snuffie
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posted on September 14, 2001 08:29:42 AM
Good morning, I am trying to get photos and scans of rings, pins, earrings etc. Just not turning out very good. Could someone give me ideas or directions on how to get good pictures of my jewelry? I am using a Mavica FD7 and a Microtek scanner. Thanks a lot! snuffie
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Triggerfish
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posted on September 14, 2001 08:35:45 AM
I found that the only thing that worked for me was to get a dig cam that had very good macro ability. You need something that you can focus within 1" of the subject with. I started out with a little HP dig cam that could only focus w/in 8" and that didn't work at all. Got the Mavica FD73 and it was better but not good enough at all. Now have the Mavica FD90 and it is fabulous! The macro ability is definitely the key with shooting jewelry. I'm not familiar with the FD7 but, if you can attach a lens, maybe you could find a macro that would increase your ability to get in closer. Always lots of that type of stuff on ebay.
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MurphyBird
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posted on September 14, 2001 08:49:02 AM
I've had the best luck putting the small items directly on the scanner and making sure the dpi is low - higher resolution seems to make it blurry.
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shoshanah
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posted on September 14, 2001 05:06:56 PM
I have very good luck with scanning also. Except, I scan at about 400 dpi, THEN resize down by about 40 to 50%, or whatever is needed. That eliminates the blurr.
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sulyn1950
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posted on September 14, 2001 07:16:25 PM
Shosh-showing my non-tech capabilities again....how do you resize the scans? I'm sure each scanner is different, but what kind do you use and do you do the resizing with some kind of additional photo program? I would love for my scans to look as good as yours! Thanks! Sulyn
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hwahwahwahwa
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posted on September 14, 2001 07:39:42 PM
your scanner usually comes with editing software which has such features like resize,sharpen,tone adjustment etc
as far as using camera for photoing jewelry,professional use camera with great closeup capability and very strong lighting.
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snuffie
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posted on September 15, 2001 05:57:26 AM
Thanks for the replies. Sounds like I need to buy an attachment for my Mavica FD73. Is there any special strength that a "close up macro filter" should be?
I have tried my scanner too. With lid down, with lid down and white piece of paper on top of the jewelry, with the lid up with a piece of white paper on top of it. Perhaps the dpi is set wrong as suggested. I will have to find that setting and change it.
Also, how to you scan rings? They won't stand up so as to get a pic of the top of the ring. Maybe that is a photograph item and cannot be done with the scanner.
I appreciate you folks taking the time to answer my questions...thanks!
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Triggerfish
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posted on September 15, 2001 07:54:18 AM
snuffie - It's not a filter you want, it's a MACRO LENS. If your model can accommodate the attachment of an additional screw-on lens (which I believe it can) you just purchase that. I got (for my FD90) a combo wide angle/macro lense that is really cool. You can attach JUST the macro lens for closeups or attach both pieces giving you additional wide angle. Very versatile and it seems like I paid $50 or less for it on ebay.
I just found one on ebay. Search under "Mavica FD73 lens". It is the combo wide angle/macro. You can see it is a two part piece. I get tons of use out of mine! This one is only listed for $30 too!
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homestead7
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posted on September 15, 2001 03:54:22 PM
To scan rings I slip it over the end of my finger and hold it over the scanner. My problem is this: How do you prevent glare and reflection from a shiny object like silver?
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ragmop
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posted on September 15, 2001 07:32:52 PM
I hate to give out trade secrets but; before you go out and buy a close-up attachment or another camera, try using a loupe held in front of the lens. (Plain old jewelers loupe) If your camera has a screen you can focus the object in the loupe and take the picture. I tried several attachments and none have proven to be as good as my old loupe. It is universal, works with any camera. Try it you may like it and best of all it is free.
[ edited by ragmop on Sep 15, 2001 07:34 PM ]
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snuffie
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posted on September 16, 2001 08:25:14 AM
Triggerfish, Thanks for the auction info. I took a look and wrote to the auctioneer. It seems that his lens will not fit my camera. I am getting lots of information on this board and sure do appreciate all of it. Thank you!
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snuffie
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posted on September 16, 2001 08:35:51 AM
ragmop, What a neat idea! I have a magnifier that I use in rockhounding. it is very strong, but hand held and pretty small. I will try it. A regular jewelers loupe...like what they put up to the eye? Hmmmmm..seems like the end of the loupe would be smaller than the lens of the camera. Do you just hold the loupe close to the jewelry and focus thru the lens? I am having a hard time picturing how this would work. I do not have a loupe, but am sure I can get one right away. Thanks for the tip!
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ragmop
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posted on September 17, 2001 06:48:47 AM
Yes just a regular jewelers loupe...like what they put up to the eye. The end of the loupe may be smaller than the lens of the camera and you may have to crop your photo so you retain only the portion that you want. I just place the loupe between the index and middle finger of my left hand and position it over the lens. By moving the camera you can center and focus your image in the camera screen. Give it a try, like I said the cost is right.
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Triggerfish
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posted on September 17, 2001 08:35:20 AM
ragmop - What an interestingly cool idea!! I'll have to check that out. Sometimes I have a piece that has such microscopic hallmark info I can't even get a good shot using the additional macro lens. Thanks!
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Meya
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posted on September 17, 2001 08:56:50 AM
Depending on your scanner software, you may be able to make adjustments to your final scan before you take it. I use DeskScan II software, and it first makes a preview scan. You then "lasso" the area you wish to scan, and you can make setting changes on size, dpi, color depth, etc. Select your choices, and then make your Final scan.
I have much better luck with this type of item selecting those settings as I do the Final scan, that if I try to adjust or enlarge the picture using editing software.
I don't raise my dpi for onscreen viewing, but I do make the dimensions of the picture larger.
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