Multitool.org Forum

Non Tool Forum => The Shutter Shop => Topic started by: Grant Lamontagne on November 29, 2009, 12:20:28 AM

Title: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 29, 2009, 12:20:28 AM
I need to work with the lighting more, but I am pleased with the results so far.  I built this light box as the light in my new house isn't that great, as anyone reading SOSAKOnline the last few months has probably noticed.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/SI.jpg)

1974 Wenger Standard Issue

(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/Q.jpg)

Spyderco Q

(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/CMG.jpg)

CMG Infinity Ultra

(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/Casio01.jpg)

Casio Telememo 30- Front

(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/Casio02.jpg)

Casio Telememo 30- Back

(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/WengerExtreme01.jpg)

Wenger Extreme

These two watches will be listed on EDCSource soon in case anyone is interested... :D

Def
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: edap617 on November 29, 2009, 12:53:06 AM
Great shots, Def.
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 29, 2009, 12:58:39 AM
Thanks- I'm not happy with the pictures yet, but they are an improvement over the ones I have been taking with the natural light in my new house, like this one:

(http://www.sosakonline.com/images/stories/November09/EDCSource/Master_Electrician_Open.jpg)

That one makes it look like the implements are black oxide, which they aren't.  And there are too many shadows in this one:

(http://www.sosakonline.com/images/stories/November09/Sport/Rollerblade_01.jpg)

Def
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: John on November 29, 2009, 01:02:07 AM
This is interesting what light source are you using Def?
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: Gareth on November 29, 2009, 01:07:54 AM
See I don't mind a bit of shadow, in fact I think it can highlight the subject nicely.  All the stark white background shots can look very neat, professional and technical, but are also a bit 'samey'.  Of all the pics there I like the one of the Rollerblader the most, but then it's all a matter of taste. :)
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 29, 2009, 01:19:49 AM
This is interesting what light source are you using Def?

So far all I'm using is two Vic lights and a headlamp- I'll be visiting Home Depot tomorrow to see if I can find something better!

Def
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: Chako on November 29, 2009, 01:22:45 AM
May I make a suggestion? Try to get one of those large Fluorescent ring lamps with the magnifier in the middle. I have found the even lighting and large light source to be rather fantastic for such a setup.
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: Benner on November 29, 2009, 01:25:04 AM
I'd have been more than happy with the "bad" ones.  :D
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: Pacu on November 29, 2009, 01:32:50 AM
U using a P/S. or a dslr taking photos?
My canon 7.1 mp P/S doesnt seem to take very good tool photos or it's the user....prob the user ::)

too much brightness or not enough :P


like the Casio watch btw :drool:
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 29, 2009, 02:15:51 AM
U using a P/S. or a dslr taking photos?
My canon 7.1 mp P/S doesnt seem to take very good tool photos or it's the user....prob the user ::)

too much brightness or not enough :P


like the Casio watch btw :drool:

Casio Watch For Sale (http://www.edcsource.com/Casio-Telememo-30,name,100700,auction_id,auction_details)  :D

I use a Kodak z650 point and shoot type camera.

(http://www.digitalcameratracker.com/images/Kodak-Z650-lightbox.jpg)

As far as p/s cameras go, I think you'd be hard pressed to find a better one than this.  It's the same camera I have been flogging since... well.... probably around the time I started Multitool.org!  It's been to two SHOT Shows (and getting ready for it's third!), it's been to Maine and it's been to Ontario twice.  It's also been on board several ships, across the province, and probably a few other places I don't quite remember.  It's taken literally thousands of pictures and been dropped on a few occasions, even once or twice with the lens sticking out.  Still, it's been faithful and worked every time I turned it on, and done everything I've asked it to.

It's a great camera and I'd recommend it to anyone.  That having been said, I have been drooling over new DSLR's for the last little while- but the Canon I want is about $1,400, so it'll be a while before I take the next step!

Def
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: yud on November 29, 2009, 03:03:57 AM
very nice def :tu:
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: Chako on November 29, 2009, 05:16:08 AM
Def, I had bought that same camera a while back and promptly returned it due to a factory installed crooked sensor. I am happy to hear you haven't had any issues with yours. Kodak does make some good cameras. Like everything else though, you can get a bad one.

I shoot 98% of all my images that I post in here using a Canon S5IS. It excels over all my DSLRs simply because it has a moveable back LCD which is perfect for small object photography. Now, the lens isn't all that good, and it does suffer from distortion inherent in all of these super zoom style cameras. But overall, I am very pleased with the little workhorse. It also has a hot shoe in wish I park my smaller Canon flashgun into.

Oddly enough, I still prefer the little S5IS over my Pentax K10D, Canon 20D and 50D for this type of photography.
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 29, 2009, 09:06:43 AM
This is my second Kodak camera, and probably my fifth or sixth digital camera, so I am pretty familiar with them in general.  This one has lasted the longest and taken the best pictures.

I like the interface, and I feel the camera is fantastic quality, even though it's not a professional grade. 

Def
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: AHB on November 29, 2009, 09:11:02 AM
Let's see a pic of that lightbox, Def  ;)  :pok:
Maybe you could post it Here (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,14129.0.html)..?
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 29, 2009, 03:02:25 PM
I'll post it when I am done setting it up.  Right now it's a white foam board box with silver duct tape on the corners.... hardly thrilling!  :D

Def
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: Chako on November 29, 2009, 07:34:47 PM
Wax paper works great as a diffuser.

Just throwing that out there.  :D
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: AHB on November 29, 2009, 07:36:53 PM
Wax paper works great as a diffuser.

Just throwing that out there.  :D
Can't you throw it in here (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,14129.30.html) (?), we might end up with a very useful thread along the way.. ;)
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 30, 2009, 10:17:03 PM
A few more with different lighting... more even but still a little dark.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/SpyderQ.jpg)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/Money_Clip.jpg)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/Wenger-1.jpg)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/Blade_etch.jpg)

(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/tangstamp.jpg)

Def
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: AHB on December 01, 2009, 07:08:47 PM
Nice shots, Def..  :tu:
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: AHB on December 06, 2009, 08:10:42 AM
Any updates on the project.?  :)
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 07, 2009, 04:37:54 AM
I've bought a number of new lights, but still haven't gotten the photos I was after- if anything, it's getting worse.

Def
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: ryan1835 on February 09, 2010, 08:58:22 PM
nice pics :)
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: batangueno on February 10, 2010, 02:34:47 AM
Very nice pics.

How about a picture of the Lightbox?  I'm thinking of making one myself.  :)
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: Medic82 on February 10, 2010, 05:49:03 PM
How about one of these?

(http://www.mk-photo.co.uk/images/MKS-KN-STUDIO10.jpg)
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: eodtech on February 12, 2010, 12:00:01 PM
Digital Desktop Studio Photography
The Complete Guide To Lighting and Photographing Small Objects with your Digital Camera  (http://www.shortcourses.com/tabletop/)


Ghetto Light Tent - what I use (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rrazor/105631640/in/set-72057594071818151)


Parts list and instruction to make a Ghetto Light Tent (http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/light_box_light_tent)


I covered mine with 4 layers of cheesecloth and use a single lamp from either one side facing in or from the top facing down.


I did not glue the legs into the upper frame, this way I can take it apart and store it flat when not being used.


Lighting basics using a COCOON tent (http://www.plumeltd.com/cocoonexplained.htm)
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: Zed on February 12, 2010, 12:30:13 PM
I want to make a light box, i know people who use them for taking great pics of watches too,  :tu:

paul
Title: Re: New Light Box Experiments
Post by: eodtech on February 12, 2010, 12:41:43 PM
I've bought a number of new lights, but still haven't gotten the photos I was after- if anything, it's getting worse.

Def

You will get various tints of color depending on the type of lamp used. Most can be corrected with photo editing software such as Photoshop Elements.

I currently am using version 6.0 which is a couple versions behind the current one , however it does all the basic " fixing" options that I need.