Just bought a new camera...

[Danester]

Chuck, it was interesting to read this post about your new camera. Right now I have a Sony CyberShot 7.2 MP.... but I first need to buy a better microscope. The one I have does not give me a continuous range of X-power... it only has two settings.

However, I did try the PVC extension trick you gave me... but as I remember, an off the shelve PVC extension didn't fit for some reason. So I "fooled around" by just holding the camera lens to the microscope eyepiece. The result was those 1909-S VDB images I re-posted today - not very good. I found lining-up and pushing the button was difficult to manage. I like the idea of a remote or linked clicker.

Do you still use a PVC extension? What kind of results can I expect with a microscope that is designed for a camera attachment, or one that has a digital camera built-in?

I don't know if you have "stumbled across" how neat these digital still cameras work as movie cameras now that 1G an 2G memory sticks are so cheap. Check out a couple of my YouTube videos.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgOq_JNAr9A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n67JFb3V2-I

I've done a lot of scanning of coins for the full views, as you were talking about. How would you rate these images from a scanner? You had mentioned in the past that you prefer cameras over scanners. I would agree for close-ups.... but scanning for full views I think is an option.









The Danester

[Dick]

I don't know how the photos that come out from the scanner, are so good! Every one I have tried to scan comes out like a grain of sand on the beach! When I try to amplify them, they are so grainy as to be useless! That is the only alternative to a good camera shot, and mine don't come out, PERIOD! Now what?
Dick

[Danester]

You have to play with thr settings for your scanner, but here are a couple of general tips.

Set to -
Color or Color Photo.
Scan between 600 to 1200 dpi
Adjust screen size and brightness with Photoshop.

Good for full views.

The Danester

[Dick]

Thanks for the info. I'll five it a try. In fact, I'll try ANYTHING once! I have Photoshop 7.0, but haven't learned how to use much of it, yet, but still trying.
Dick

[coppercoins]

About the PVC:

All PVC pipes are round, but not always the exact same diameter through and throughout. One part of a pipe might fit perfectly while another part might not. Sandpaper can be used to make fine adjustments.

Another trick, especially for the inside ring that fits the camera, is to cut a slit in the pipe going all the way down so it adjusts to the size of what it's holding. The inside pipe doesn't need to be solid. It's just a shim that accomodates for size difference. Of course I speak only of fitting the Nikon Coolpix 5200 to a microscope because that's the only one I hve any experience with.

About scanners and coins:

Scanners are acceptable for circulated copper, but I still am of the opinion that they simply do not work for coins with luster. It deadens the luster and makes the coin look bad. I guess if you're selling something on eBay and it's not all that valuable it wouldn't matter...but for publishable photos, a scanner will simply not do the job.

[Dick]

Chuck, being as we use the same type of 'scope, a question: you mention the "inside pipe". Do you remove the eyepiece, and shoot thru the tube? I have tried to "see" something when using my digital, as a video camera, but nothng in view, however another camera does work in this manner. The only problem, is that I can see the photo after it was taken, but not before This doesn't sound right! I mean, I can't compose the picture, and then take the photo.
Re the "adaptor", (PVC), mine are only about 1/8th inch thick, and the camera rests on the other eye-piece. They fit inside the rubber segments, which allows for a certain amount of "aiming". Comments? Suggestions? Thanks,
Dick
BTW, I got your email, and am "holding off" until the first of the month.

[coop]

On using a scanner (never had one myself) what does help is to use a darker paper behind the coin. It helps to make the copper color to show up better. The brightness tends to add to dull of a color against a white back round. I recomend a dark fabric or dark paper to help. Just put the coin on the scanner and place the paper over it. If you are only using the scanner for coins you might attach the paper with a temporary tape to hold it in place. But remove the tape between uses as it can leave a mess if left too long.

[Danester]

What is a trinocular microscope going to do for me?

At the MircoscopeStore.com it said.... "The trinocular port is the ideal access for any media viewing such as SLR or digital still or video camera. Contact us for the camera attachment systems best suited to your applications".

Common sense tells me I can look at the coin the same time I snap pictures through the third lens. Will the camera see exactly what is seen through the binocular eye-pieces?

So, with the third lens, I can use a PVC extension, or buy some type of camera attachment?

Chuck what type/brand of microscope do you use? I know it is a binocular. Please recommend a good binocular microscope, and then a good choice for a trinocular.

And, where can I buy the "tubular light" sources?

St. Louis Coin Show - July 2005
http://images.andale.com/f2/115/106/1833240/2007/4/20/SLouCleveland_012.jpg

Danester

[coppercoins]

I cannot describe the PVC fitting as well as I could show it to you, and right now I'm not set up to photograph it. I have a macrophotography job I'm trying to finish up, and don't have enough room to set up both. I'll photograph the tube and the tube in use later.

As for the lighting, I got mine at coinoptics.com and would recommend the same to anyone else. I really like the light. I've had it for going on four years and am still on the same bulb as when it arrived.

I don't like trinocular scopes. period.

I do still use the same light and the same scope as in the photograph Dane took two years ago.

I do not know the brand of my microscope. There's no wording on it. I would recommend a decent quality scope would be for sale - again - at coinoptics.com.

www.coinoptics.com