Does any one know of a good microscope for using to look at Coins that has the ability to connect to your comptuer and record photos? (for example of the pesky Type I and II 1981 Mint marks to upload to coin talk so someone can help me figure it out? =-) ) Thank you, Casey
Hi cdaniels, The Dino-Lite is a great microscope camera that allows you to take close-up photographs and connect directly to your computer. I know a lot of coin collectors who use this when figuring die varieties, die breaks, etc. Here is a link http://www.dino-lite.com/
I saw one at the Baltimore Coin show last November that I wish I had bought. It wasn't a traditional microscope; it was a computer software package and some sort of lens clamped to a pole. You could either use it clamped to the pole or hold it in your hand. It produced fantastic pictures you can then measure and anotate with the software. I lost the pamplet and I don't recall the name of the company. They claim to provide optical equipment to the ANA and NGC. If this description sounds familier to anyone, please let me know...I would like to buy one.
See a lot of different Models and magnification how much maximum magnification do you honestly need for coins? I have a couple of handled magnifying glasses but don't know how powerful since there is nothing marked on them.
Yes, there are a ton of different models with different magnifications. My answer to your question would be whatever you think would be to your use. I think most of the camera microscopes they sell are perfectly suitable for coinage. I would assume you would not need the 300-400x magnification for any coin. I think anyone that had the camera ability and good megapixel number would do the trick. They have an area with sample photos on the site where they show coin pics. Also, I am sure they would be happy to answer your questions if you shoot them a quick email.
First compare the resolution of those microscope/camera combinations. I have seen some that are as bad as 480x640. 2ndly, how long do you want to keep it? A new version of MacOS or Windows may find you with out software that still works. 3rdly, do you only want to see a portion of the coin? Only a few of the extended range Dino-lites have the ability to photo a whole cent, half, or Morgan. 4th, do you want to be able to vary the light direction to show toning or specific surface alteration? most of these cameras have fixed lighting. I have one, and I found all of the above to be to my disliking. Consider a "dissecting " type of lab scope, you can attach a regular digital camera. generally 7-30X can do most every thing, but an extra eyepiece can raise or lower the magnification and the field of view. I use a college surplus sale B&L 7-30X stereozoom with a handheld canon A590 combination. Jim
