Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: Taking Pictures - Axial Lighting...

  1. #1

    Taking Pictures - Axial Lighting...

    Axial lighting is a little-known technique which I think has great application in coin photography. In this technique, the light path travels straight back and forth along the same axis as the direction of the camera lens. Primarily used with microscopes or forensic photography, axial lighting can produce shadowless, yet high-contrast images with startling levels of detail.

    An Axial Lighting Setup

    As shown below, an axial lighting setup requires a flat and clear sheet of glass which is placed at a 45-degree angle to both the light source and the camera lens. Most of the light hitting the glass passes through it, but a significant portion of light is reflected downward at the subject—in this case, a coin.

    You will notice I've used a small black object to shield the coin from any direct light. I've also darkened the room to avoid any stray reflections in the glass. Therefore, the camera lens sees only the light reflected from the surface of the coin.



    I just shot some pictures using this method of recent finds... I just used glass from a picture frame... a carpenters square.... and a clip on light...







    More information and original source >> http://www.sigma-2.com/camerajim/cjgcoins.htm
    ^^ Scroll down about 3/4 of the way for Axial Lighting...

    Paul

    2013 Totals: 4 Coppers 37 Silver Coins 18 Indian Heads 4 V Nickels 5 Buffalos 137 Wheaties 4 Sterling Items
    Website: http://www.ctdirtfisher.com YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/CtDirtFisher

  2. #2

    Re: Taking Pictures - Axial Lighting...

    Excellent tip Paul! I will have to try it out with my current setup.

  3. #3
    Administrator del's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Connecticut
    Posts
    13,014

    Re: Taking Pictures - Axial Lighting...

    very nicely presented Paul , i've been meaning to make this setup maybe once i finish my detecting mancave . thanks
    "Honesty is an expensive gift ,
    so don't expect it from cheap people"

    XP Deus II , DFX ,TDI sl -

    Click here to view my finds album


  4. #4
    Global Moderator Fire Fighter 43's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    SE Wisconsin
    Posts
    3,962

    Re: Taking Pictures - Axial Lighting...

    Thanks for the tip, very nice.


    Minelab Equinox 800, 15”Coiltek, 11” & 6”coils

    XP Deus II , 11", 9” & 11x13 coils


    Detectors since 1977: Simplex, DEUS, CTX 3030, F75 Ltd, Etrac, Excal II, V3i, DFX, GTI2000, Eagle II, 6000DI, 6DB, AlaskanTR4B, Beachcomber

  5. #5

    Re: Taking Pictures - Axial Lighting...

    And... just so you know... I use a 3 year old 8mb Nikon L19 Coolpix... I used a small piece of glass from a picture frame... and did this about as low tech and inexpensively as you can... The L19 does great Macro was my reason for choosing it...
    2013 Totals: 4 Coppers 37 Silver Coins 18 Indian Heads 4 V Nickels 5 Buffalos 137 Wheaties 4 Sterling Items
    Website: http://www.ctdirtfisher.com YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/CtDirtFisher

  6. #6

    Re: Taking Pictures - Axial Lighting...

    Thank you, there may be hope for my pictures yet |
    On Instagram- oxshoedrew

  7. #7
    Full Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Northeast CT
    Posts
    272

    Re: Taking Pictures - Axial Lighting...

    Very good tip!!
    Whites Spectrum DFX, Fisher F75

    2012 Totals :
    Silver-6(oldest 1737 1 reale)
    Coppers-18(oldest 1724 KGI)
    IH's-7
    Flying Eagle- 1
    V-nickels-2
    2012 Tick count-143

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •