FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Malcolm Uffelman Jr]

I want to photograph some of my collection too. But I am just now starting to learn about it. I just purchased an affordable light box, Nikon D3400 Macro enabled camera (again, the lower-end model) and plan to learn Focus Stacking by using Helicon Focus software. I noticed that Fran has some nice close-ups ( Franjungle Collection ). Do you mind sharing any tips? Nothing long and time consuming, just any short tips you might have. Thank you for sharing your pictures, enjoyed looking at them.

[Firmo Espinar]

Hi Malcolm.

Thank you for your message. Very glad you like some aspect or angle of my little collection.
I look forward to seeing your minerals and pictures.

I usually photograph with a Canon EOS 50-D mounting a Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens with Image Stabilizer.

For the macro details, I only use a reversing ring connected in a 28-80mm lens of my ancient Canon 50-E.

One way to try out true macro photography is to buy a lens. However, there is an alternative that is much easier on the pocket: reverse lens macro.

One way to approach reverse lens macro photography is to attach the lens directly to the camera using an adapter ring built specifically for this purpose.

You must acquire a macro reversing ring that lets you transform any lens into a micro lens, so you can shoot close ups of even the tiniest things.

When using a lens reversing ring may be recommend screwing it into the filter thread of the lens first, then attaching the ring to the camera.

I shoot several times under different conditions of light. Always without tripod, in different angles and then I choose what I like more.
I never use software for the macro. I have no time to modify the photographs, neither have macro rail to use software as the Helicon Focus.

I like the original picture. I just cutting some of them away to centre the aim of the photograph.

Best regards.

[Tobi]

[Jordi Fabre]

[Malcolm Uffelman Jr]

Fantastic! Thank you so much, very kind and helpful.

[Jordi Fabre]

[Malcolm Uffelman Jr]

Thank you Jordi for your help with the login problem I was having. As usual, I think it was mostly "user error".

[Malcolm Uffelman Jr]

Fantastic - investigating the "macro reversing ring" now. I had not heard of that before you shared it. You're right, I want to stay economical. Grateful for your advice and time. Malcolm

[Firmo Espinar]

Hi Malcoml.

I am glad to have been useful.

The ring is not perfect, since the pictures lose field depth, but it is a simple and cheap way of beginning in the world of the macro photography.
Then, if you see that you like it, always you can improve and extend your material.

Regards.

[Malcolm Uffelman Jr]

For $20 I ordered a ring, so you gave me great place to start. I found some good Youtube vids explaining how to use the ring. As I said, I'd not yet heard of the "macro reversing ring", so I appreciate the path you suggested I follow. Hope to have a few beginning photos ready in a few weeks. I'll share them with you. Look forward to seeing more of yours. Malcolm

[Pierre Joubert]

[basti]

There are numerous way how to photograph minerals and they are basically split on the size of specimens.

There are two simple ways for the Nikon DX:
1) Buy Tamron 90/2,8 Macro (from $400 for used) - superb lens almost equal to pro Micro Nikkor 105/2,8 and easy to handle.
2) Buy vintage Nikkor 60/2,8 macro ($250-350 for used) - again superb lens, little less user-friendly, only MF available.

If you buy some bellows or diopters, you can easily go for FOV about 1 cm or smaller.

I did play a lot with reverse rings, bellows, various vintage lenses and various setups. Its cheap, it works, results are good. But it is time consuming, difficult to handle, sometimes very annoying, and it requires extensive knowledge and testing to get good results. Im not sure if sacrificing at least tenths of hours is worth saving $300 compared to buying used Tamron...

[Fiebre Verde]

Using the right equipment is indeed important.
But some might find that patience and perseverance are the best allies when it comes to mineral photography.
Gérard

[Bob Morgan]

I'm not sure what quality level you want to achieve, but for my purpose I use an Olympus Tough 5. It can take close-ups - up to 1cm. The biggest problem at that range is the camera blocks light. It comes with a setting that automatically stacks several frames giving a good depth of field with one click, For $300 it works in my rather limited budget.
I take many shots from a range of angles and light conditions to find something I like - electrons are free!

[R Saunders]

here is my latest and best easy set up. LG phone, 2 clamp lights by LIFE GEAR. OTT Lite

[jamesmilner]

Good afternoon
Very informative topic. Thanks a lot.
I'd like also share with you photo cam which can do everything instead of you. If you have free time please check the link. I guess you will enjoy.
fixthephoto com

Good luck
James