John5123 Posted August 29, 2020 Posted August 29, 2020 I am a collector of medals: World's columbian expo and Civil War Tokens. My problem is that I can see the detail on aluminum and white metal medals in my collection with no problem in any light. When it comes to my medals in BN and RB state, I need direct bright sunlight to see the details, which I only get in the mornings at my house. I need recommendations of what kind of lamps will give me a direct sunlight view any time of day. Any product suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks John
Moxie15 Posted August 30, 2020 Posted August 30, 2020 Look at a craft store such as Michael's, Joanne's, or Hobby Lobby for a 'daylight bulb' if unable to find one try a high intensity light bulb. OR since you are likely more computer savvy than I you could look online for one.
James_OldeTowne Posted August 30, 2020 Posted August 30, 2020 Are Ott lamps still made? I have two that I've owned for 30 years and they are both still going strong.
Just Bob Posted August 30, 2020 Posted August 30, 2020 Back when taking good pictures of coins was more of a priority on this forum, there were several discussions about this very subject. The two lights that I remember being mentioned the most were the Ott lights that James mentioned above, and GE Reveal bulbs. The general consensus seemed to be that both gave accurate representation of natural light.
jgrinz Posted August 30, 2020 Posted August 30, 2020 (edited) Still got 2 ott lights and use them daily. On close ups you still have a fluorescent float but otherwise still good. Taken with 2 OTTS on either side and Picture taken in the middle with my PHONE :-) Edited August 30, 2020 by jgrinz
John5123 Posted August 30, 2020 Author Posted August 30, 2020 Thanks to all who have responded. Found something that works for me . A 10000 lux light therapy lamp that mimics sunlight. The designs jump off the surface in this light.
VKurtB Posted August 30, 2020 Posted August 30, 2020 The coolest thing about this thread is that somebody realized lighting is important. Too few people do. jgrinz and Modwriter 2
dollarfan Posted August 30, 2020 Posted August 30, 2020 4 hours ago, jgrinz said: Still got 2 ott lights and use them daily. On close ups you still have a fluorescent float but otherwise still good. Taken with 2 OTTS on either side and Picture taken in the middle with my PHONE :-) i have struggled to get any pictures even remotely this nice. these are fantastic. if i may ask, i looked for OTT lights but there seems to be a bunch of newer models now. do you by chance have the model/ or pic of the ones you use? or anyone else that uses OTT lights if they are able. i have a bunch of nice doubles/ peace dollars that im going to sell if i can ever accurately photograph them. thanks.
jgrinz Posted August 30, 2020 Posted August 30, 2020 They are older ones Ott lights - OTL13TCG My phone is an OLD LG G4 believe or not.
jgrinz Posted August 30, 2020 Posted August 30, 2020 45 minutes ago, John5123 said: Thanks to all who have responded. Found something that works for me . A 10000 lux light therapy lamp that mimics sunlight. The designs jump off the surface in this light. You will find lighting in ONE direction will not be adequate … Especially proof or Proof like coins But good luck can wait to see your pictures
dollarfan Posted August 30, 2020 Posted August 30, 2020 1 minute ago, jgrinz said: They are older ones Ott lights - OTL13TCG My phone is an OLD LG G4 believe or not. thanks JGRINZ! i just have one more quick question, what is the bulb? some i have seen online look like newer style bulbs...the ones you have are incandescant?? thanks again
jgrinz Posted August 30, 2020 Posted August 30, 2020 1 minute ago, Paul Hills said: thanks JGRINZ! i just have one more quick question, what is the bulb? some i have seen online look like newer style bulbs...the ones you have are incandescant?? thanks again No Fluorescent which is a little difficult to work with white balance and shadowing but as you can see is workable. Newer ones MAY BE BETTER but the price is too. I think you can find these used for like 14 bux or so
Voelker Posted August 31, 2020 Posted August 31, 2020 (edited) My personal recommendation is buying a fiber optic light for a microscope. They usually have 2 arms and are 100% positionable. I used to work in mosquito control and used a nice set to help identify mosquitos. If they can light scales and other tiny parts they'll be great for coins. Something like https://www.amazon.com/AmScope-HL250-AY-Dual-Gooseneck-Microscope-110V-120V/dp/B005EDVB4M/ref=sr_1_67?crid=2RNYUNAQ8KG7N&dchild=1&keywords=fiber+optic+microscope+light&qid=1598838293&sprefix=fiber+optic+microscope%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-67 Edited August 31, 2020 by Voelker
