Hi Paul, I have a Kaiser copy stand that I use for macro work. I used to use a modified enlarger but it had a couple of annoyances. The first and major one being that the column was on an angle so if I adjusted the focus using the control on the column then I had to reposition the subject (usually very small 5 - 10 mm long marine invertebrates in a small tank of sea water). The second was the lack of counterbalancing that made it hard to adjust in the first place.
You can use a tripod, but it takes up floor space that is usually needed for other things and with the camera sticking out it's not as stable as the copy table. I usually have both available and set the subject on the base of the copy table and use the copy table column for shots from above and the tripod for side on shots. I have quick connect mounts on both so I can move the camera with ease. I'm not sure about the lights as I use twin flashes - the marine animals don't like bright lights and tend to curl up. I was concerned about the price but eventually found new one standing on top of some shelving in a camera store where it had sat for years. the price was very good as I think the store owner wanted to use the space. Someone mentioned a right angle finder for use with a copy table. I have one but I use it maybe 3 times a year. More often than not the height is quite good for use while standing to use the viewfinder. -- Leon http://www.bluering.org.au http://www.bluering.org.au/leon Paul wrote: > 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? > > 2. What is the advantage, if any, of having a copy > stand with counter balancing? > > 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? > > Best Regards, > > Paul > > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > Need a vacation? Get great deals > to amazing places on Yahoo! Travel. > http://travel.yahoo.com/ > -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
