I've been thinking about getting a copy stand to help take pics of my coins for auctions and albums. I've been looking at this one as it appears to fit the budget. I have a Nikon S9 and a Pentax 200D. The second is a larger camera. What's your thoughts and what do you guys use? If you know of a cheap place to buy one let me know. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110422269010&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
1st get the Mark Goodman book before the copy stand. I dont use a copy stand, but a desk and a great tripod. My cameras are a Nikon and a Sony. I still farm out my best coins for pics to the pros, it's still tough for me to capture color, I simply do not have the time to dedicate to photography. Coin? Easy. Color coin? Fuggetaboutit.
I use something similar to what you showed. See here: I tried a tripod for a while but the legs were giving me grief (getting in the way, casting shadows, etc.) This was only $40. I don't remember who I bought it from (on line) but a Google search on "camera stand" ought to get you to something similar. BTW, get yourself a remote shutter release too. Almost impossible to push the camera button without causing vibrations.
Here is a good one from B & H Photo, not too expensive. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/385012-REG/Digital_Pursuits_DPCS129_Close_Up_Copy_Stand.html
Cheap work around if you find a camera that doe not have a remote (Wonderful suggestion and I wish my new Olympus had one like my old dead one did) Just use the self timer.
A camera stand is a huge benefit! A remote or a "cable release" for the shutter really helps eliminate shake too. Tripods are a pain to level for dead on shots and the legs take up a lot of space. Try to set something up like Kanga's example. B&H are a great dealer in camera equipment. I've bought stuff from them for years. B&H or Adorama. B&H also sells quality used equipment and if you are in NYC you can visit their amazing showroom, literally unlike any shopping experience elsewhere. Also consider looking for used equipment on eBay in the Photography equipment category.
Al is this the book you are referencing? http://www.amazon.com/Numismatic-Photography-Mark-Goodman/dp/1933990090
Hi Arizona Jack, I wanted to ask to whom do you farm out your coins to take pics of. Right now I'm scanning my coins because I have little to no photography skills at least for coins. I had previously bought Mark Goodmans book but I just don't have the skills to get good pics of my coins. I appreciate the information!!! Thanks!!!
This is good for Macro / close-up shots. But maybe not for shooting a big spread of items. You need to understand your lenses capability for focal ranges, but I think the 12" is good for small close up table top work.
I really like the copy stand idea for close up shots of coins. All the negatives about a tripod that people have mentioned, I have experienced. I used a small 2-way plumbers level to make sure the camera is level on the tripod. Although the copy stand would be better to take close up pics of coins, a extendable tripod is still a must for taking pictures of larger objects such as notes or FDCs. I have always liked the idea about the auto shutter release, but my camera doesn't support one, so once I get the camera set, I have been using the timer feature. Works well, but time consuming. Thanks for the tips gang.
If anyone was interested in remote timers, try this (Remote shutter trigger for Digital Cameras) before you buy one. It works great and IMO it was fun to make.
I don't have a great shot of my copy stand but here is one when I was doing a camera review of a point and shoot. I got it used off of Ebay for $100. A couple of wheels on the arm attachment are broken and the the camera mount is not quite parallel to the base but it works.
I see similar ones being sold used on ebay for a decent price. One question I have for this kind of set up is what bulbs do you use for the lamps. I have been using an OTT Lite and love the results.
Usually bulbs rated for Full Spectrum Light. Also it's usually important to replace all bulbs you are using at the same time. If you have two or more lamps on the subject, replace all the bulbs at the same time so they have all the same amount of usage/life in them. Also, depending on the type of bulbs you use, work on setting your white balance in your camera up correctly.
I now use some inexpensive 23W CFLD's (D is for Daylight which is much closer to the OTT spectrum than standard CFL's.) from Orchard. I end up butting them against the edge of my Sigma 150mm lens and they are just cool enough not to burn the housing. Here are some photos with my current lighting:
