Gday folks,
Im looking for something that will help me at viewing coins under magnification..... what does everyone use?
Something like the usb 200x,500x or 800x sold on ebay?
ANy help would be great!
I use a twin 5 x mag Loupe, when used together it gives 10 x magnification. This has 26 MM lenses and is strong enough for examining coins. I used to only use one lens, but lately I find I need to use both.
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10007/26mm_Loupe_v2.jpg)
I do have a USB Scope, Kaiser Baas, but I use it to take my pictures, not for searching.
I have one of these
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/30-times-21mm-Jewelry-Magnifier-Jeweler-Eye-Loupe-LED-Light-Magnifying-Glass-/271207217733
And one of these
http://www.cleanroomshop.com/images/thumbs/0000510_400.jpg
And also one or these for taking closeup photos with my smartphone
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/60x-Optical-Zoom-Microscope-Magnifier-Camera-Lens-for-Samsung-S4-GT-i9500-DC382-/181185636072?pt=AU_MobilePhoneAccessories&hash=item2a2f8166e8&_uhb=1
The usb microscopes are fantastic for checking out the super fine details on coins.
Just one example is seeing if the lines on your coin are cleaning lines (incuse) or die polish lines (raised) :ok:
hi Nathan , i have a old style dino-lite , ok for photos , try and buy one that you can switch turnoff the LEDS . I also have a lighthouse foldaway pocket magnifier i think its x5 there about $25 good enough for me
i have one of these too http://www.superlux.co.nz/products/?id=2&product=82
Quote from: 'NManns' pid='52610' dateline='1402887860'Something like the usb 200x,500x or 800x sold on ebay?
Couple of things to keep in mind...
The higher the magnification, the smaller the view area, and the fiddlier the focussing.
USB scopes (I have a KB as well) are great for photographing tiny details, not good for noodling with.
I like those ten-dollar 10x loupes intended for photographers viewing slides. The ones which stand an inch or so high with clear sides. Put it to your eye, reversed, that is with the lens away from your eye. You can very quickly scan coins at good magnification while still seeing the entire coin, or most of it, without missing much. Use a higher power magnifier or scope when necessary, but you won't need it for 95% of coins.
Also, with cameras, keep in mind the difference between optical and electronic magnification. Optical magnification, whether in a zoom lens or a microscope, enlarges the image before it reaches the sensor, so that the pixels are effectively smaller. Electronic magnification processes the image after it is captured, effectively magnifying the pixels. This is similar to what you do when you enlarge an image in your computer.
You can't add detail this way, no matter what you see on TV shows. So don't be fooled by impressive numbers. They're not real, and the results will disappoint.
I have one of these and I don't know if you can buy them anymore (the link image is overseas somewhere in Norway!). I couldn't survive without my loupe, if it dies then I'm dead too!
(http://www.kikkertspesialisten.no/pub_images/medium/opticron_led_flash_loupe_15x_57520_885.jpg)
I have used one of these for years
get mine at the mint here in Canberra
watch it closely when you're at shows
they do get pinched if you leave it on a table
http://www.prospectstampsandcoins.com.au/coin-accessories-and-catalogues/coin-tweezers-coin-cleaners-and-magnifiers/lu23-magnifier.html
I also have an old geological x 10 magnifier
had it for years and got it from an op shop around 1997 for my son, I borrowed it oh, about a decade ago, he knows where it is .... !!
looks like this one
http://www.prospectstampsandcoins.com.au/coin-accessories-and-catalogues/coin-tweezers-coin-cleaners-and-magnifiers/lu24-magnifier.html
Thanks for all the feedback!
What is the best option for taking pictures with good details?
Thanks
Nathan
Quote from: 'NManns' pid='52723' dateline='1402968460'Thanks for all the feedback!
What is the best option for taking pictures with good details?
Thanks
Nathan
A good camera with at least 2 bright lights
Quote from: 'stevo1962' pid='52724' dateline='1402968890'Quote from: 'NManns' pid='52723' dateline='1402968460'What is the best option for taking pictures with good details?
A good camera with at least 2 bright lights
Bright lights, more bright lights and the ability to focus. Oh, and a camera helps, but not as much as bright lights. :angel:
bright lights seems to be they common denominator here!
Thanks for the info, I might have a bit of a trail run with my wifes dslr and post a few pictures here for some advice.
Thanks folks!
Quote from: 'NManns' pid='52806' dateline='1403045691'bright lights seems to be they common denominator here!
Thanks for the info, I might have a bit of a trail run with my wifes dslr and post a few pictures here for some advice.
Thanks folks!
Post them in this thread :good:
http://www.australian-coins.net/showthread.php?tid=2657
All this talk of bright lights ....... must be time for a musical interlude ..... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B0dYcvo8wo)
Quote from: 'trout' pid='52808' dateline='1403045976'Quote from: 'NManns' pid='52806' dateline='1403045691'bright lights seems to be they common denominator here!
Thanks for the info, I might have a bit of a trail run with my wifes dslr and post a few pictures here for some advice.
Thanks folks!
Post them in this thread :good:
http://www.australian-coins.net/showthread.php?tid=2657
Thanks mate, ill have a whirl this weekend and try out the camera.
Thanks
Nath
I have been catching up on this thread so apologies for so late.
I am looking to buy a good magnifier and came across this one
http://www.sterlingcurrency.com.au/items/zeiss-d36-coin-loupe
Seems rather expensive! An overkill????
I use one of these, its good, is it much superior to a $20 version, that's hard to say. Unless you are looking at very high grade or expensive coins a $20 loupe is all you need in my opinion.
Zeiss lens are the best in the world hence the price I suppose
I once owned a pair of Zeiss sunglasses in Dior frames , of course they were stolen from me! a thief with good taste
ps
I just use these loupes
does the trick and I do look at the odd rare coin at an auction viewing and it seems to work OK on those as well as my generally daggy old coins
https://eshop.ramint.gov.au/Foldaway-Pocket-Magnifier/7610047.aspx
another ps
I do have a very old X10 small loupe that is extremely good quality stainless steel frame and we have had it for almost 20years . I think it was in a geological case when we got it. I do use that for viewing errors or when I am wanting much closer detail on a coin.
Is it worth getting one with multiple levels of magnifications?
I might drop into Mr Roberts at Wynyard to see what they offer.
Quote from: 'kchan1111' pid='60858' dateline='1413112236'Is it worth getting one with multiple levels of magnifications?
I might drop my Mr Roberts at Wynyard to see what they offer.
I would personally recommend getting one with two levels of magnification (x5 and x10).
Quote from: 'dcoin' pid='60859' dateline='1413113445'I would personally recommend getting one with two levels of magnification (x5 and x10).
I agree, but I'd also recommend a larger diameter than 22mm. The one I use is about 27 mm and if I could find a larger one, I'd go for it. The larger the diameter, the more of the coin you can see without too much moving of the loupe.
So a good set of criteria would be
1. Reasonably large diameter at 27mm or more
2. Multiple levels of magnification
3. That includes at least 10x
?
we all have different eyes and brains
best to try out a few to see what suits your own personal style of perception
i'm like Nevel and like to see whole coin if I can - the RAM one lets me do that
with the compact ones you can't see the entire surface area of the coin - you have to move the view across the surface in sections
Cool.... Are there any differences in practice between fold away ones and the ones on an angle bracket like stand? Apart from person preference.
I might be over analysing this. :blush:
The foldaway ones can go wherever you go, also if you get one with say a 5x and a 10x Lens, when used together you have 15x, so three levels of magnification in one loupe.
I also have a 4x + 8x but even 12x is not strong enough for my old eyes these days, and it's only got a 24mm lens, so I don't like it much. I leave it in my handbag so I've always got it there if I need a loupe when I'm out & about.
Question of etiquette...
Is it good manners to go into a coin dealer shop and say if you are buying a RAM proof or mint set to whip out your loupe and examine the coins inside the set? And then try find the best set they have in their inventory.
And secondly, wouldn't the dealer be smart enough to have already done that. So you are almost always never to strike it lucky with one containing a high grade 69 or 70 buying from a dealer.
most collectors use the magnifier
usually the shop will offer one to use for your viewing
what eerks me is when they handle the proof coins with their hands without gloves
if you wanted to go through a few sets they might set you up on a desk with a lamp and issue for viewing at a controlled pace - a few coin dealers are fairly rough diamonds so you might not get that level of service/access
don't let etiquette shyness get in the way of wasting your money on a dud set!!
Yep Thanks.
I take it Aussie Post wouldn't let me do this at their shop counter. :D
dunno
you'd have to ask I suppose
My local Aussie Post would let me as they know that I collect the best and won't accept scratches on my coins. I get to check the coins before I buy any of them.
Proper coin dealers at least would have any coin in a mylar
Any opinion on this
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/8-PIECE-COINS-STAMPS-JEWELRY-COLLECTORS-TOOL-KIT-A-MUST-HAVE-/261560851309?pt=AU_Coins2&hash=item3ce63ddb6d
Little Microscopes?
The 'loupes' look like they might be a bit too bulky for ease of use, JMHO. :angel:
just my opinion but from experience
the jewellers loupe is perfect for looking at the curved surfaces of gemstones but absolutely awful for the flat surfaces of coins
Quote from: 'robbiegal' pid='61020' dateline='1413535513'just my opinion but from experience
the jewellers loupe is perfect for looking at the curved surfaces of gemstones but absolutely awful for the flat surfaces of coins
Thanks for the tips. I should get some gloves and tweezers though. Don't want my paws all over the coins.
Quote from: 'kchan1111' pid='61029' dateline='1413542681'Quote from: 'robbiegal' pid='61020' dateline='1413535513'just my opinion but from experience
the jewellers loupe is perfect for looking at the curved surfaces of gemstones but absolutely awful for the flat surfaces of coins
Thanks for the tips. I should get some gloves and tweezers though. Don't want my paws all over the coins.
Nothing wrong with picking a coin up with bare "Clean" finger tips.
As long as you only hold them by the rim :ok:
PCGS Graders do it this way and there is far less chance of dropping the coin and doing some real damage to it :)
Quote from: 'kchan1111' pid='60988' dateline='1413462099'Any opinion on this
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/8-PIECE-COINS-STAMPS-JEWELRY-COLLECTORS-TOOL-KIT-A-MUST-HAVE-/261560851309?pt=AU_Coins2&hash=item3ce63ddb6d
Little Microscopes?
The actual miniature microscopes can be bought for a song, I got 5 delivered to oz for less than $10. handy and do an ok job.
Quote from: 'kchan1111' pid='60988' dateline='1413462099'Any opinion on this
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/8-PIECE-COINS-STAMPS-JEWELRY-COLLECTORS-TOOL-KIT-A-MUST-HAVE-/261560851309?pt=AU_Coins2&hash=item3ce63ddb6d
Little Microscopes?
Far too much zoom on those magnifiers. The set is probably more aimed at jewellery collectors where you have to read a serial number off a diamond rather than coin collectors