Just wanted to ask you coin photography experts for a tip. I have a copy stand with 4 light sockets. Even using just two of them with the blue bulbs that came with the stand is overexposing. I am using a Canon SLR. The copy stand is professional, and the 4 bulbs are adjustable in height as well as angle and direction. I know the answer will be to get daylight lamps, but short term what bulb, (wattage, type, quantity), would you suggest using for my setup? I am trying to photograph darkish bronze coins, but also with to photograph silver coins. I was thinking 4 low wattage bulbs might be the best, but honestly don't have a clue. Chris
Shane, aka Kryptonitecomics, uses GE Reveal bulbs, but I can't remember if he said they were 40 or 60 watt. Take a look at his photos on eBay......... http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_from=&_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ssn=kryptonitecomics&rt=nc Chris
I use 2 goose neck lamps with reveal bulbs and depending on which coin I'm imaging I will diffuse the lighting with paper. Not a professional just learning lol finally got tired of the scanner...
I use GE Reveal bulbs as well. You might adjust the F stop and shutter speed on your camera in the manual function.
Ok, talking Greek guys. What wattage reveal would you suggest? One, two, or four bulbs? What should I change the F stop and shutter speed TO? Yes, I am illiterate when it comes to cameras.
I guess mine are the3 way ones the 50-100-150 and they are set to the lightest the only way to get good pictures is to play with your personal set up and take tons of pictures to get one good one.. the best lighting I've ever had is on Cloudy days to be honest. I have no idea what shutter speed to use I use the original macro setting on my cell phone
Chris I think your problem has a lot to do with the location of the lights. Forget the lights on the stand and get yourself 2 goose-neck lamps. As for wattage , 60w, 75w, or 100w will work. But placement will vary with each. And placement will vary with each coin too, depending on what aspect you are trying to capture in the pic. The secret ? Experiment, then experiment some more, and some more. I often had to take 50 pics of 1 coin to get it right.
I have the rebel XT. The systems should be similar enough. when looking through the eye piece push lightly on the shutter button. An indicator will light up in the lower left with numbers and a flashing verticle bar on the bottom. There is a wheel type adjuster just behind the shutter button. as you spin this wheel you will see the flashing bar move to the left or right. this you changing the shutter speed. I usually take four or five shots working up the scale and then choose the best exposure. Hope this helps Richard
I have my best luck using one maybe two low wattage bulbs on dark copper and bronze. I like the reveal bulbs but anything will work if you do a custom white balance. Your camera manual should cover this. It's also helpful to underexpose the shot a stop or so.
Did you get the software to tether the camera to your computer? Once everything is set up you can take the shot using the mouse.
I use two 100 watt GE reveal bulbs, and a thrid if I have a need for it, whether it is a new angle for color or some other detail the other angle will provide. It really depends on the coin for the angle I use. I would suggest just setting a faster shutter speed, it will only imporve clarity and deal with the overexposure. Also, your ISO should be as low as the camera will allow.
go here for help http://coinimaging.com/ and buy his book. Read it about 3-4 times. Expierment. I am still trying to get better photos using my point and shoot. Whenever I get one I like, I document the camera settings and lighting. Lighting and White balance is 90%. High contrast and low contrast coins take different lighting.
I am not a fan of GE Reveal bulbs. I have some, and have tried them, but I've found halogen PAR flood gets better results. Four lights is overkill. Two should be plenty. Besides the adjustable copy stand lights I keep a couple of gooseneck lamps for corner cases. YMMV. Read this article for advice from the best in the business, Mark Goodman. http://coinimaging.com/Lighting_shootout.html
