Photographing coins 123

308GTSI

I am such a bad photographer I cannot stand it any longer. I need help. One really cannot sell coins on ebay or any other online forum without good quality photos that accurately represent detail color frost etc. I have played with lighting and lenses and polarizing filters and settings until I am blue in the face and have yet to take a single decent photo. I will never be able to discover a way to do this on my own.

I am looking for a recipe or list of steps that would go like this:

1. get an xxx camera and xxx lights and a photocube or whatever.
2. get an xxx lens
3. use a tripod or copy stand to set the lens of the camera xxx inches from the face of the coin.
4. set the camera as follows ..... and enable a wireless shutter. Use AF or not...etc
5. shoot the coin. flip it over and shoot the other side, replace it with next coin and shoot it etc etc etc.

Isn't it possible to create such a list of steps or recipe to take consistently decent photos? It must be. Every coin dealer in the country takes thousands of decent photos and I am sure they did not become professional photographers to do it. They must have a camera set up and ready to go to take photos.

I have no hope of ever taking pictures like the pros but there must be a simple straightforward way to take acceptable photos.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

basetsb

Really, I just use my IPhone 5. It takes good enough pics for anyone. Heres an example. I use a daylight bulb in a simple desk lamp.

Jimnight

Wow, IPhone 5...that takes great photos.

derryb

For coins I use a ten year old Kodak point and shoot digital. It has a screw in bellows around the fixed lens that allows me to attach a fixed +3 diopter close-up filter. Camera is mounted on a small desktop tripod surrounded by three Jansjo 88 lumen lamps (from Ikea). I just set it to auto close up and am happy enough with the results to not splurge on the latest hardware. same camera on ebay can be had cheap for the beginner

UnclePennyBags

My girlfriend is a photographer and lets me play with her super fancy Canon DSLR with lights and lenses and tripods and I end up with better pictures from a Samsung cell phone with a piece of notebook paper over the flash!

308GTSI

Wow all great stuff thanks guys. I knew this had to be easier than it seemed. What settings are you all using in the phones ? Flash on or off? Notebook paper is to act as a diffuser or to completely stop the flash. I just tried a couple and attached the fies here. They are better than I was taking .
I have a Nikon d3000 which I hate but it doesn't take pictures as good as my phone it seems. Maybe the way to go is just a simple digital cam instead of complicated SLR typoes like UnclePennyBags says.
.

howards

This article is probably 10 years old at least, but I'm still using the same methodology.

http://www.shieldnickels.net/digitalPhotography/digitalPhotography.html

ricko

@308GTSI.... Welcome aboard.... I too am photographically challenged.... especially compared to some of the great coin photographers we have here. That being said, it seems it is becoming easier with phones and other gimmicks such as tethered cameras (available cheap on ebay). I keep telling myself I must try it.... and I will. The pictures you posted look great.... you are on your way... Good luck...Cheers, RickO

UnclePennyBags

@308GTSI said:
Wow all great stuff thanks guys. I knew this had to be easier than it seemed. What settings are you all using in the phones ? Flash on or off? Notebook paper is to act as a diffuser or to completely stop the flash. I just tried a couple and attached the fies here. They are better than I was taking .
I have a Nikon d3000 which I hate but it doesn't take pictures as good as my phone it seems. Maybe the way to go is just a simple digital cam instead of complicated SLR typoes like UnclePennyBags says.
.

Yeah I use the paper as a diffuser.... If i let the flash go at full blast on my phone it gives me a way too much of a reflection... I usually have to take them at a slight angle also..... I am not in any way a pro at this but seems to give me good enough for ebay with a proper description.

basetsb

I don't use a diffuser, my flash is off. I put the coin on a piece of black construction paper, zoom in about 3/4 of the way and let her rip

sparky64

dmwest

@sparky64 said:

I have this book, it covers both a basic approach and a more advanced. I plan on using this to build my setup when I have the time....

Numiven

I will strongly recommend a full frame DSLR with a true life size macro lens. Smartphones do take good pictures, but the macro lenses give great clarity, sharpness and you can zoom to a 4kpx by 4kpx without any distortion. You can also have good control of white balance, focuss, and great magnification with these lenses.
A good lens is as cheap as $249, but recommend a pro model for even more amazing clarity.

You will be happy and the time and money invested will pay off.

Here is a sample from my photolab:

1630Boston

Great Pic @Numiven

MorganMan94

This is a very good post, I needed to see this! I have a lot to try out when I get home.

Stork

@308GTSI said:
I am such a bad photographer I cannot stand it any longer. I need help. One really cannot sell coins on ebay or any other online forum without good quality photos that accurately represent detail color frost etc. I have played with lighting and lenses and polarizing filters and settings until I am blue in the face and have yet to take a single decent photo. I will never be able to discover a way to do this on my own.

I am looking for a recipe or list of steps that would go like this:

1. get an xxx camera and xxx lights and a photocube or whatever.
2. get an xxx lens
3. use a tripod or copy stand to set the lens of the camera xxx inches from the face of the coin.
4. set the camera as follows ..... and enable a wireless shutter. Use AF or not...etc
5. shoot the coin. flip it over and shoot the other side, replace it with next coin and shoot it etc etc etc.

Isn't it possible to create such a list of steps or recipe to take consistently decent photos? It must be. Every coin dealer in the country takes thousands of decent photos and I am sure they did not become professional photographers to do it. They must have a camera set up and ready to go to take photos.

I have no hope of ever taking pictures like the pros but there must be a simple straightforward way to take acceptable photos.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

I was feeling the same way and my phone's camera just wasn't quite getting the shots I wanted on the smaller items. That said, there are some awesome photos being done with the phone cameras, I just wasn't getting QUITE what I wanted.

Did tons of reading etc but really wanted a shopping list as a jumping in point--paralysis by analysis was kicking in.

So, many ways to start... Ray from the boards here does put together very reasonably priced set ups using older, but still extremely functional, equipment. His website is here: macrocoins.com/imaging-systems.html. Everything came in a box and gave me a way to get started. Will I ever graduate to a 'next level', perhaps. Do I need to? Nope. This is pretty darn good!

Phone:

Early effort with my 'Ray Special' setup. It uses the Jansco/jansjo lights from Ikea and I do the software tether (free Canon software and my laptop). He modified some kind of microscope stand, using an older model camera body, and older/used items.

And, I still have a lot of improving to go. I suspect the next time I break out that coin it will have an even better photo .

This was a reasonably priced entry point that kept the decision process to a minimum and gives me far superior shots and if I ever decide to step it up, well I know a lot more about what I'm doing. Who knows, maybe there will be a full copy stand and some macro lenses in the future, but not yet! Oh, and the tabletop footprint of this set up is pretty small.

1630Boston

@Stork
Thanks for the input, nice pics

UnclePennyBags

@CoinsAndMoreCoins

My tablet camera sucks.... I cant take a decent picture with it at all in any conditions ( I question why it is even there) but my Samsung Ativ SE (strange windows 10 phone) is amazing and has adobe photoshop express built in free.... Im blown away but how good these phones get.... I am getting an iPhone 6S in the next few weeks just for the ease of taking pictures and listing on ebay on one platform rather than than have to save the listing on my tablet and upload pics via my oddball phone. and also due to the infinite # of gadgets for that platform.

UnclePennyBags

as mentioned earlier my girlfriend is a photographer and has a Canon DSLR and a Back up Canon DSLR and she bought a few of these attachments just to play around with on her iphone 6S and its like she fell in love with photography all over again.... she has about a 5" telephoto lens and a mini tripop that clips onto it and then has a remote trigger and she is able to get breathtaking outdoor shots with a pocketful of equipment as compared to several pelican cases full of heavy gear.

bolivarshagnasty

First, there is no one set-up to do all coins. Buy Mark Goodman's book before you spend any more money. The book is on Amazon.

UnclePennyBags

I'm sure it does but she has a button on her keychain that brings up the camera and takes the picture.... she doesn't do anything professional with it just plays with when we go on hikes or up at the pond where she doesn't want to bring all her stuff..

She has only ever done digital photography.... She's 38 and the only film she ever used was disposables

spacehayduke

The old adage that you get what you pay for is pretty accurate when it comes to numismatic photography. I started by buying the book first, Goodman shown above, bought the equipment he recommends and followed what was in the book for taking the images. There are some cutting corners one can do in buying the equipment, but nothing beats a good macro lens, the right lights, and a solid copy stand....

Best, SH

UnclePennyBags

@spacehayduke said:
The old adage that you get what you pay for is pretty accurate when it comes to numismatic photography. I started by buying the book first, Goodman shown above, bought the equipment he recommends and followed what was in the book for taking the images. There are some cutting corners one can do in buying the equipment, but nothing beats a good macro lens, the right lights, and a solid copy stand....

Best, SH

I agree 100 % , My steering towards the cell phone route is strictly due to time constraints, The original poster was looking to sell on eBay ( Funny Story, I bid on one of his samples about 3 hours before he created this post, we have exchanged a few notes since) and while agree professional photography is an art that is mastered by quite a few here and really brings out a special coin but for an MS63 common date peace dollar I can be listing with the phone using pics from the phone it is a huge time saver

oh and gorgeous pictures by the way.... I only wish I could produce something like that!!!

Elcontador

Photography is like any other hobby. You need to study, practice, study, and practice some more. Do you think you can tell which is an attractive for the grade Braided Hair Large Cent in MS 65 BN by just looking at the PCGS grading book, and maybe Photograde or Coin Facts?

No, you have to look at a lot of them and ask people questions who know a lot more than you do. You also have to read, and be patient.

I spent quite a bit of time getting comfortable with my digital SLR camera. There are no shortcuts. And it's an evolving process; you never completely "get there."

spacehayduke

@Elcontador said:
Photography is like any other hobby. You need to study, practice, study, and practice some more. Do you think you can tell which is an attractive for the grade Braided Hair Large Cent in MS 65 BN by just looking at the PCGS grading book, and maybe Photograde or Coin Facts?

No, you have to look at a lot of them and ask people questions who know a lot more than you do. You also have to read, and be patient.

I spent quite a bit of time getting comfortable with my digital SLR camera. There are no shortcuts. And it's an evolving process; you never completely "get there."

And each coin has different and new challenges. It is an endless process for sure.

Best, SH

drwstr123

There are no shortcuts. And it's an evolving process; you never completely "get there."
And each coin has different and new challenges. It is an endless process for sure.
I add one minor detail, a circular level helps, too.

spacehayduke

@UnclePennyBags said:

@spacehayduke said:
The old adage that you get what you pay for is pretty accurate when it comes to numismatic photography. I started by buying the book first, Goodman shown above, bought the equipment he recommends and followed what was in the book for taking the images. There are some cutting corners one can do in buying the equipment, but nothing beats a good macro lens, the right lights, and a solid copy stand....

Best, SH

I agree 100 % , My steering towards the cell phone route is strictly due to time constraints, The original poster was looking to sell on eBay ( Funny Story, I bid on one of his samples about 3 hours before he created this post, we have exchanged a few notes since) and while agree professional photography is an art that is mastered by quite a few here and really brings out a special coin but for an MS63 common date peace dollar I can be listing with the phone using pics from the phone it is a huge time saver

oh and gorgeous pictures by the way.... I only wish I could produce something like that!!!

Thanks for the feedback, yes a common date peace dollar quick flip in 63 does not necessarily need great images, and I can see why using the iPhone can be efficient with respect to time.

Best, SH

1630Boston

From what I have read here, I agree.
I will also add that I will re read everything here so that I better comprehend the valuable input presented here.
Thanks everyone for sharing your experienced knowledge.

spacehayduke

@Stork said:

@308GTSI said:
I am such a bad photographer I cannot stand it any longer. I need help. One really cannot sell coins on ebay or any other online forum without good quality photos that accurately represent detail color frost etc. I have played with lighting and lenses and polarizing filters and settings until I am blue in the face and have yet to take a single decent photo. I will never be able to discover a way to do this on my own.

I am looking for a recipe or list of steps that would go like this:

1. get an xxx camera and xxx lights and a photocube or whatever.
2. get an xxx lens
3. use a tripod or copy stand to set the lens of the camera xxx inches from the face of the coin.
4. set the camera as follows ..... and enable a wireless shutter. Use AF or not...etc
5. shoot the coin. flip it over and shoot the other side, replace it with next coin and shoot it etc etc etc.

Isn't it possible to create such a list of steps or recipe to take consistently decent photos? It must be. Every coin dealer in the country takes thousands of decent photos and I am sure they did not become professional photographers to do it. They must have a camera set up and ready to go to take photos.

I have no hope of ever taking pictures like the pros but there must be a simple straightforward way to take acceptable photos.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

I was feeling the same way and my phone's camera just wasn't quite getting the shots I wanted on the smaller items. That said, there are some awesome photos being done with the phone cameras, I just wasn't getting QUITE what I wanted.

Did tons of reading etc but really wanted a shopping list as a jumping in point--paralysis by analysis was kicking in.

So, many ways to start... Ray from the boards here does put together very reasonably priced set ups using older, but still extremely functional, equipment. His website is here: macrocoins.com/imaging-systems.html. Everything came in a box and gave me a way to get started. Will I ever graduate to a 'next level', perhaps. Do I need to? Nope. This is pretty darn good!

Phone:

Early effort with my 'Ray Special' setup. It uses the Jansco/jansjo lights from Ikea and I do the software tether (free Canon software and my laptop). He modified some kind of microscope stand, using an older model camera body, and older/used items.

And, I still have a lot of improving to go. I suspect the next time I break out that coin it will have an even better photo .

This was a reasonably priced entry point that kept the decision process to a minimum and gives me far superior shots and if I ever decide to step it up, well I know a lot more about what I'm doing. Who knows, maybe there will be a full copy stand and some macro lenses in the future, but not yet! Oh, and the tabletop footprint of this set up is pretty small.

I have seen some very impressive numismatic photography using the janso lights, your image above included, thumbs up!

Numiven

Every coin type has a specific technique in general. Depending on the coin type, you set those parameters and start the process of taking pictures. Then slowly start tweaking the settings until you get the most optimized image for that particular coin subject. If you are very methodical, keep track of every parameter you adjusted and make notes or remember.

A lot of practice will make you an expert, then just looking at a coin, you will exactly know what you need to do. Its just like grading, you have to practice with 100s of coins and samples and see how the images turn out.

In the last 1 year, I have taken/ experimented with more than 15,000 photos on about 50 different type (several individual) of coins! I learn every day!

308GTSI

WOW! What an amazing response. Thanks guys for all this great information. What beautiful photos spacehayduke CoinsAndMoreCoins Stork Numiven and basetsb. You guys are indeed a wealth of knowledge.

Don't know if I will buy the Goodman book yet although I know I would enjoy it. Its just that my goal here was to develop an easy straightforward recipe for taking coin pics that are good. Maybe that is just not possible and I will have to learn more photography. I want to do that anyway but wanted to quickly setup a methodology for taking pics right now LOL.

I thought I would try my phone, a Samsung s7 Edge and see what it could do. Here are my latest pics. Taken in a cheapo plastic photo box using 2 small LED lights and one 40 watt outdoor LED spotlight. no flash as it really bleached out the image. The colors are accurate and it even captured the very light toning but its not as crisp as one would expect 12 mpixels to be. I have seen little macro lenses that are made for phones I am wondering if that would help.

Thanks again all! I definitely have my work cut out for me and hope others will continue to post their suggestions.

TequilaDave

Not sure if others have already suggested this or not but "shutter delay" is extremely useful when attempting to produce high def photos using a DSLR. Mirror slap can and does soften photos taken with even the best of equipment.