Starting a photographics optics blog series

mgoodm3

I have started a blog series on photographic optics for those who are crazy enough to be interested. In the last year or two I have tried to get a basic understanding of this subject and have found that there are very few practical and reasonably easy to understand sources out there. I have toiled to understand why things work and not just that they do. I am tailoring it to macro optics where the knowledge can actually be kinda useful (in a geeky sort of way). You may need to go back to the beginning as the most recent posting is on top. I will try to update it fairly regularly. Feel free to comment, ask questions, or report any errors that you see.

link

fixed the link.

blu62vette

link not working, try this:

link

richardshipp

Thanks Mark.... but the link didn't work for me????

edit... Thanks Bluevette

mgoodm3

anybody else interested?

zeebob

I'm interested! Thanks Mark!

drwstr123

Nice of you Mark....but ...hurts my head.

coinsarefun

Cool, can I put a link to your site on my site ..........under photography?

mgoodm3

<< <i>Cool, can I put a link to your site on my site ..........under photography? >>



Link all you want.

MikeInFL

Nice write-up, Mark!

For those not familiar with the subject (or Mark's blog), you should read the articles from bottom to top (1 then 2 then 3)-- otherwise you may become lost.

MikeInFL

Mark, Some discussion on resolving power of lens/sensor combinations (i.e. circle of confusion) may be beneficial to your discussion....Mike

mgoodm3

The list of things to go through is endless . I am trying to keep it in a reasonable order to get the basics out of the way.

not sure if I can order it reverse so it plays like a series and not a blog.

richardshipp

Truly a lot of work and I for one appreciate it. Thanks.

mrearlygold

Thanks Mark and good timing. We are planning on doing an upgrade to our equiptment and would like to do so in the next couple of weeks. Any additional info will be welcomed.

RaginsteveK

Indeed, I also appreciate your efforts.

Steve

DieClash

I'll be posting there, if that's possible? I've got some issues as I suppose most of us macro numismatic photographers do.

LeeG

<< <i>not sure if I can order it reverse so it plays like a series and not a blog. >>


I had this same problem at DLRC doing my Commem series. I had to change the dates posted to make it work.

DUIGUY

<< <i>anybody else interested? >>



Hell Yeah! Stuff is way over my head but am learning to run a lazer. Focal length through a lense is critical with 3/4 inch thick steel.


Thanks for the link!


I also find this helpfull in coin pics.



Old Dog,, new tricks,, gotta love it!

rgCoinGuy

I just bookmarked it, will check it out after work, thanks Mark!

messydesk

Noted and bookmarked.

blu62vette

I read parts of it yesterday. Very interesting. It really makes me wonder who figured this stuff out the first time around in order to make it work. I envy smart people......

intence

you seem very knowledgeable. rss'd

mgoodm3

The more I dig into optics, the more painfully complex it gets. Much of it is way beyond my abilities and requires mad math skillz. It really makes you admire the guys who designed lenses 150 years ago with paper and pencils - staggeringly complex.

Longacre

Great idea. I am just curious what your publisher has to say about blogging about topics related to the book that you wrote. Do they have any right of first refusal on any new information that you come up with related to coin photography?

mgoodm3

I only have a contract for my first book. Not a lot of optics in the first book, not really needed for the subject.

The second book has no contract/agreement. I didn't want a timeline, so I made no promises. They will get the first shot at it when it is done. The second book is also mostly practical info on techniques and equipment (I have done a huge amount of lens testing to see what really works the best). It does have a smattering of optical info where useful. You don't need to understand this stuff to take pictures.

sinin1

I have always been impressed with your photos

reading this blog brings back physics concepts I never learned very well

and even as I try to improve my photos, I realize I will never be as good as the masters


I have not got your book yet, but probably will some time

My biggest problems have been focusing (which your blog to now will help)

and reproducing the vivid colors on awesome toned coins -

light source intensity and angle of coin are holding me back
there are some coins that I just can not do them justice (I guess I am not alone with that - and looking on eBay, my pictures are better than many)

some day - it would be nice to be able to have pics like 'greattoning' or 'great southern coin'
on a consistent basis