Any alternative to using a viewfinder to photograph coins?

BigBuffaloGuy

We photograph hundreds of coins when putting together our auctions and currently use the viewfinder to determine when a coin is in focus. This works out pretty well for us as we can normally photograph and crop about 300 coins a day. However, the eye gets a little tired, as does the eyelid of eye being closed, after about 100 or so shots. Does anyone use a camera hooked up to a t.v. or monitor when getting a coin in focus? Does anyone know of an alternative to using a camera's viewfinder?

We use a Nikon D-100 camera, 100mm lense.

Thanks

Lakesammman

Should be easy. The pathologists at my hospital use a old coolpix coupled to the microscope and connect it to a projector for conferences. Should be just as easy to hook up to a monitor.

MrSpud

I got creative and made a copy stand out of things I had lying around. Basically an old tripod that someone gave me (that I used to use to prop open one of my cars hoods after the hydraulic hood thingys broke), an old ring stand clamp, two clip on lights, a patch cord I picked up at the dolar store to connect the camera to a little TV I picked up at the pawn shop, and a Coolpix 950 I got off od e-bay a while back.

drwstr123

MrSpud- One heck of a fine job. If I had a team. I'd want you on it. Mike

MrSpud

Thanks. Here's another pic taken with that same setup

notwilight

I use a canon and there is aftermarket software and linkage available to hook it to the computer and I believe you use the keyboard to focus and shoot.

I also think nikon sells it's own software hookup.

I believe this is called tethered operation.

Another solution is to shoot about f/7 and use autofocus. I get good results with autofocus.

--Jerry

notwilight

found it

slipgate

That is odd with the D100 since it is auto focus - you just need to make a template and a copy stand with either a remote shutter release or Nikon's imagecapture software. I use the image software which is around $150 from their website. That and a copy stand are all you need. The image capture software has either a shoot or focus and shoot option. So once you are lined up, you can process a lot of coins.

BigBuffaloGuy

I appreciate all the feedback. Good advice. Thanks