how much??????

[ldarrellc]

how much would a decent cheap set up cost to take good pictures of coins? Cheap as in price.

[Bob P]

Very subjective. Read through this thread and get a general idea of what folks have. I have seen decent pics taken through toy microscopes. We don't expect any one to have to pay what some of us dod for our set-ups, but try something like you can get at a kids store relatively cheap, and then see what it does for you. After that, upgrade when funds become available.

[ldarrellc]

what do you mean toy microscope? and will the digital cam I have work with it?

[eagames]

I've seen some surprisingly good pics from those cheap Intel Mattel toy microscopes. I hear they only work with older windows but I want one anyway

[eagames]

It has the camera in it but I've seem em sell for $25

[ldarrellc]

where can i get them at and do they have any that works with windows xp?

[eagames]

I think it was in about 2000 when Intel made a bunch of toys with Mattel. They made cool stuff then decided not to stay with it so they stopped selling them but they still show up on ebay.

I heard they were made to only work with pre xp windows but that people were finding free driver software on the web that made em work with xp.

I'm still looking to find one so I haven't done it myself

[ldarrellc]

so are there any other ways of doing it cheaply. You have seen some of My pics some are good some are not.and I cant ever get the full coin or a decent pic of the full coin in it.

[coop]

I've got one laying under my desk. The units have plastic lens and the light is as it is. You can't adjust it. Definitely a kids toy, but I still see auctions using images from them. They always look bluish and grainey. Save your $10 dollar bills and put them aside for a microscope. If your camera has a macro feature you may be able to use it on a microscope. If not, back to the loupe.

$10 bills you don't get in change very often, when you do, set it aside for the scope/lighting/Photoshop program you nay want. They all add up pricey all together, but take them one at a time and they may be reachable with your saved $10 bills when you get enough of them.

[ldarrellc]

so what is the least amount I would spend on a good cheap setup to take pics ?

[ldarrellc]

everyone just remember Christmas is coming up

[Dick]

ED, I have one of those kits, but the camera was missing, (no problem), but Who can work with 200X, 600X, 800X???? I have a Didigital Blue that has 10X, 60X, and 200X. It makes pretty good pictures, but not worth using for real close ups. too unstable, mostly. Run of the mill, yes, just fine, but doesn't like XP!!!
this will give you an idea as to what a bit of ingenuity, some odds and ends< (like old lens from camera equipment, of slide projectors, and a bit of saw-dust. That on the left is a camcorder, looking down the barrel of the projector lens.
Dick

[Dick]

Go ahead, I hear you laughing! I don't mind. If it gets results, then I have won!
Dick