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 Replies: 45 / Views: 6,621 |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
4944 Posts |
Hello, Lately I have been doing a lot more coin photography, and I would like to get some tips on how I could continue to improve my pictures. My current set-up is extremely basic (I don't think I should even call it a set-up, really). I use my iPhone 4s (Specs listed below) and place it on top of a couple boxes, turn on my lamp (incandescent bulb)and shoot pictures. 4s SpecsResolution: 8.00 Megapixels Sensor size: 1/3.2" Lens: Non-Zoom (35mm eq.) Viewfinder: LCD ISO: 64-800 Shutter: 1/15-1/30000 Max Aperture: 2.4 Right now, with my current "set-up" I think (correct me if I am wrong) that I have BN/RB copper just about down. I think the golden tone of the light bulb makes the coin look like it would in hand.  However, I am having a tough time getting good pictures of silver coins. I know that I should probably use a different light source, would LED's be better for silver? Also, how should I position lights? Because using one light source doesn't work well for such a large coin. As you can see in my picture, the top of the coin is very bright, while the bottom is quite dark (Because of the position of the light).  Thanks  |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
4038 Posts |
Two lights will probably work better. Point one straight at Liberty's face, and the other down toward her hat. Get them as vertical as you can.
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Pillar of the Community
 Canada
4944 Posts |
Edited by Canadian-Banknotes
10/22/2013 11:41 pm
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Valued Member
Canada
478 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
4944 Posts |
Yeah, I seen a few of those. Problem is the shipping to Canada though.
They would cost $56.98 USD each.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4038 Posts |
Are there no IKEA's in Canada? I can specifically say the dual flex lights won't work as I bought some to try. Don't know about the other. An option you might consider if the Jansjos are not an option is LED USB lights, but you will need a powered USB hub as well...Ray
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4038 Posts |
There's another option, if you're able to do crafts...you can make your own light shaper. I published some threads where I described some "directors" that I made to go over the Jansjos. Brandon took that idea and instead of placing them over the lights he made a fixed diffuser that he shines lights at. I have also tried this idea and it works well, and in fact you can build them in such a way that you can use only one light and of any type. Take a look at the threads (search for "smile" or "director") and post back any questions...Ray
Contact me for photographic equipment or visit my home page at: http://macrocoins.com |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
4944 Posts |
Thanks Ray, I will look for those threads now.
We do have some IKEA's in Canada, but I am not sure when I would be able to get to one.
Update: I checked online and found the lamps, however they are currently out of stock.
Edited by Canadian-Banknotes
10/23/2013 3:14 pm
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
4944 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
1751 Posts |
Hey Canadian, I will be making a trip to Ikea soon... I might be able to pick some Jansjo's and ship them to you as long as things are reasonable in terms of shipping.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
4944 Posts |
That would be great, keep me posted.
Thanks Fade
How much are they in the store in your area?
Edited by Canadian-Banknotes
10/23/2013 5:40 pm
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Pillar of the Community
1751 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
4944 Posts |
That's a good price, two of them should work perfectly.
Hopefully shipping isn't too much.
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
Nothing but good advice here so far. Have a look at the thread below belonging to Darth Morgan. He's using an iPhone as well, and things were covered in that thread which you may find relevant. I am seriously impressed by the quality of the iPhone camera. I suspect your linked ebay lighting would be too weak for you. The Jansjos, with AC power, are only 40w equivalents and on the minimal side for imaging, yet usable - a battery-powered LED can't be able to throw too much light. I successfully replaced a pair of 50w Halogens with Jansjos, units I now call my "thermal weapons." Now those had the power to light a coin. Or a stadium. |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
4944 Posts |
Quote:
Have a look at the thread below belonging to Darth Morgan. He's using an iPhone as well, and things were covered in that thread which you may find relevant. Thanks Dave, I have been following that thread pretty closely lately (And a few others). I am starting to see how coin photography can become a hobby of its own. There is much to learn, and so many possibilities for "the perfect set-up". Quote:
The Jansjos, with AC power, are only 40w equivalents and on the minimal side for imaging, yet usable. Hopefully I will be able to pick up some jansjos from somewhere. I successfully replaced a pair of 50w Halogens with Jansjos, units I now call my "thermal weapons." Now those had the power to light a coin. Quote:
I successfully replaced a pair of 50w Halogens with Jansjos, units I now call my "thermal weapons." Now those had the power to light a coin.  I will have to learn the basics first, then one day (Hopefully) I will graduate to the "thermal weapons". |
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
Quote:
I will have to learn the basics first, then one day (Hopefully) I will graduate to the "thermal weapons".
Don't do the upgrade. Although they allowed me to shoot the interior of a black hole at 1/2000, they had the annoying side-effect of almost instantly melting both the coin and the stage upon which I had it set, and if I lit them for more than thirty seconds they also liquified the (granite) table. It's a difficult compromise. |
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Replies: 45 / Views: 6,621 |
Posted 10/22/2013 11:38 pm
