Copy Stand suggestion for Nikon D80?

Pandavab · April 24, 2007 5:28PM

I was hoping some of the photography experts here had some suggestions on what copy stand to get for a Nikon D80? While I'd prefer not to spend too much money since I just bought the D80 and a 105mm macro lens, I do want something solid that won't drop the camera obviously. I understand it'll potentially cost me a few hundred dollars for one that is suitable, though. I did some searching through past threads, but I mostly found options for lighter weight cameras.

Any help is greatly appreciated, and I'll make sure to post a few pictures here once I get everything setup.

drwstr123 · April 24, 2007 6:54PM

A tripod does a fine job. Mike

IrishMike · April 24, 2007 9:36PM

You can spend 20 bucks on a sturdy tripod instead. They sell them at Staples, Walmart etc. tripod The seven dollar one is too light and will tip.

Pandavab · April 25, 2007 3:00AM

I don't have much experience with tripods, but they are really cheap. I'll give one a shot at the very least. I was worried that a tripod wouldn't be stable enough to hold the camera or remain steady while taking a picture.

Thanks for the help.

BECOKA · April 25, 2007 3:04AM

<< I don't have much experience with tripods, but they are really cheap. I'll give one a shot at the very least. I was worried that a tripod wouldn't be stable enough to hold the camera or remain steady while taking a picture.

Thanks for the help. >>

That's what the timer on the camera is for. If you manually press the shutter on the camera the tripod it may still jitter a bit, especially the lighter tri-pods.

Pandavab · April 25, 2007 3:17AM

<< 

<< I don't have much experience with tripods, but they are really cheap. I'll give one a shot at the very least. I was worried that a tripod wouldn't be stable enough to hold the camera or remain steady while taking a picture.

Thanks for the help. >>

That's what the timer on the camera is for. If you manually press the shutter on the camera the tripod it may still jitter a bit, especially the lighter tri-pods. >>

I know to use the timer, I just haven't even held a tripod since I was a child, when my mother had one. I just wasn't sure if they were solid enough to hold the camera steady. The last thing I want is for the camera to fall, so I wanted to make sure with people here who had more experience.

Thanks again for the help.

slipgate · April 25, 2007 3:17AM

Don't waste your time on a tripod - you got the best camera and lense, now get a decent copy stand.

This is what I use with my D70s - previous post

More links to copy stand posts - post 2

slipgate · April 25, 2007 3:38AM

also - IMMEDIATELY go to Nikon's website and buy their capture edit program for $100 (download 30 day full eval for now). It is the best $100 you will ever spend. It allows full control of the camera from the computer and also allows full image editing.

Only gotcha is if you leave the camera on and connected to the computer (and forget), you will run the battery on the camera out (will need a recharge). Having a second battery or the A/C adapter mitigates this.

Rob85635 · April 25, 2007 5:49AM

I have two good tripods (used to be heavy into photography) and I do not recommend using one for coin photography. Copy stand is the only way to to. I am in the process of getting me one myself. A tripod is bulky, cumbersome and most do not take straight down pictures. I ordered a copystand but hand to cancel my order when I found out they sent it to my old address and I moved a month ago, when credit gets refunded I am ordering the same one through Amazon. It is not high priced but should suit me well.

Fletcher · April 25, 2007 6:01AM

Check out the link below ... I bought it on ebay and it works great. It is a table top clamp on telescoping monopod for $49

Linkified

planetsteve · April 25, 2007 6:10AM

I need to chime in with these posts. You can get by with a tripod -- particularly one that allows you to remove the center column and use it laterally -- but the photography will not be fun. The legs will get in the way of the subject and its background, not to mention the lights. Changing the camera height is cumbersome, especially with the lateral-arm setup.

Try this Beseler copystand. You will need something with the rated 5-lb load capacity because your camera and lens already weigh about 2.5 lbs.

I have just started using this unit with a similar SLR and lens, and I added four Beseler lights. (Starting with a couple of gooseneck desk lamps may not be a bad idea.)

It's definitely a lot more fun to work with this kind of setup as the camera height can breezily be changed on the counterweighted column, and the lights can be positioned at many angles and heights. The only thing that gets in the way of the lights is the camera itself. (I just picked up some halogen bulbs with small built-in reflectors and will give them a try.)

The setup is as sturdy as the surface you set it on.

Other gadgets I like to use are a level for the baseboard and a hot-shoe bubble level for the camera. (Tweaks are easily done with this setup.) I also prefer a right-angle finder attachment for the viewfinder. With all this taken care of, my next goals are to work with diffuser screens and a light tent.

Have fun!

IGWT · April 25, 2007 6:14AM

Instead of buying a copy stand, I bought an old drill press for $2.50 at a yard sale, salvaged the motor, and built a camera mount for the cast iron stand. The mount is adjustable on the tube, and the upper table is also adjustable. The camera mounts into the stand with a sliding dovetail. You'll see the "tail" attached to the bottom of the camera (using a machine screw just as you would attach the camera to a tripod). Here's a picture of the setup.

Here's a photo with the camera mounted in the stand. I generally use a couple of cheap halogen lamps for lighting. Here's a photo of the camera in the stand:

You'll see an extension tube (a 3-part tube) on the desk in front of the camera stand. An extension tube attached to a macro lens permits very close shots like this of a misplaced T on a J-489.

The mass of the stand keeps the camera very still (I also use the shutter-release timer). I shoot in very large format and compress the photos substantially to post them here.

mrearlygold · April 25, 2007 6:19AM

Wow

IrishMike · April 25, 2007 6:25AM

His premise was not to spend much money, so to answer his question correctly a copy stand is out. The one I linked weighs less than a pound, is not bulky and doesn't block the camera or lights. It also telescopes up to 54 inches as well. A hundred or 2 hundred is a lot of money to spend for an add on unless you plan on taking mondo photos.

Longacre · April 25, 2007 6:34AM

<< Instead of buying a copy stand, I bought an old drill press for $2.50 at a yard sale, salvaged the motor, and built a camera mount for the cast iron stand. The mount is adjustable on the tube, and the upper table is also adjustable. The camera mounts into the stand with a sliding dovetail. You'll see the "tail" attached to the bottom of the camera (using a machine screw just as you would attach the camera to a tripod). Here's a picture of the setup.

Here's a photo with the camera mounted in the stand. I use as much diffused natural light as I can (sometimes reflected with a couple of mirrors) and supplement if necessary with a couple of cheap halogen lamps. Here's a photo of the camera in the stand:

Here's a picture of the coin on the copy table without any Photoshop editing (except cropping).

You'll see an extension tube (a 3-part tube) on the desk in front of the camera stand. An extension tube attached to a macro lens permits very close shots like this of a misplaced T on a J-489.

The mass of the stand keeps the camera very still (I also use the shutter-release timer). I shoot in very large format and compress the photos substantially to post them here. >>

Who are you, Norm Abram?

IrishMike · April 25, 2007 6:40AM

.........looks like something from Norm............from Cheers, i.e.

IGWT · April 25, 2007 6:43AM

-- "Who are you, Norm Abram?" --

Yankee ingenuity & frugality. Kinda puts the aversion to paying for a new kitchen in context, doesn't it?

lkrarecoins · April 25, 2007 6:54AM

I purchased a Testrite Copy stand from a fellow forum member...Its a great, sturdy unit

lkrarecoins · April 25, 2007 6:55AM

Model CS-2, in case u are interested

Longacre · April 25, 2007 6:57AM

<< -- "Who are you, Norm Abram?" --

Yankee ingenuity & frugality. Kinda puts the aversion to paying for a new kitchen in context, doesn't it? >>

I would still splurge for the radiant heat cooktop, though.

BECOKA · April 25, 2007 8:10AM

<< Check out the link below ... I bought it on ebay and it works great. It is a table top clamp on telescoping monopod for $49

Linkified >>

That is pretty cool. I suspect we should see some of your flowing hair and chain coins soon?

speety · April 25, 2007 8:14AM

I'd go with a tripod as well, depending on how much you wanna spend. The only problem i've had with my tripod is making sure that it is pointed straight down, any angle at all and your picture is ruined.

BECOKA · April 25, 2007 8:19AM

<< I'd go with a tripod as well, depending on how much you wanna spend. The only problem i've had with my tripod is making sure that it is pointed straight down, any angle at all and your picture is ruined. >>

I also use a tripod. Mine like someone else mentioned has a removable post and it can be mounted horizontally. It is a pain but works pretty well. I may still get a copy stand as it seems I am taking more and more coin photos for board members and others.

mrpotatoheadd · April 25, 2007 8:22AM

Under two bucks if you have an old tripod head you can use...

Pandavab · April 25, 2007 8:46AM

<< His premise was not to spend much money, so to answer his question correctly a copy stand is out. The one I linked weighs less than a pound, is not bulky and doesn't block the camera or lights. It also telescopes up to 54 inches as well. A hundred or 2 hundred is a lot of money to spend for an add on unless you plan on taking mondo photos. >>

Perhaps I should have rephrased my original post a little better. The D80 and the Sigma 105mm lens, plus the additional minor accessories ended up costing me roughly $1500, so I didn't want to spend a lot of money. That said, I want something that will be easy to use, effective, and safe/stable for the camera. That is why I mentioned a copy stand. From what I had read it offered the best as far as ease of use and support. I don't mind having to spend a few hundred to get a nice copy stand and be done with the whole thing, I just was curious as to which were good for my situation.

As far as the building options go, unless it is a computer, I can't build anything.

Thanks again for all the options!

Copy Stand suggestion for Nikon D80?

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