Constructing new photo imaging system for coins-

mrearlygold · March 15, 2011 3:56AM

If you were building a new camera-imaging set up primarily for coins, what in your opinion is the good-better-best complete set up's or individual items that you like? Camera's, lenses, lighting, etc. What do you like? There seems to be a few threads on this subject but not in a while. By all means please add pics of your camera set up if you like.

Questions , Is this camera good to build on?

NIKON D50

Is a 150mm macro the most desired lense for coins? Is Sigma a good brand ? A heavy duty copy stand is necessary for this set up?

RWB · March 15, 2011 3:58AM

Lighting first, then add a very small profile high resolution CCD camera (not a commercial SLR)

messydesk · March 15, 2011 4:05AM

Depends on how much money one wants to spend. You can have the basics for under $200 and learn all the skills necessary to decide what $500, $1000, $2000, or $5000 setup you want.

drwstr123 · March 15, 2011 4:09AM

Go for the glass!!!
The lens is key.

airplanenut · March 15, 2011 4:09AM

The D50 doesn't have an autofocus motor on the body (I believe), which is required by most of the macro lenses (including all of the Sigmas that I know of). If autofocus is important for you, you'll need a higher-end camera, such as the D70, D90, etc.

mrearlygold · March 15, 2011 4:36AM

<< The D50 doesn't have an autofocus motor on the body (I believe), which is required by most of the macro lenses (including all of the Sigmas that I know of). If autofocus is important for you, you'll need a higher-end camera, such as the D70, D90, etc. >>

Excellent, thank you Airplanenut

Let's construct a few desired set ups for lower budgets, middle, upper middle and the Whale set up

( Edited to add, I was looking at the D50 and would not have known to even ask that question. Thanks again )

MikeInFL · March 15, 2011 4:45AM

In my opinion, autofocus is of limited use for macro photography, so I would not worry much about it. I also believe (but am not sure!) you can still use the Sigmas without a camera that has autofocus-drive built in. Manual focus is more accurate, and accuracy is critical to a good coin photo. I never have used autofocus on coin photos, and I don't know a good photographer (except apparently Jeremy

) who does.

That said, the D50 allows for custom white balance, which is an absolute requirement for coin photos. It has a good sensor and is a quality camera.

As for the lens, I would try and get one at least 100 and preferably 150 or more mm in focal length. The additional length will equate to additional working distance between the lens/camera and the coin, allowing for much more flexibility in light placement -- which is critical for good coin photos.

Although I use a tripod, I would get a copy stand if coin photos are your primary use of macro equipment. Makes things much easier.

If you have a lot of coins to photograph, Liveview (the ability to display what is seen through the viewfinder on your computer screen) is a key feature -- particularly if your eyesight is less than perfect. The D50 does not support this, but just about all of the higher-end Nikons do.

mrearlygold · March 15, 2011 4:47AM

<< 
Although I use a tripod, I would get a copy stand if coin photos are your primary use of macro equipment. Makes things much easier. >>

In our case that's what the new camera set up will be used for. I saw copy stands at B&H for ( I think ) $500 bucks ? Does that sound right?

MikeInFL · March 15, 2011 4:49AM

<< 

<< 
Although I use a tripod, I would get a copy stand if coin photos are your primary use of macro equipment. Makes things much easier. >>

In our case that's what the new camera set up will be used for. I saw copy stands at B&H for ( I think ) $500 bucks ? Does that sound right? >>

There are much cheaper alternatives. There are a few low-end ones from Delta/Kaiser/Dotline at B&H for less than $200, and one Delta for less than $100, IIRC.

Edited to add link to B&H copy stands sorted by price

Just be sure you get one with a long enough column given your lens choice.

mgoodm3 · March 15, 2011 5:06AM

I would look for ways to eliminate vibration:

1) some sort of mirror/shutter delay (I believe that the D50 has this).
2) Mirror lock - similar to above but user adjustable (on more expensive cameras).
3) Canon has a nice method that uses an electronic first curtain of the shutter (I think works in live view also).

Broadstruck · March 15, 2011 5:24AM

<< I would look for ways to eliminate vibration >>

For a cheap tweak... I use 4 cork/rubber vibration isolation devices between the floor and the legs of the table that holds my Kaiser copy stand.

Link

bsshog40 · March 15, 2011 6:16AM

This is my basic little set-up. My camera stand is an old shop light that I took the light off of and mounted a camera mount to it. The wooden thing with the blue top is a tilt stand that I made. It moves from side to side and back to front. Works pretty good for me. Also I use a Canon IS S3 which has a "0"mm ?? super-macro focus.

lcoopie · March 15, 2011 6:20AM

an inexpensive body
a long macro lens
a copy stand
multiple lights (3)

and most important

the training to know how to use the above

mgoodm3 · March 15, 2011 6:38AM

I think that the EVIL (electronic viewfinder interchangeable lens, such as Panasonic GF2) cameras that are out there should make good coin cameras. The slightly smaller detector allows for more magnification without much real loss in image quality. The lack of a mirror is good for vibration reduction. You can get adapters for most macro lenses to fit on them.

LindeDad · March 15, 2011 6:38AM

I use the Nikon d90 with that Manul Nikon Niko 105mm in manul mode the diferent types of lights go for the different types of coins being imaged.
Probably the most important item is that liittle dely remote shutter release.

The goose neck lamps have Halagen floods that match with tthe Beshcler units to give flood and spot lighting.

Lens and copy stand were bought used too save a few bucks.

bsshog40 · March 15, 2011 6:51AM

Lindedad, that setup makes mine look chincy. lol Mine's a poor mans set-up. lol

LindeDad · March 15, 2011 6:59AM

I'm retired and the bills are paid. Hobby is better than walking in the rain or snow out here.

EagleEye · March 15, 2011 9:04AM

I would sign up for Todd's course at this year's Summer Seminar.

mrearlygold · March 15, 2011 1:17PM

LindeDad, that looks like a serious set up!

Bochiman · March 15, 2011 2:07PM

Doing it for a business, particularly with expensive, high-end, coins, I would not skimp (wouldn't want to go overboard either).

Canon or Nikon DSLR (you buy one and buy the lenses for it and you get somewhat stuck in that line.
For the Nikon, I would get a D90 likely (price point, needs, ability) and the 150mm sounds good (I have a 105mm).
You want a sturdy copystand to hold the weight of the camera and large lens.

You also want good lights that you can position in multiple ways (low/high/move around/etc).
The remote to take the picture without shaking the setup, and the liveview on the PC screen should also be seen as key in a business (or good to have for a hobbyist).

A greycard helps with the color as you do the set up.

Constructing new photo imaging system for coins-

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