View Full Version : Wanted: camera copy stand
I'm in the market for a camera copy stand. Preferably with lights, but not too massive! A distance scale on the column would be desirable.
Ian
Danny Chau
10-11-06, 12:17 AM
I'm in the market for a camera copy stand. Preferably with lights, but not too massive! A distance scale on the column would be desirable.
Ian
Ian, How about the Polaroid MP4 in my basement? Was that too big for your needs? Danny :eek:
Ian, How about the Polaroid MP4 in my basement? Was that too big for your needs? Danny :eek:
It is a massive heavyweight thing, Danny - I don't really have enough space for it. I thought I'd have a quick look to see what else was available :)
Ian
If there is anyone else, except myself, who hadn't a clue what a 'camera copy stand' is I'll save you the search.
I found an explanation Here (http://www.marietta.edu/~mcshaffd/macro/copy.html)
If there is anyone else, except myself, who hadn't a clue what a 'camera copy stand' is I'll save you the search.
I found an explanation Here (http://www.marietta.edu/~mcshaffd/macro/copy.html)
Haha! Indeed - good link :)
Danny's stand is excellent, but it's really designed for much larger cameras and is built like a tank. Unfortunately it's as big as a tank too! :eek:
If I had more space I'd jump at it, but it's just too big for me.
Ian
If there is anyone else, except myself, who hadn't a clue what a 'camera copy stand' is I'll save you the search.
I found an explanation Here (http://www.marietta.edu/~mcshaffd/macro/copy.html)
Yes, I was Pops.
I have many old photos that I wondered about photographing rather than scanning as I could do the lot more quickly, but I don't want to go to any expense. Just thought I might be able to put the camera on a desktop tripod and put lights onto it. Do you think that would work?:)
Yes, I was Pops.
I have many old photos that I wondered about photographing rather than scanning as I could do the lot more quickly, but I don't want to go to any expense. Just thought I might be able to put the camera on a desktop tripod and put lights onto it. Do you think that would work?:)
Yes, I'm sure you could make this work. My main reason for considering the use of a copy stand is purely for convenience. Setting up a tripod and the lighting every time is time consuming compared to using a purpose-built copy stand.
There is a lot to be said for re-photographing prints using a camera compared to using a scanner, too as long as the lens you're using is up to the task.
Ian
Yes, I'm sure you could make this work. My main reason for considering the use of a copy stand is purely for convenience. Setting up a tripod and the lighting every time is time consuming compared to using a purpose-built copy stand.
There is a lot to be said for re-photographing prints using a camera compared to using a scanner, too as long as the lens you're using is up to the task.
Ian
Well when I get round to it, I'll ask you for more details. :)
Don't they make some tripods that are actually versitile enough (double jointed?) to serve as a copy stand or platform? It seems like I've seen that somewhere, but having no application for it at the time didn't pay too much attention.
Michael
Don't they make some tripods that are actually versitile enough (double jointed?) to serve as a copy stand or platform? It seems like I've seen that somewhere, but having no application for it at the time didn't pay too much attention.
Michael
I have seen some tripods that have a screw on the base of the column as well as the top, so you could attach a ball head upside down so a camera could face down between the three legs.
Ian
I have seen some tripods that have a screw on the base of the column as well as the top, so you could attach a ball head upside down so a camera could face down between the three legs.
Ian
Yeah that's it. Seems like that would be a pain having to stick your head between the legs to reach the viewfinder, looking in upside down. I once worked in a darkroom, and we had a guy that handled all the copy work, and he had a booth with a stand and lights. Thinking back on it, I can remember his stand still requiring him to compose his image upside down. I guess you get used to that. Also he always used a tape measure for precise focus.
Michael
I have seen some tripods that have a screw on the base of the column as well as the top, so you could attach a ball head upside down so a camera could face down between the three legs.
Ian
Yeah that's it. Seems like that would be a pain having to stick your head between the legs to reach the viewfinder, looking in upside down. I once worked in a darkroom, and we had a guy that handled all the copy work, and he had a booth with a stand and lights. Thinking back on it, I can remember his stand still requiring him to compose his image upside down. I guess you get used to that. Also he always used a tape measure for precise focus.
Michael
This is an application where live view in a digital camera would be very useful :)
Ian
Stephen
11-11-06, 09:14 AM
The Manfrotto 055Pro allows the use of its centre column horizontally, specifically for such work, and of course its much easier to look through the viewfinder.
One of my most useful accessories is an angle finder. I had one with my OM System and now have an E-Series one. The E-Series one also shows things the right way around.
I've thought a few times about a copy stand
<quote> from ian
There is a lot to be said for re-photographing prints using a camera compared to using a scanner, too as long as the lens you're using is up to the task.
</quote>
What sort of lens would you use and why?
<quote> from ian
There is a lot to be said for re-photographing prints using a camera compared to using a scanner, too as long as the lens you're using is up to the task.
</quote>
What sort of lens would you use and why?
It would have to be flat field (so as sharp as possible from corner to corner, with even brightness and minimal distortion) and close focus capability. In the past people have used special copy lenses or enlarger lenses. For best quality you wouldn't really want to use a zoom lens, so probably the best choice would be a macro lens.
Ian
It would have to be flat field (so as sharp as possible from corner to corner, with even brightness and minimal distortion) and close focus capability. In the past people have used special copy lenses or enlarger lenses. For best quality you wouldn't really want to use a zoom lens, so probably the best choice would be a macro lens.
Ian
Thankyou.
I had thought that a macro lens would be ideal but wasn't really confident enough to say so.
My thought process must be getting better :)