Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/03/22

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Subject: Re: [Leica] photographing X rays.....
From: Alastair Firkin <firkin@ncable.net.au>
Date: Fri, 22 Mar 2002 20:04:29 +1100
References: <001501c1d155$5a454900$57ed543f@telconet.net>

>There are several problems with photographing x rays...
>
>First, the far and out best way to photograph them is to make a lightbox
>with a whole bunch of bulbs and dimmer switches so you can in effect change
>the level of illumination between the dark and clear areas... and tame
>contrast.
>
>The second best way and the way I do it, is with a soft box and a piece of
>plexi glass to keep things flat and evenly illuminated....   I use a spot
>meter for flash and take readings from the lightest spot and the darkest...
>and then bracket.....  I use black pieces of mat board around the edges so
>it looks professional and you don't have glaring white borders.  It also
>gives a very nice neutral color.
>
>The worst way is to photograph them on the viewer as they often have hot
>spots along the tubes that docs don't notice until they see the slides you
>shot..... etc....
>
>I've not worked with Scala... so I don't how it handles contrast.....
>
>Some xrays are worse than others....  CT and MRI scans are the worst as they
>always seem to be as dense as all get out....  Either way.... figure out
>what tones the doc wants and then bracket !!!!
>
>IMHO Digital is the way to go..... but you have to set the contrast on the
>camera at the lowest setting.....  and then you still have to work to get
>the detail out of the dark areas.
>
>BTW  I photographed some xrays and CT scans of  TB case this morning.
>
>Duane


Digital is the way to go, but Kodak to make a rapid process copy film 
which is excellent. you can process it in the xray processors at work 
;-) and its direct b/w slide film.
- -- 
Alastair Firkin

http://www.afirkin.com

http://www.familyofman2.com
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In reply to: Message from "Duane Birkey" <duanebirkey@andinanet.net> ([Leica] photographing X rays.....)