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What lighting are professional graders using now?

NicNic Posts: 3,394 ✭✭✭✭✭

Was single bulb 100W incandescent.

Now?

Comments

  • BoosibriBoosibri Posts: 12,290 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Nic said:
    Was single bulb 100W incandescent.

    Now?

    Stockpiled 100w incandescents?

    I used Ott lights

  • RayboRaybo Posts: 5,331 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Type of lighting is not an issue when imaging, it's all about the technique and color correction ( AKA grey scale)

  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I am not a professional grader, so the input from @Insider2 would be the answer. I use regular lighting until the details are small.... then a Surefire flashlight with my magnifier usually reveals all I need to know. Cheers, RickO

  • DaveWcoinsDaveWcoins Posts: 1,185 ✭✭✭

    I use a 20W halogen light. It gives you a single pinpoint source of light.

    They no longer make this particular model, even though they sold millions of them back in the day at Staples and elsewhere.

    So -- whenever I see one (which is very rarely) I buy it. I have a few spares just in case.

    I also note a few other professionals using the same exact lamp, so I am not alone.

    Dave Wnuck. Redbook contributor; long time PNG Member; listed on the PCGS Board of Experts. PM me with your email address to receive my e-newsletter, and visit DaveWcoins.com Find me on eBay at davewcoins
  • RogerBRogerB Posts: 8,852 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited May 20, 2018 11:14AM

    Ideally, there is an optimum ratio between the diameter of light source and coin that creates maximum visibility of detail for coin authentication and/or grading. Once this ratio is determined, the ideal would be to maintain the same ratio for all coin and medal sizes - something that is probably impractical for TPGs and others.

    The color of the light should be standard daylight, 5500K. This is a flat spectrum best for objective examination. To be clear, you want to use full spectrum bulbs with a color temperature of 5500K and a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 96% (or as close as you can get to it; an 80% CRI does not work....and no fluorescent is full spectrum.)

    The above being noted, I've never seen any TPG or dealer use any of these consistently, although I've used a large auction company's 5500K source and found it excellent.

  • YQQYQQ Posts: 3,324 ✭✭✭✭✭

    use Ottlites flexible goosenecks for everything, checking and taking photos.

    Today is the first day of the rest of my life
  • MrEurekaMrEureka Posts: 24,345 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Boosibri said:

    @Nic said:
    Was single bulb 100W incandescent.

    Now?

    Stockpiled 100w incandescents?

    That’s what I like to use, and I do have them stockpiled.

    Andy Lustig

    Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.

    Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
  • NicNic Posts: 3,394 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MrEureka said:

    @Boosibri said:

    @Nic said:
    Was single bulb 100W incandescent.

    Now?

    Stockpiled 100w incandescents?

    That’s what I like to use, and I do have them stockpiled.

    Me too regarding bulbs. What about fixtures? Anyone know of a source?

  • Insider2Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited May 20, 2018 11:14AM

    Sears, Office Max, Office Depot, Staples, Lowe's, Home Depot, & especially GW's! :)

  • RogerBRogerB Posts: 8,852 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited May 20, 2018 11:34AM

    It might be helpful to one or two here -- this company has full spectrum LED lights, and also, at the bottom of their page under Resources, comparison tables with [Dr. John] Ott and other brand lights. higher CRI is better. Not an endorsement, just a link:

    https://www.fullspectrumsolutions.com/collections/full-spectrum-led-bulbs

  • Insider2Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I think I'll stick with GE. <3

  • SwampboySwampboy Posts: 13,066 ✭✭✭✭✭

    100w incandescent for my amateur set up

    "Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso

  • nencoinnencoin Posts: 1,258 ✭✭✭✭

    @DaveWcoins said:
    I use a 20W halogen light. It gives you a single pinpoint source of light.

    They no longer make this particular model, even though they sold millions of them back in the day at Staples and elsewhere.

    So -- whenever I see one (which is very rarely) I buy it. I have a few spares just in case.

    I also note a few other professionals using the same exact lamp, so I am not alone.

    I use a 20w halogen at my desk and for pre-show buying. At the shows I use a 100w incandescent. I agree with Dave, these halogen lamps have become extremely difficult to find. I also buy them whenever I see them. I scored three off eBay from a seller in England and it made my week.

  • TommyTypeTommyType Posts: 4,586 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Being unprofessional, I use a Bic lighter. :)

    Easily distracted Type Collector
  • keetskeets Posts: 25,351 ✭✭✭✭✭

    there are a lot of options. I tend to think that fluorescent should be avoided and the best choices are strong incandescent or a halogen. I think the harder halogen might be best for Proofs. whatever the choice I think that a static set-up is probably just as important.

  • Insider2Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited May 21, 2018 1:23PM

    I agree! Rookies should NEVER, EVER, try to grade a coin using florescent light. What you see will cause significant confusion. Additionally, what you don't see will usually cause significant grading errors. :wink:

  • TommyTypeTommyType Posts: 4,586 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Kind of interested in opinions on the lighting type that seems to never be talked about, but is becoming more and more prevalent in desk lamps:

    LED lights!!

    Good? Bad? Depends? Guys using Bic lighters need to know....

    Easily distracted Type Collector
  • topstuftopstuf Posts: 14,803 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Bunsen burner is not the correct answer.

  • divecchiadivecchia Posts: 6,688 ✭✭✭✭✭

    How about a Kerosene lamp?

    Donato

    Hobbyist & Collector (not an investor).
    Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set

    Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
  • topstuftopstuf Posts: 14,803 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Only for colonials. :p

  • Wabbit2313Wabbit2313 Posts: 7,268 ✭✭✭✭✭

    As I posted in the past, a true finalizer does not need lights, those are for sissies.

    .
    .
    .

  • AzurescensAzurescens Posts: 2,769 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Nic said:
    Was single bulb 100W incandescent.

    Now?

    Some coins I see, I wonder if they were graded under a tin-punched candle lantern.

    (NGC, I mean ;) )

  • Insider2Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Azurescens said:

    @Nic said:
    Was single bulb 100W incandescent.

    Now?

    Some coins I see, I wonder if they were graded under a tin-punched candle lantern.

    (NGC, I mean ;) )

    LOL, You mean CU Rule#4?

  • TommyTypeTommyType Posts: 4,586 ✭✭✭✭✭

    An interesting little side trip for our incandescent light fans.

    GE can't get rid of its light bulb business
    http://money.cnn.com/2018/05/22/news/companies/general-electric-light-bulb-sale/index.html

    They are trying to SELL that line of business, but can't find a buyer.

    "It's an industrywide problem driven by low prices and the popularity of LED lights that last for decades, limiting the need to replace them.
    "It has not been a particularly good business to be in," said RBC analyst Deane Dray."

    Easily distracted Type Collector
  • oih82w8oih82w8 Posts: 12,429 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited May 22, 2018 12:35PM

    No Jansjos?

    oih82w8 = Oh I Hate To Wait _defectus patientia_aka...Dr. Defecto - Curator of RMO's

    BST transactions: dbldie55, jayPem, 78saen, UltraHighRelief, nibanny, liefgold, FallGuy, lkeigwin, mbogoman, Sandman70gt, keets, joeykoins, ianrussell (@GC), EagleEye, ThePennyLady, GRANDAM, Ilikecolor, Gluggo, okiedude, Voyageur, LJenkins11, fastfreddie, ms70, pursuitofliberty, ZoidMeister,Coin Finder, GotTheBug, edwardjulio, Coinnmore, Nickpatton, Namvet69,...
  • PTVETTERPTVETTER Posts: 5,991 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I like good LED lights

    Pat Vetter,Mercury Dime registry set,1938 Proof set registry,Pat & BJ Coins:724-325-7211


  • NicNic Posts: 3,394 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Nic said:

    @MrEureka said:

    @Boosibri said:

    @Nic said:
    Was single bulb 100W incandescent.

    Now?

    Stockpiled 100w incandescents?

    That’s what I like to use, and I do have them stockpiled.

    Me too regarding bulbs. What about fixtures? Anyone know of a source?

    TTT

  • yspsalesyspsales Posts: 2,515 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Nic said:

    @Nic said:

    @MrEureka said:

    @Boosibri said:

    @Nic said:
    Was single bulb 100W incandescent.

    Now?

    Stockpiled 100w incandescents?

    That’s what I like to use, and I do have them stockpiled.

    Me too regarding bulbs. What about fixtures? Anyone know of a source?

    TTT

    https://blog.littletoncoin.com/tips-from-the-pros-on-lights-for-coin-collecting/

    Found this. Hope it sheds light on the subject.

    Thanks for the thread bump. Interesting topic.

    BST: KindaNewish (3/21/21), WQuarterFreddie (3/30/21), Meltdown (4/6/21), DBSTrader2 (5/5/21) AKA- unclemonkey on Blow Out

  • kruegerkrueger Posts: 891 ✭✭✭✭

    Used a Halogen with a diffuser for quite awhile. hurt my eyes. Very harsh shows way more then you want to or need to see
    comparing with the naked eye viewing- causes you to not like many nice coins.
    Plus the light reflects off the coin thru your loupe into your eyes. some say halogen can cause cataracts to grow.
    some of these harsh lights to me are analogous to using a 30X loupe way overkill and not necessary.
    use a good acromatic/aplanatic loupe, tip and tilt your coin in a decent incandescent light the higher color temp you can find
    and tolerate. I have used an OSRAM 60 W 5000k led bulb and its hard on the eyes and runs very temperature hot on the ceramic base heat sink trying to keep the internal electronic AC to DC circuitry cool. ie: mini dropdown transformer, rectifiers , filters and regulator cool inside. LEDS run on D.C not A.C. current.

    saw the ceramic base open on an LED bulb and be surprised at the electronics inside.

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