r9453 Camera Setup

[ausjack]

could you use a mirror to direct the light

[r9453]

It wasn't my idea :idea: troutski I saw it over at the CCF. You need a 1/4" thread for the camera, surprisingly they are not metric. And a wingnut makes it easier to attach the camera.

"could you use a mirror to direct the light"

I'm not sure but in the original thread the guy uses the timer and covers the whole shebang with a heavy dark cloth. He also made a light diffuser out of a plastic milk container.

[Fulvio]

He also made a light diffuser out of a plastic milk container.

That works, especially if you have a lens the same size as the spout. Failing that, a light white fabric works too, just avoid folds, which will cast shadows. Or use white card or commercial reflectors if you must.

Try a support smaller than the coin diameter too, so the coin stands clear of the backdrop.

And yes, white balance is best set in the camera, but you can fix it in post (production).

[r9453]

Try a support smaller than the coin diameter too, so the coin stands clear of the backdrop.

:yahoo: Now I know why he used the pipe, but timber dowel should be just as good.

[Triggersmob]

I used a large screw on my set up. Place some felt on top and it will protect the coin from scratches and the coin won't slip around as much.



I also use the milk jug diffuser, this also acts as a steady base to rest the camera on.



Sample pic..

[r9453]

Thanks Steve, good pic I like the black background. I need to get some black felt.

[Triggersmob]

Thanks Steve, good pic I like the black background. I need to get some black felt.

Yes, I prefer black, it gets rid of the shadows.

[Cooper S]

I prefer black as the background as well

Thanks Steve, good pic I like the black background. I need to get some black felt.

Yes, I prefer black, it gets rid of the shadows.

Not only does it get rid of the shadows it makes the coin stand out so you can see the finer details :angel:

[r9453]

I've been chatting to Fulvio and I was going to revive this thread in any case. I need to refine and update my photo skills. I still have the same basic setup but I have added 2 more Jansjo lights based on the idea that too much light is never enough.

The problem is my coin photos are getting worse. I can't seem to get the settings right anymore. Do silver and copper coins require different settings?

Links to ACF coin photo threads:

https://www.australian-coins.net/showthread.php?tid=2354
https://www.australian-coins.net/showthread.php?tid=2830
https://www.australian-coins.net/showthread.php?tid=1078
https://www.australian-coins.net/showthread.php?tid=1762
https://www.australian-coins.net/showthread.php?tid=728
https://www.australian-coins.net/showthread.php?tid=2406

This is my camera - Olympus FE-26:
http://www.olympusamerica.com/files/oima_cckb/fe-26_x-21_instruction_manual_en.pdf

EDIT: Another camera thread :-
https://www.australian-coins.net/showthread.php?tid=3957

[r9453]

Here is a recent image, not cropped, you can see the lights arranged in the corners:
 


Image properties:



I guess its not terrible but...

[Fulvio]

I have added 2 more Jansjo lights based on the idea that too much light is never enough.

I don't think I agree with that, actually. Have a look at coin shot with a ringflash and notice how lifeless they look. Or a USB scope for that matter.

You actually DO want shadows most of the time. That's what lifts the detail and provides depth. Go back and look at your very first pic in this thread. It was gorgeous. Try and replicate what you did there, because it was working for you. THEN you can refine it.

[markn]

I've found that two lights is optimal for contrast arranged at 10 and 2.  Multiple lights from multiple directions means you loose the relief and the coins end up looking flat.  The only time I use three lights is for large very lustrous coins.  In those cases I have another light at 6 that removes the dark spot that large lustrous coins seem to have.

[r9453]

I did look at my previous efforts and that's what led me back to this thread. I think you might be onto something, I'll try imaging the 50c again with two lights this time.

[markn]

You're better off having a higher f-stop (F10 or F11) and a slightly slower exposure.  You get a slightly depth of focus and (theoretically) it supposed to show toning a better than lower F-stops.

[markn]

The problem is my coin photos are getting worse. I can't seem to get the settings right anymore. Do silver and copper coins require different settings?

I only vary exposure time.  Brown and Red-Brown is usually 1/200 or 1/250 and silver 1/320 or a bit quicker.  All on F11.