Modular Coin Photography System

rmpsrpms

I've developed a new, compact, modular coin photography system. The system is still based on the Bausch & Lomb StereoZoom A-Stand, which gives fine vertical control for focusing, but I've utilized the original StereoZoom pod mount ("hoop ring") in a unique way for use as a bellows mount while still allowing use as a Stereo Microscope. This allows the user to switch between Stereo Microscope for viewing and sorting errors and varieties, then quickly convert to a high resolution photography system for documenting and sharing what was found. The high resolution system uses a high quality Novoflex bellows, which is very compact but with full functionality.

The system is very compact, only taking up 6"x9" on the desktop (not including lights).

You can see the system on my website. I am showing it configured for high magnification as Example System-1, and with Stereo Microscope as Example System-1a. Example System-1 shows a high-end microscope objective for viewing at 5x magnification, which will give the "money shot" framing the full date and mintmark of a Lincoln Cent on the screen. Other magnifications can be configured very easily with a change of objective. Similar high-end objectives are available in 3x, 5x, and 10x. Even 20x is available but is a bit higher than is needed for numismatic use.

The System-1 can also be configured for full-range, full-coin photography from a little larger than ASE's down to smaller then AU Dollars with a change to a full-coin lens.

It's tough to price these systems since each user has their own specific needs. Some folks don't need/want the Stereo Microscope feature, and would be better served with my Example System-2 or -3. Others want a lower-cost system that is optimized for smaller coins (perfect for Cents), so would go with System-4. Still others want to shoot mostly Dollars up to large medals or full slabs, so would go with System-5. Each system can be configured with many options for lenses; XY, Z, Theta, or any combination of movable stages; and lighting and diffusion.

Take a look at the new modular System-1 and -1a, and the other systems, at my website:

MacroCoins Website

rmpsrpms

For folks wanting a ballpark pricing estimate, figure the following individual pricing for the various options:

Camera: $125-$175 (Canon Rebel XS with battery, charger, USB cable, tethering and editing software)
Stand: $135 (System-4), $175-$225 (System-1/2/3), $225-$400 (System-5)
Bellows: $75-$135 (Vivitar, Pentax, or Novoflex)
Full-Coin Lens: $30-$50 (various starter lenses), $75-$125 (Nikon, Schneider, or Rodenstock enlarger lenses), $300-$500 (Apo duplication lenses), $1500-$2500 (Nikon Printing lenses)
Details Lens: $50-$75 (various 3x, 4x, 5x and 10x objectives), $75-$125 (short focal length macro lenses), $300-$500 (Nikon 3x, 5x, 10x Measurement objectives)
XY Table: $125 (as shown in System-2)
Z-Stage: $75
XYZTheta stage: $275 (as shown in System-3)
Diffusers: $35 (general use as shown in System-2), $45 (slab-optimized, for each coin size)
Lights: $25 each (Jansjo LEDs modified for first-level diffusion)

rmpsrpms

Ironically I forgot to give pricing for the Stereo Microscope pod and mount! I have several options available:

Mount, gray, smooth black, or krinkle black: $35
Stereo-1 or Stereo-2 pod, gray: $45
Stereo-1 pod, black or white: $55
StereoZoom-2 pod, gray: $65
StereoZoom-4 pod, gray: $85
StereoZoom-4 pod, white or black: $100
10x WF eyepieces, silver: $50
10x WF eyepieces, black: $75
15x WF eyepieces, silver: $60
15x UWF eyepieces: $200
25x WF eyepieces: $85
0.5x auxiliary lens: $50
0.75x auxiliary lens: $85
2x auxiliary lens: $75

Let me know your needs and I can help you select the proper pod, eyepieces, and any needed auxiliary lenses to work for you.

YQQ

Obviously great systems if you are familiar with it, or have the professional experience how to properly use the system for respective applications. OR, if you have a use for or a desire to involve yourself with all the extra features and possibilities.
also, I believe there are too many adaptors needed from one make to another.
Please correct me if I am wrong.
I believe in the KISS system when it comes to Photography. And it works very well.
Also believe that most coin collectors will not know what the terminologies mean on the individual pieces.

rmpsrpms

I suppose putting all the options and prices together in one post might have been a mistake, as it does look daunting, but I don't expect folks to figure out what they need by themselves! What I do is work with them to identify their needs, and then suggest the system configuration that meets their needs within their budget (if possible). I then put the system together and shoot photos with it to prove it can meet their needs. When I ship the system, it is in the exact configuration I took the photos in, so minimal setup is required. I also provide a simple setup list, and answer questions about setup, changing configurations, lighting, post-processing, etc. I enjoy talking about coin photography!

That said, there is definitely a learning curve to get the most from any photography system. Basic system setup is actually fairly simple once a few concepts are understood, and having a good starting point is important. What takes time to learn is how to best light the coin such that the images the system generates are good "raw material" for final editing in post-processing software. Lighting and post-processing are simultaneously very technical and very artistic, so are challenging for most everyone! But keep in mind the challenge is the same whether you buy a bellows system from me, or assemble a more mainstream Camera/Macro Lens/Copy Stand system yourself.

Bellows system advantages are:
- Lower cost than the typical Camera/Macro Lens/Copy Stand system
- Higher image quality (when the better lenses are integrated)
- Smaller footprint
- Ease of going to high magnification for photographing varieties and errors