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 Replies: 48 / Views: 7,395 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3281 Posts |
So for my set up, all I have is a crappy Samsung phone and a x8 zoom thing made in China. Basically what I need is a device that can take decent pictures of close up errors, for instance, I need it to be able to take decent pictures of RPM's on LMC and LWC, which as you may know is very small. My phone cannot do that, not even close. Basically I need some sort of system or device that can take close up/zoomed pictures of Lincoln Cents, and be decent at its job. Any suggestions? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4691 Posts |
You need a macro lens (or macro mode). There are many inexpensive cameras out there with this feature but it is not standard.
Edited by jimbucks
03/23/2019 6:54 pm
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Moderator
 United States
34397 Posts |
@SC, for non-proof coins, I like my $30 Celestron USB digital microscope.
"If you climb a good tree, you get a push."
-----Ghanaian proverb
"The danger we all now face is distinguishing between what is authentic and what is performed."
-----King Adz
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
3281 Posts |
$30 you say? Can't find one for $30, maybe you can send the link? And thanks jim.
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21786 Posts |
Some folks use a mobile phone to take highly detailed pics of coins quite successfully. (Equivalent to Samsung S8 or better - they have enough resolution)
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3281 Posts |
I see, yes my Samsung is really old, the quality of photos are quite poor.
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Moderator
United States
34397 Posts |
"If you climb a good tree, you get a push."
-----Ghanaian proverb
"The danger we all now face is distinguishing between what is authentic and what is performed."
-----King Adz
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3281 Posts |
Where do you see one on sale for $35?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4036 Posts |
If you're looking for high quality images you will likely need to buy a "real" camera, and a good lens optimized for higher magnifications. For the camera, I recommend the Canon Rebel XS. For the lens, I recommend a 3x or 4x microscope objective. You will need also a focusing helicoid and a couple adapters and extensions. It will all together cost ~$200. There is an ebay auction going on right now (not my auction) with all the above bundled for $110. Contact me for photographic equipment or visit my home page at: http://macrocoins.com |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4691 Posts |
I don't think it needs to be that complicated. I have used simple point and shoot cameras without anything special other than a macro feature for very good shots with price around $100. This is NOT a lens that needs to be changed out. The models I have are no longer continued (and when it comes to cameras I would stay away from anything used), but I am sure you can find what you need without adding complicated accessories. Search on cameras with macro or something like that and you should be on your way, plus you will also have a camera instead of a special purpose microscope. In the past I also tried using a "tent" and special lights, but found it did not offer any added benefits, so I suggest you do not buy those.
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Moderator
United States
34397 Posts |
"If you climb a good tree, you get a push."
-----Ghanaian proverb
"The danger we all now face is distinguishing between what is authentic and what is performed."
-----King Adz
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4036 Posts |
It just all depends on what sort of quality you're looking for. If you are OK with things being a bit fuzzy, and the colors being off, then USB scopes are a good way to go since they are pretty cheap. I'm not sure how a point and shoot can be configured for taking pics of RPMs and such, but would love to hear from jimbucks on what he has in mind.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3281 Posts |
Alright thanks all, I might have to do more research on this myself.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4036 Posts |
I'm sure that the folks on this forum will be very interested in the results of your research, what you ultimately purchase, and some pics of what the equipment can do. This is a community of sharing knowledge so please share what you learn for everyone's benefit.
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New Member
United Kingdom
11 Posts |
Honestly I'd suggest a DSLR and macro lens. If you want to catalogue your collection by image then this is of great value for you to do so, as well as being able to share images online.
In lieu of that, generally a camera with a high megapixel count will net you better results than a phone. The higher the megapixels the higher the resolution of the image.
Canon do a 100mm macro lens that's usually available used for a couple hundred dollars. You can likely find a used camera for the same.
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Valued Member
United States
81 Posts |
Hello Everybody my first post here but I took the easy way on coin photography. I ended up buying Ray's bellows system and now its very simple focus, center and shoot. I teather to my laptop most of the time which makes it very easy. I do have a newer Cannon 6Ti I bought early this year. I have the 4 lights setup and just play around with different angles. But the one in the picture I seem to like best. It has a 86mm lens but that is all I really know on the lens. I think it might be an enlarging lens. Still new to me like I said I just center, focus and shoot!..I am also learning how to take raw photo's. Here is a few examples of the shots I took and if I make sure the focus is spot on it turns out the best. I am no expert by any means but do want to learn. My new stand bought from Ray who is great to work with! Nice thing about this set up I do not really need to know much which gives me time to learn more about how to really take quality pictures. Is this cheating? Just wanted to say hello to everybody.    |
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Replies: 48 / Views: 7,395 |
Posted 03/23/2019 8:28 pm
