Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/01/18
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Harry Bass wrote: > > Folks: > > I desire to do macro photography of coins. Needed are 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 capabilities, > as well as the ranges 1:2, 1:3, etc., using Leicaflex, Leicaflex SL, and Leicaflex SL2 > with Bellows-R and supplementary close-up lenses. > > Considering the very close object to lens front distances that will be encountered, > are there strobe ring lights available for such an application, and what are they > (make/source)? Interestingly, the best bellows would include the ability to shift. In my experience photographing many shiny things including coins, controlling the exposure of the surface reflection is most important. If you get off axis you can light a white or gold card that then lights your coins. The coin can be flat, the card is then angled from the perpendicular. The reason that a lens shift is nice is that you move off axis and see the card reflected in the shiny surface. It is playing billiards with light. This is harder to discribe with words than to do. The ring light might work, but you will get extremely hot highlights where the coin will reflect the light like a mirror seeing the light itself. Alternatively, and easier to control, is to get a big sheet of fairly heavy gauge velum and make a funnel around coin and then place your light or lights around it to suit. Easiest to use tungsten film and lights, especially if you don't have polaroid back. donal - --- Donal Philby San Diego http://www.donalphilby.com