Odd light bulb question - coin photography

pendragon1998

I've been happily using Phillips Natural bulbs for some time now when photographing coins. I have started to notice a minor problem - a nitpick, really - that I'm having: the black labeling on the crown of the bulb sometimes reflects on the coins or slabs I'm photographing. The reflection is so out of focus, you can hardly notice it, but I'm a little OCD about my pics and it bugs me.

Is there anything that I can use to dissolve the lettering off of the glass part of a bulb? I know I can always look for other bulbs without lettering, but humor me, will ya?

commoncents05

I would try using acetone or something, or try scraping it off with a razor blade.

-Paul

DorkGirl

My money is on acetone too.

seatedcoins

You might try doing it while the lamp is off and bulb out of socket.

mgoodm3

Ever tried PAR30 bulbs(conical bulbs that fit in cieling cans)? - cheap, bright and no lettering. Just make sure to get a flood version

pendragon1998

<< <i>Ever tried PAR30 bulbs(conical bulbs that fit in cieling cans)? - cheap, bright and no lettering. Just make sure to get a flood version >>



I'll give the acetone a try next chance I get.

I haven't tried the PAR30s yet, though I intend to pick some up at some point.

I've gotten my best results with the Philips Natural 60W bulbs I mentioned before. I've also tried ...

GE Edison 75W Halogen Indoor Floodlights - poor results; super hot and the faceted glass doesn't shine evenly on nearby objects.
GE Reveal 100W crystal clear incandescent - idiotic choice - the clear bulb doesn't shine evenly at all and the logo on the top reflected on coins.
Philips Halogena 70W Dimmable bulbs - rather yellow light; I haven't messed with these much. The 70W is supposedly equivalent to 100W incandescent bulbs.

mgoodm3

How close are your lights to the coin? Maybe you should move them back. The GE edison is a PAR30 bulb I believe.

pendragon1998

Probably 2 feet or so, max. My main dislike of the GE edisons is that they heat up so hot and after looking through the viewfinder of my camera at a coin illuminated by them, I see afterimages. I'd like to get a copystand with some better lamp holders, but for the moment, I'm roughing it.

mgoodm3

If you think the PAR30's are hot you should try out a couple 300W halogens

You'll go back to the PAR30 and notice just how cool they are.

pendragon1998

This is what I'm trying to avoid, Mark. That old lens of yours still starts to whimper when I get the halogens out