New Coin Photography System - Price Lowered to $355 for Forum Members

rmpsrpms

I have created a new coin photography system based on a couple of prototypes synergized into a system with excellent range and image quality.

The first system I built many years ago was a very flexible one that I named "Santoku", which means "three uses" in Japanese. First use was with bellows; Second use was with a Bausch & Lomb Monozoom-7 microscope; and Third use was with direct mounting of camera and macro lens. The stand provided the function of a fine-focus capable copy stand.

A few years later, on another forum, a member asked how to put together a coin photography system for <$400. I replied with a recommendation for camera, lens, focusing helicoid, etc that came out to <$400 and could provide excellent image quality. The recommendation included a small Tripod for mounting the camera, since the copy stand alone would blow the $400 budget.

I have now (finally) combined the two systems into one...Santoku stand, with camera, helicoid and lens like the <$400 system. I'm including a better lens than was originally specified (originally Nikon 75mm El-Nikkor; new offering Rodenstock 75mm Apo Rodagon D), and along with the stand this makes the system much more than $400, but for a camera, fine focus copy stand, and high quality macro lens, this is still a pretty good bargain.

Santoku is my Example System-7 on my website. Here's a link to show some of the features of Santoku
http://www.macrocoins.com/santoku.html

This link is to the original <$400 setup thread, which is still very active on the other forum:
https://www.coincommunity.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=158182

And here is a link to a thread with some posts regarding the first Santoku I sold, configured with a bellows:
https://www.coincommunity.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=156715

Santoku can be adjusted to frame the full range of US coins, from a bit larger than ASE's down to 3-Cent Silver (at 1:1 magnification).

Modified Bausch & Lomb microscope Copy Stand
Rodenstock 75mm Apo Rodagon D 1:1 macro lens (fixed aperture version)
Focusing Helicoid
Camera and lens adapters

rmpsrpms

This system provides the functionality of a Camera, Macro Lens, and Copy Stand, so represents a pretty good value. I can also provide Santoku without Camera for $485, allowing you to use your own Canon or Nikon camera with it.

Smittys

Pics taken with a system i bought from you.

rmpsrpms

Thanks Smittys for posting this. Pic looks good! Looking forward to seeing more pics...Ray

MattTheRiley

Nice pics, I'd suggest playing with the white balance a bit.

1630Boston

I'm more interested in coin photography every day.
Just checking the numbers here.

With camera = $635
Without Camera = $485
Camera = $150
Am I correct ?

And good luck selling your system.

rmpsrpms

Yes, $150 for the DSLR.

I've started listing this system (without camera) on eBay, so I will give a $50 discount for anyone purchasing directly from me...

1630Boston

Thanks for the info

rmpsrpms

I have lowered the price for this system by $90 to $395 on eBay, and will give $40 discount to $355 if purchased directly.