Coin Photography Stand

thingiverse

This Coin Photography Stand, or CPS, is designed specifically with the minimum focusing distance of popular compact cameras in mind. The camera can be positioned on top of the stand, with one of two provided coin stands placed in the adapter hole. The smaller (10mm) coin stand is ideal for smaller coins, while the larger (15mm) stand accommodates bigger coins. The adapter hole measures 6mm in width to accommodate various other adapters. The top hole on the stand matches the lens barrel size of the Sony HX90 camera perfectly, allowing the lens to point directly at the coin's center. For different cameras, position the lens in the middle of the hole for optimal results. Print Settings Printer: Da Vinci 1.0 Pro Rafts: Yes Supports: No Resolution: 0.2 Infill: 25% Notes: I use ABS for added strength. Temperature settings are set at 225C for the nozzle and 90C for the bed. Post-Printing After printing, ensure that the adapter hole is perfectly round and measures exactly 6mm in diameter. If not, adapters won't fit properly. Use a 6mm drill to complete the hole manually without machinery. Designing This Project To capture the largest image possible on the camera's sensor, focus on making photos with the subject as close as feasible to the lens. This is known as the minimum focusing distance. Capturing Images at Exact Center For the best coin photo, take a shot at a perfect 90-degree angle with the lens's center exactly above the coin's center. Separating Coins from Backgrounds To produce the best image possible, place coins on an adapter to separate them about 30mm from their backgrounds. This prevents shadows and ensures better results. Project Overview: Small Things Photography This project aims to learn essential factors in creating product shots of small items like coins or medallions. Even a cheap camera can be effective if used properly, considering physical elements such as light hitting the object, setting it free from its background, minimum focusing distance, and maximizing subject size on the photo. Objectives The main objective is to understand that there are several considerations when creating product shots of small items. Use a low-cost camera but always be aware of how light hits the object, its ability to set the object free from its background, minimum focusing distance, and getting the subject as big as possible on the photo. Audience This project is ideal for novice photography students and physics students studying light breaking through lenses. Preparation Gather the following items: The Coin Photography Stand A Coin (preferably multiple coins) A Compact Camera (ideally the Sony HX90) A Memory card for the camera A Room with sufficient light (near a window, for example) If you have a smartphone that can be connected to the camera as a smart remote, it can be useful but is not necessary. Steps 1. Position the stand near a window to ensure there's enough light. 2. Place the camera on top of the holder with the lens passing through the opening at the top of the holder. 3. Insert the appropriate adapter (10mm or 15mm top surface) in the mounting hole. 4. Place a coin on top of the adapter. 5. Turn on the camera. 6. If using a smartphone as a remote, connect it now. 7. Set the correct values in the Manual mode: ISO 100, Aperture F/3.5, and Shutter speed to match your lighting conditions. 8. Focus on the coin with the lens at its widest angle and take the photo. Congratulations! You've captured a nice image, but now it's time to explain the physics behind it. Results Why is this photo so nice? What happens if you place the coin without an adapter? Notice the difference in photo quality when the coin is on the adapter versus not. Try shining light directly under the coin while maintaining the same exposure settings. Can you see that you now have no background (assuming the stand was printed in white plastic)? View the results as if you're the manager of a jewelry store. Would you prefer photographs like these before learning this or do you like them more after? Keep it a secret! There are many tools available to create great macro photography, but you can buy stands and packshot creators for up to 10,000 Euro or Dollars. This coin stand is based on simple physics and costs around 3 Euros of plastic and electricity. Use it wisely and don't tell your customers about the expensive photos they're buying!