Wanted: camera copy stand

[Ian]

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]

Originally Posted by Ian

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

[Ian]

Originally Posted by Danny Chau

Ian, How about the Polaroid MP4 in my basement? Was that too big for your needs? Danny

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

[Pops]

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

[Ian]

Originally Posted by Pops

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

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!

If I had more space I'd jump at it, but it's just too big for me.

Ian

[Autumn]

Originally Posted by Pops

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

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?

[Ian]

Originally Posted by Autumn

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

[Autumn]

Originally Posted by 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.

[mudbo]

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

[Ian]

Originally Posted by mudbo

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

[mudbo]

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

[Ian]

Originally Posted by mudbo

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]

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.

[DTD]

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

[Pops]

<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?