I use a Nikon D200 digital SLR with either a Nikkor 60mm or 105mm micro... because it's what I have. (I bought the Nikon for my work, so getting the Nikkor lenses made sense to me.)
Nikon 995 off ebay. Purchased it after reviewing photo threads on here due to its relatively cheap cost used off ebay, along with built in macro and durability.
I started digi-pics with a Pentax ist & macro lens. Great, light, and easy to use setup. I switched to a Nikon D200 with a 90mm Sigma macro lens. Glad I went in that order since the Nikon it a little more difficult to get a handle on. Mike
<< <i>Nikon 995 off ebay. Purchased it after reviewing photo threads on here due to its relatively cheap cost used off ebay, along with built in macro and durability.
Bought mine brand new back about 6 or 7 yrs ago. Love
Come to think of it I may have a Nikon 995 packed away with my astronomy stuff. I took some pretty good photos of Jupiter with homemade adapters once upon a time. --Jerry
Everytime I want to shoot a coin it's a struggle to the death to get the color right and to capture the luster.
The only way to get close to the actual color is with custom white balance and even then I've never happy with the images... might be time for a new camera.
Of course I have three 100 WATT natual light light blubs, tripod, macro lens, etc, it's just trying to capture a silver coin... augh!
I will be starting a series of point and shoot camera reviews on my photography forum specifically outlining how to get the best coin photo's. 1st one will be powershot A70, most of the setup should be similar for most cameras.
I currently us a Canon 30D but should be getting a 40D in the mail this week. Main reason is DSLR manual focus is much easier than trying to work around the auto focus on point and shoot cameras.
Nikon D80, 105mm Micro-Nikkor lens, gooseneck lamps with CFL-D bulbs, because I wanted the flexibility I had with my film Nikon SLRs, wanted the extras that a dSLR gives you, and wanted to use older Nikon lenses.
Before using that, I used a Canon A80 4MP point and shoot with very good results. Good coin pictures are largely about setting up your lights.
D-100, because I've always used Nikons and it was the only affordable Nikon digital SLR when I got it.. When I started taking coin photos, I went retro, a 55mm 2.8 and a 105mm F4, both old manual models and a 27.5 mm extension tube.
Proud recipient of the coveted "You Suck Award" (9/3/10).
I use a Nikon Coolpix 4300 with a macro setting for closeups of 1.7". I have 3 florescent 20 watt screw base bulbs to the right, left and above the coin which is on a dark background. The lights are at an angle to prevent reflection. It took a lot of arranging and rearranging the lighting to get it right. I took a pic of the VDB under the shoulder of a phony 1914-D Lincoln and couldn't believe how well I could read the letters.
It is health that is real wealth, not pieces of gold and silver. Gandhi.
I collect all 20th century series except gold including those series that ended there.
Comments
I was a Monkey
Russ, NCNE
<< <i>Nikon 995 off ebay. Purchased it after reviewing photo threads on here due to its relatively cheap cost used off ebay, along with built in macro and durability.
Bought mine brand new back about 6 or 7 yrs ago. Love
...Why..?!?!?.....cause I do..!!!
Because I'm too cheap to buy a real camera.............
<< <i>Nikon Coolpix 950. I use it because it was cheap to buy, and it takes nice pics.
Russ, NCNE >>
You said the same thing about the Ricoh!
I use an Olympus C5050 , a Coolpix L12 & this for close ups
R.I.P. Bear
I use Adobe Photoshop 7.0 to process the pictures.
QN
Go to Early United States Coins - to order the New "Early United States Half Dollar Vol. 1 / 1794-1807" book or the 1st new Bust Quarter book!
Everytime I want to shoot a coin it's a struggle to the death to get the color right and to capture the luster.
The only way to get close to the actual color is with custom white balance and even then I've never happy with the images... might be time for a new camera.
Of course I have three 100 WATT natual light light blubs, tripod, macro lens, etc, it's just trying to capture a silver coin... augh!
8 Reales Madness Collection
Instagram: 8 Reales Numis
I currently us a Canon 30D but should be getting a 40D in the mail this week. Main reason is DSLR manual focus is much easier than trying to work around the auto focus on point and shoot cameras.
Before using that, I used a Canon A80 4MP point and shoot with very good results. Good coin pictures are largely about setting up your lights.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
<< <i>When I started taking coin photos, I went retro, a 55mm 2.8 and a 105mm F4, both old manual models and a 27.5 mm extension tube. >>
Those are the ones I use on my D80. Fantastic lenses.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
For its dynamic range.
(the real reason I bought it was for its frames per second, but that's another hobby and discussion)
Great pix, huh??!!
The coin? You don't see the coin? It's right there---- Yeah, that's the white spot in the lower right corner. Kool!
Ray
- Bob -

MPL's - Lincolns of Color
Central Valley Roosevelts
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
I have 3 florescent 20 watt screw base bulbs to the right, left and above the coin which
is on a dark background. The lights are at an angle to prevent reflection.
It took a lot of arranging and rearranging the lighting to get it right.
I took a pic of the VDB under the shoulder of a phony 1914-D Lincoln and
couldn't believe how well I could read the letters.
I collect all 20th century series except gold including those series that ended there.
Because I love Nikon!
easy to use.
bob