And then there is the super light, super compact and super-not-so-expensive option, if you don't want to tie up a lot of room:
*http://tinyurl.com/32879l *(Note: I think this auction is a little high, as I got mine for about $20 delivered. It takes down into a pouch that is about a foot (30cm) long and can be carried inside a large camera bag with ease. A pic of one set up with camera: http://kmp.bdimitrov.de/macro/copy_pod.jpg Its all a matter of just what you are trying to do. :-) -Tom William Robb wrote: > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Paul" > Subject: Questions About Buying Copy Stand for Pentax K100D > > > >> Hi, >> >> I will like to buy a copy stand to use with my >> Pentax K100D. I intend to use to take pictures of >> rocks, fossils, concretions, artifacts, toy >> trains, and similar objects for illustrations in >> popular and professional publications and personal >> satisfaction. >> >> I have the following questions about >> >> 1. Can anyone tell me what specific features to be >> concerned about most in a copy stand to be used for >> taking such photographs? >> > > Sturdy construction and you will want fairly fine adjustability of the > camera position. > > >> 2. What is the advantage, if any, of having a copy >> stand with counter balancing? >> > > Less stress on the locking mechanism, and your camera won't get smacked if > the lock lets go. > >> 3. Does anyone has any recommendations for copy >> stands, including lights, in the 150 to 450 dollar >> range? >> >> 4. Does anyone has any recommendations for copy >> stands, including lights, in the 450 to 650 dollar >> range? >> >> > > The best copy stands available right now are old enlargers. Look for an old > Beseler 67 chassis. They have a crank for adjusting the head height, so > positioning can be done very precisely, and they are quite rugged. I expect > they can be had quite cheaply now that the film and darkroom era is winding > down. The 67 head is attached to the evevator by a 3/8x20 screw, which is > handy, since many tripod heads also attach via the same sized thread. > Remove the head, put a tripod head in it's place, level that with a bubble > level (the tripod head may have them already), and you are set to go. > If you are lucky, you might be able to find a decent enlarger at a local > community college, photo studio, or lab for very cheap to free. > > For lights, I am a fan of quartz halogen yard lights. They are pretty > inexpensive, and provide a lot of light. > > William Robb > > > -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
