Got a copy stand for Christmas

Just started practicing with it this afternoon. This is the first one I shot using my new Firenze Mini-Repro stand, Canon T3i, with a bellows, the Schneider Componon-S lens and Vello shutter boss remote shutter switch. I had to lighten it up some to fully see the toning. I'm really happy with this set up. I'm only using four regular 60w GE reveal bulbs with white balance set. I think the setup needs stronger light. 75s wouldn't hurt but am able to brighten on the computer plenty as is. Lmk what you guys think. I know there'll be some veteran pros that have a tip or two.

 

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Nice shot. How does it compare to the in hand look?

 

Just like all toners it can depend on what angle you view it at as to how it looks but that is pretty much what it looks like. Obverse especially. I may have lightened the reverse a shade more.

 

Have you attempted to tether the camera to your computer?

 

No but thinking it would be really nice.

 

The shot looks nice (to my newbie photographer eye). Could you post a shot of your set up?

I have my more modest Canon Rebel XS tethered to my laptop (plugged in via USB when I want to use it). The EOS software is pretty easy for even a neophyte to use for basic shots.

 

Its on a crappy table right now. I plan on building a custom, more permanent option when I get the chance. Using an American DJ outlet bank with switches for the lights. It has 8 available outlets on it.

 

Looks pretty good to me, especially if you're wanting to show off the toning. I'm confused about your conclusion that you need brighter lights though. If you're shooting in automatic modes, the camera will adjust to whatever lights you have, and if you're shooting in manual mode, you can just do the adjustment yourself. So to me, it's not an issue of higher wattage bulbs, but adjustment of camera settings.

 

Ha!! You have the exact same table I have. But I use Jansjo's for lights.

 

The only advantage brighter bulbs will have is allowing your camera to achieve a faster shutter speed assuming your ISO and Aperture stay the same. A faster shutter speed helps reduce any blur that might occur from mirror slap or shutter actuation.

 

These lights slide on the bar and adjust but could use more versatility. They say wide open bulbs have their advantages but I'm thinking some I could point better might eliminate shadows.

 

That's awesome. I totally need a sweet copy stand like that but I can't bring myself to pull the trigger because of the cost. I keep telling myself I'm going to build one but that's not working out in a timely fashion for me...

Congrats!

 

I am far from the expert here, but I would try less lighting. I would think that would tend to equalize you lighting more.

Aside, that is an excellent picture!

 

Thanks RLM. Someone asked earlier about the colors in hand..The custom white balance was set for the photos. I didn't adjust colors at all. Just brightened a bit to get the toning to show up better. It was in the photo, just had to be brought out. This is a neat Merc. Can't wait to try other stuff.

 

You should tether the camer. No more focusing through the view finder. You'll be surprised to see how out of focus the viewfinder is compared to fine tuning the image while you're watching it on your monitor.

You should also go through the manual and lock down the mirror this will prevent any camera shake when taking the photo.

 

You are using approximately fourteen times the amount of light I bring to bear on any of my work. I use two Jansjo LED's, of 88 lumens each. You are using 4 60w Reveals, 630 lumens each.

Your shots are at f/4, which would completely blow out any of my shots. All you'd see is a white disk.

Um, what are you using for an aperture setting on the lens?

 

Wow ok. Thanks Dave. You may be the one who inspired me to put this together. I'm still learning how the camera works. I just learned how to set the white balance last night's. Alot different than my S3.
I'll have to look at the aperture. The original shots were too dark to see the toning. That's why I had to lighten them up on the computer . Maybe the camera was blocking some of the light. Maybe it's just a difficult coin to shoot since the toning is dark. The lighter parts showed up ok

 

I've been wanting one but haven't found the right one.
Did you buy it new or used? Did the lights come with it? How much was it total?

 

It was used. My sister got it for me off eBay a while ago. Yes the lights came with it but had to buy what bulbs I wanted. I can't remember exactly how much it was. I think it was less than $200. Pretty good deal but it's been used too. No damage but things that move show wear. Doesn't affect its use though.

 

Great deal if it was under $200. The ones I see like this are always $400+ with the lights. One day I'll find one like this for $200 and jump on it.