FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Pierre Joubert]

After some consideration (you can't really go wrong following one of the best mineral photographer's advice), I have decided to purchase either a FZ28 or a FZ35 Panasonic camera. This camera is relatively priced (even I can afford it). I have also sorted my artificial lighting out. It is not perfect but effective. In time, I will share my findings with some links.

[Doug]

When using artificial light, it is nice to have a camera that you can set a custom white balance using a gray card. This works better than using any of the preprogrammed white balance setting in the camera. I bought a refurbished Canon G9 to use for mineral photography other than micro minerals. I also have a 105 micro Nikkor for use on my D300. The G9 is easy to use in manual mode.

Doug

[Pierre Joubert]

[GneissWare]

You may want to try a circular polarizing filter.

[Pierre Joubert]

[Pierre Joubert]

My search for a suitable camera has ended. I have purchased a Panasonic FZ28 Lumix camera recently and must say, I am very happy. The camera exceeds my expectations by far. It focuses close up with ease and takes excellent pictures (not to mention all the other good qualities of this camera)
A big thank you to his excellency, mr. Ploum, for all his advice and to Jordi and his helpers for hosting this wonderful forum.

[Pierre Joubert]

What type of lighting are you using for your photography?

George

George, lighting was to me a very, very frustrating part of photography (I am an advanced? amateur). I do not want to spend a fortune on light tents and special lighting. For long I have used sunlight from behind (on the subject) and the background material in shade (by umbrella). This works very well for Aquamarines. At the moment I use two reading lights with fluorescent lightbulbs (see photos below), with help from daylight through the window. When photographing larger specimens, I use (in addition) a flash (as example the large Schorl). I would like to ad 2 more similar lights later on. I find that some mineral specimens, like Prehnite, I have better success in sunlight.
Choice of background colours are also very very important and at present I am very limited to colours for the larger specimens. I am considering making my own by purchasing pigment from the local paint store and mixing it with white paint to get the desired colours.
If you have any other handy photographic tips, I would welcome them. Regards

[texasdigger]

Check out Olympus Tough series. They are point and shoot.
I have a TG-5 on order. I tried the Tg-4 and it had a sweeeet microscope mode.
It also has a nice little LED attachment for micro shots where the flash converts to a softer light ring directly around the lens lighting up the subject area for macros. Also does in camera photo stacking or bracketed stacking for other software. Its waterproof for 50 ft, andis heavy duty yet pocketable among a slew of other features.
Im anxiously awaiting the pre-order.

[texasdigger]

Another pic to show its capabilities. This was a TG-4 so I'm expecting the TG-5 to be better with an updated sensor/processor.
Guess what this is...

[Tobi]

[colin robinson]

With a basic DSLR you don't need an expensive macro lens for close-ups.....just a set of extension rings. The two following pics were shot with an entry level Canon with cheap extension rings. FOV is about 5mm as these are micro specimens but with a set of three rings you vary the length to suit the specimen size.

[colin robinson]

And a pyromorphite from Leadhills

[texasdigger]

Thats great info because I was looking at $600 plus lenses for the best macro shots using more professional DSLRs like yours.
I put some thought into a bigger camera and decided I just dont need one yet.
This one's waterproof and I can take it anywhere in my pocket. Boat, beach, underwater shots, concerts. I may decide to get a bigger sensor camera if I really get into it but for now this will amuse me.

(insert sarcasm) I know everyone's in suspense about what my last pic could be...

Drum roll please
And its regular a concrete slab. sidewalk. porch. foundation. driveway.
Smooth to the naked eye but not under close inspection....

[Pierre Joubert]

I still use my Panasonic FZ28 camera and use an extension ring and Raynox super macro conversion lenses, DCR-150 and 250 for minute items.
A fellow collector with a few expensive cameras, bought my first FZ28 when he saw how easy it worked and I bought another one. I have used this camera for a few years now and am extremely happy with it.

[texasdigger]

I thought about getting that one. It is highly recommended, pics look good and its a reliable camera. Just a little big with older IQ.
Im hoping I have good luck with Olympus.