here's an archaic i picked up last year...but not a turtle. Ionia, Miletos, Late 6th- early 4th century BC. 1/12th Stater (1.2 gm, 10.5mm). Obv.: Forepart of lion left with head reverted right. Rev.: Starlike floral design in square incuse. SNG Helsinki II 285.
Noob => great new turtle photo ... it's a winner!! ... man, it's almost embarrassing, eh? (the photo part of this hobby is apparently beyond me)
While you loose overall sharpness to diffraction, stopping the lens down to its minimum provides more depth of field. Turtles are one of few types that sometimes just will not be sharp unless you use focus stacking. I use CombineZ which is freeware and allows shooting even the sharpest angles. I have no experience with Photoshop since it is overkill for anything I do and a very expensive program. For the record: I have met several people who have old versions of Photoshop who think they are ahead because they own the great name in image software. Recent advances in this type software makes cheap programs like Photoshop Elements better for most people than the full program of only a few years ago. Obols are harder than staters. I never have got the image I want on this one. I may have to try again and again and...
Thanks Doug, it is not just me then! I will look into CombineZ, there are just not enough hours in the day at the moment.
Here’s a few more archaic coins: 510-486 BC Issued by Darius I Lydia, under Persian rule AR 1/6 siglos .8gm - 7 mm Obv: The Great King kneeling r.; shooting bow Rev: Incuse punch Cities of Ionia were settled from Mainland Greece during the dark ages following the collapse of the Mycenaean civilization. c. 520-480 BC Ionia, Miletos Tetartemorion 0.16gm - 4mm Obv: Rosette on raised disc. Rev: Five pellets within incuse.
When using CombineZ shoot a little loose and crop later in case you jarr images between shots and it does not have what it needs overlapping. Also always shoot the closest focus part first and focus farther away with each shot. I usually use four for coins but have done a dozen layers on other subjects. If anyone has downloaded the program and has trouble, PM me. Instructions and hints here will bore those not interested.
I downloaded CombineZM this afternoon, but I won't be able to try till I get back home later tonight. If I have questions Doug, I will most certainly PM you for you advise. Thanks
Here is my turtle and a comparison of non-stack vs stack: Aegina, Attica 510 - 485 B.C. Silver Stater 12.35 gm, 18 mm Obv.: Sea turtle with collar Rev.: “Proto-skew” incuse pattern, round test punch near center Sear 1851; BMC 11, p.128, 28 HGC 6, 430 [Meadows, Groups IIa-IIb] [SNG Copenhagen 501] Top: single shot at f/18, bottom: stacked (5) at f/5.6