PCGS Photography

dmwest · August 24, 2017 11:08AM

I'm curious why the dark vs the light in Trueviews....perhaps the PCGS photo folks can comment...
See attached.

lkeigwin · August 24, 2017 11:20AM

Mirrors can be shot in such a way as to deliver jet black or silver white (or gold, etc.). Why PCGS choses to do it one way or the other I couldn't explain.
Lance.

dmwest · August 24, 2017 11:24AM

@lkeigwin said:
Mirrors can be shot in such a way as to deliver jet black or silver white (or gold, etc.). Why PCGS choses to do it one way or the other I couldn't explain.
Lance.

Yes, I've seen them both ways and curious when they choose to do one way or the other...

crazyhounddog · August 24, 2017 11:42AM

I wonder what brand of SLR they use, Nikon, Cannon ? Does anyone know?

ModCrewman · August 24, 2017 12:43PM

Since most of my coins are cameo or deep cameo coins my preference is definitely towards the black and white. For my coins, I can't imagine why anyone would want the fields lit up like the first image. I've had both good luck and bad in trying to request the black/white images rather than the all white. Occasionally when mine show up with the white background I am able to contact Phil and he can get them changed for me if a black and white image was taken. Unfortunately an alternate image is not always available.

LindeDad · August 24, 2017 1:04PM

I like the black for Proofs and the White for high grade MS coins.

blu62vette · August 24, 2017 1:08PM

It could be by request of the customer as we all prefer different things. I end up shooting proofs both ways to cover my bases with customers.

Numiven · August 24, 2017 1:10PM

Two great techniques in play here. Maybe PCGS can make both avilable to UC proof coins?

ricko · August 25, 2017 5:28AM

For proof CAM or DCAM... I prefer the black/white image.... shows the contrast - and real mirrors are really not shown in photographs. Cheers, RickO

oih82w8 · August 25, 2017 5:43AM

From what I understand, several images are taken and the "best" one is published.

robec · August 25, 2017 8:22AM

You can request having your coin shot with either technique. Phil is very good at honoring your preference.

ModCrewman · August 25, 2017 10:10AM

@robec said:
You can request having your coin shot with either technique. Phil is very good at honoring your preference.

Is there a specific method of requesting your preference that is consistently effective?

robec · August 25, 2017 1:50PM

@ModCrewman said:

@robec said:
You can request having your coin shot with either technique. Phil is very good at honoring your preference.

Is there a specific method of requesting your preference that is consistently effective?

I write a little "Attention Phil" note in the note section on each submission where I have a specific request, whether it's to make a black and white shot or highlighting the watery effect the proof fields may have.

dmwest · August 25, 2017 1:55PM

@robec said:

I write a little "Attention Phil" note in the note section on each submission where I have a specific request, whether it's to make a black and white shot or highlighting the watery effect the proof fields may have.

I tried that... "Pretty sure all these Morgans are MS69, so you can just grade them that way and get to your next set of coins faster."

Didn't work....

robec · August 25, 2017 2:59PM

@dmwest said:

@robec said:

I write a little "Attention Phil" note in the note section on each submission where I have a specific request, whether it's to make a black and white shot or highlighting the watery effect the proof fields may have.

I tried that... "Pretty sure all these Morgans are MS69, so you can just grade them that way and get to your next set of coins faster."

Didn't work....

LOL!! I found out the graders don't read those notes too, or if they do they don't honor your request.

Zoins · August 25, 2017 3:04PM

I like both bright and dark mirrors. It's nice to have a change.

Goldbully · August 25, 2017 3:13PM

Phil originally posted my $100 Plat proof Eagle in white, and I did not care for it. I sent him an email and he changed it to black. I believe he takes one white and one black image of the silver/platinum proofs. He provides a great sevice considering all the TrueViews he images.

PCGSPhoto · August 25, 2017 3:32PM

Depends on how I'm feeling that day, really.

I try to keep both versions but not always. For example if I have a group of proof coins and some are toned, I'll use the bright fields to bring out the color and use the same technique on the other coins to keep the group consistent.

If I know ahead of time what a customer prefers that makes things easier, but it can be difficult to keep track of from person to person.

dmwest · August 25, 2017 3:45PM

@PCGSPhoto said:
Depends on how I'm feeling that day, really.

I try to keep both versions but not always. For example if I have a group of proof coins and some are toned, I'll use the bright fields to bring out the color and use the same technique on the other coins to keep the group consistent.

If I know ahead of time what a customer prefers that makes things easier, but it can be difficult to keep track of from person to person.

Thanks for answering. I don't have a preference. Both are cool.

Dean

yosclimber · August 25, 2017 4:11PM

@crazyhounddog said:
I wonder what brand of SLR they use, Nikon, Cannon ? Does anyone know?

See Phil's post from the PCGS Photography thread in April - it's considered proprietary, so he's not able to answer this.

@PCGSPhoto said:
I'm frequently asked about my setup, and there have been requests for me to teach a class on coin photography at the Long Beach Show. However, PCGS feels that it's best I keep the specifics of my equipment and techniques secret. Sorry to disappoint. I try to be helpful as helpful as I can in my articles for the eZine though.

I do want to make a video to show all of you the process, and our studio. But that will have to wait until we get our new studio space in a few months.

https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/comment/11687061#Comment_11687061

PCGS Photography

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