was when I was clued in by another board member who attended the show.
<< <i>and speaking of which, does anybody know why this wanker has most of his photos taken with those stupid 45 degree angles??? >>
To help us when we're scanning gallery images... I've learned to identify numerous sellers by their gallery images, and his make it easy to just walk on by
<< <i> That seller clearly bumped up the color saturation. >>
Had to have done more. In the linked thread in my first post, I couldn't even figure out how he made the coin look like it did--it didn't even have the fold lines! I tried and tried, but I couldn't even get close!
<< <i>All I will add is this -- there are many others, including some on this board, that do the same thing. Be careful, and always ensure you have a return privilege >>
Sound advice. However, this was one of the few chances I had to compare in-hand. Granted, I could have assumed because of the seller, but this time, I really knew.
<< <i>
<< <i> That seller clearly bumped up the color saturation. >>
Had to have done more. In the linked thread in my first post, I couldn't even figure out how he made the coin look like it did--it didn't even have the fold lines! I tried and tried, but I couldn't even get close!
I'm not sure what you mean by fold lines, but I stand by my assessment that he's juicing his photos. By way of example:
Your original Photo:
My edits to your photo:
Sellers photo.
All I did is pump up the saturation (+55), tweak the hue (+5), and a small levels adjustment.
He is juicing his photos, and he's not doing all that good of a job of hiding it, IMHO...Mike
p.s. BTW, what made me suspicious was the color of the PCGS label -- it is a dead giveaway.