How do you see hairline scratches in dim light, like at a coin show?

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by Exchequer, Jun 10, 2011.

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  1. -jeffB

    -jeffB Greshams LEO Supporter

    Heh. I wish I could hook Dave Bowers up with Don Klipstein to try out some specialty lighting. :)

    I agree 100% with Doug (and Dave) that too much light hides flaws by dazzling your eye. But light intensity depends on power, efficacy, direction, and distance. Saying "use incandescents because halogen lamps are too bright" is like saying "drink beer because wine is too strong".

    I don't expect leading coin experts to follow lighting technology day by day, or even year by year. I think they'll eventually come around on LED lighting, but I certainly wouldn't fault anyone for following their current advice in the interim.
     
    -jeffB, Dec 15, 2011
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  3. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    If you read the ANA grading book Bowers explains it quite well. Use an incandescent bulb, 100w bulb - 3 ft. away. A 50w bulb - 18 in. away. He goes on to talk about halogen lights, discusses how they can often be uncomfortable to use. He even comments about how halogen lights can possibly be dangerous to the eyes and suggest you talk to your eye doctor before using them. He then goes on to actually warn against using fluorescent lights, and why.

    That sound better ?
     
    GDJMSP, Dec 15, 2011
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  4. Leadfoot

    Leadfoot there is no spoon

    I'll bring my Halogen to FUN and you can decide with your own two eyes who's right. ;)
     
    Leadfoot, Dec 15, 2011
    #23 + Quote Reply
  5. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    Bring it Mike, but I've already done the comparisons. I've tried every type of light you can imagine, and a few you can't imagine. I much prefer incandescent lights. My personal favorite are GE Reveal bulbs.
     
    GDJMSP, Dec 15, 2011
    #24 + Quote Reply
  6. -jeffB

    -jeffB Greshams LEO Supporter

    Alas, I got talked into buying Making the Grade instead. If the ANA book has significant material the MtG doesn't, I'll pick it up as well.
     
    -jeffB, Dec 15, 2011
    #25 + Quote Reply
  7. BadThad

    BadThad Calibrated for Lincolns

    I bought a cheap 15x magnifier from Deal Extreme that has built in lights. I think it was like $5. Many of the dealers I buy from don't have good enough light for me so this little magnifier is awesome.
     
    BadThad, Dec 15, 2011
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  8. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    Absolutely buy that book ! Get the 6th edition. And I would strongly suggest buying any other book on grading that you can find. You can get another one right here for free - http://www.coingrading.com/
     
    GDJMSP, Dec 15, 2011
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