photographing olf computers/parts

From: John Lawson <jpl15_at_netcom.com>
Date: Fri Jan 29 00:41:29 1999

  I have variable (mostly good) luck with ASA 400 Kodak (Fuji too
green) in a Minolta X700 in manual mode, with a 28 - 210 variable
lens. I find, unless the subject is brightly sun-lit, that a tripod
is indeed one's friend. The 'timer' feature is good in low light
situations with the tripod... you can compose and trip the shutter
with no vibration whatsoever. I sometimes shoot down an f-stop or two
to get good depth-of-field in low light.

  I use several (4-8) 100W spots and floods made for track lighting,
in cheap scissors-clamp-type reflector fixtures. If possible, I use
the docs and maybe a large printset for the backround... or as Sam
suggested... a colored towell or sheet, contrasting the device, does
fine. Towels are nice because of the texture.

  I have them developed commercially and scan the prints, then
I can massage them as necessary.

  Undistorted close-ups of boxy, angular subjects is problematic
without having a camera with an adjustable back, swings, and tilts.
(A large portrait camera). I have used the macro settings of my
lens at times to get a real close-up.

  I am circling around buying a digital still camera... but none of
them under USD$3000 really crank my tractor yet. If I had to buy
tomorrow, for me it would be the Kodak DC260. YMMV.

  This is, to me, a very on-topic topic. There are many systems now,
I am sure, whose legacy is reduced to photos and descriptions. I
take pix of *everything*, even the 'common' or 'less-desirable'
stuff. I have a roll due back tomorrow with the new shots of the
Prime 2550 and the resulting re-laying out of my own little pile of
stuff... as it slowly conquers the rest of the livingroom and heads
for what used to be the garage.

  Cheerz

John


PS: SoCal TRW Swapmeet vintage collectors meeting: Sat the 30th!
Received on Fri Jan 29 1999 - 00:41:29 GMT