Coin photography question

ajman

I would like to know what kind of copy stand or set up that I would need for a Canon PowerShot A1100 IS digital camera. This area is new to me and I realize I just cannot take decent pictures w/o one. Any help would be appreciated, or if someone could link something specifically for this camera. Thank you in advance for any replies.

WingedLiberty1957

Copy stands are fairly inexpensive ... i bought this one on amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004SFHPR4/ref=oh_o06_s00_i00_details

They all have universal mounts that should fit any camera.

Just type in copy stand into the Amazon.com search box to see more (watch the dimensions, some are huge!)





I would HIGHLY recommend you buy and read Mark Goodmans book

This is a MUST for anyone interested in producing their own photos

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/193399004X/ref=oh_o04_s00_i00_details

This book is absolutly superb!

rmpsrpms

That copy stand looks pretty good for the $$. A couple words of caution:

- Don't expect the lights to be in the right spot. You will probably need to modify or add to the lighting
- Don't expect the level to help you and don't trust it. You'll need to use other methods to get things level

Other than that, as long as the stand is very rigid, it should work fine. That's about the cheapest setup I've seen with stand and lights.

WingedLiberty1957

Good suggestions

also you will need something to difuse the light ... some use white sheets of paper .. but that's a bit hard to position and hold in place

others cut out an opaque plastic milk jug place it over the coin and shoot through the hole in the top

i am not sure if there are diffusers that will fit over the lamp shades themselves but watch the heat ... high wattage bulbs can produce a lot of heat

I think the best images i've seen were taken with 3 lights and not 2 as included on this copy stand ... so addl lights might be good (goose neck)

much controversy about the best light bulbs ... some say GE Reveal Light Bulbs are pretty good ... however others might have a better opinion

Strangely i have taken some of my best photos with indirect sunlight and not artificial light ... but maybe I just dont have the hang of artificial lighting yet

rmpsrpms

Gooseneck LEDs work great. You need to give them a little diffusion because they are very concentrated and if you don't diffuse them they create lots of "sparkle" that some folks don't like. If you live near an IKEA you can pick up some Jansjo LED gooseneck lamps for $9.99 each.

TomB

Most modern copy stands will fit most modern cameras, but older copy stands might not be built to fit the base of modern DSLRs. These older copy stands can be wonderful pieces of quality workmanship, but unless you purchase a focus rail you may not be able to use the older copy stand.

rmpsrpms

<< <i>Most modern copy stands will fit most modern cameras, but older copy stands might not be built to fit the base of modern DSLRs. These older copy stands can be wonderful pieces of quality workmanship, but unless you purchase a focus rail you may not be able to use the older copy stand. >>



Nikon PF1 comes to mind. Gorgeous and with its own carrying case that forms into the base, but the camera mount only fits old film cameras of certain types. I have one that I plan to modify to fit my DSLR when I can find some time...

lcoopie

also, try a search here for
copy stand

messydesk

The Canon A1100 is well-suited for coin photography on the cheap. I just looked at the specs in the manual and the telephoto setting is usable down to a distance of 12" from the front of the lens. This is the setting you should use for the best pictures, which means you have to have a support that provides at least that much working distance. If you don't have a tripod, if might behoove you to run out to WalMart and get their $14 Targus TGT-58TR tripod. Your camera is light enough where this tripod won't have issues supporting it. To use it, telescope one of the legs a little longer than the other two so that the mast extends over a table you're using. A pair of gooseneck lamps will work well for lights. To increase stability, there's probably a hook on the bottom of the mast onto which you can hang some weight. Use the 2-second self timer when taking your pictures. When not in use, the tripod folds up into a bag and is easily stored. You'll also be able to use it for other tripod occasions. If it doesn't work to your liking, you can easily return it.

seateddime

Which do you like better? one coin - 2 cameras. I got the photo box from Amazon. If you want a linlk email me. It also come with 2 lights. I add a third.