camera stand (bridge) for photographing documents?

[dwilson2239]

I am looking for a "four legged camera stand" (if one exists) in order to efficiently photograph documents on a table top.

I imagine the stand to be light weight, to be placed on the table top work surface. It would have four legs, securing the camera across its middle, facing down over the documents.

Documents could be slid into the camera's photo field fairly rapidly for shooting, since focus would remain unchanged.

I have a large scrap book which I would like to digitize using my Nikon D70 with a 18-70 zoom.

I have a regular tripod which appears inefficient (legs in view).

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
don wilson
davis ca

[Rhys]

Have you considered securing your tripod so that the whole thing is horizontal? Alternatively, get a better tripod. It sounds like it is so flimsy that it has leg braces.

[TheWengler]

Things with 4 legs wobble. I think the Manfrotto 190XPROB can be pointed straight down, but it probably costs more than you want to spend.

[raven15]

I suppose you could build something with supplies from an area hardware store fairly cheaply and easily...

[Rhys]

How about a clamp tripod? It clamps onto something - for example a stool.

[Mark_48]

What your looking for is generally refered to as a "copy stand" as shown on this Amazon page > http://www.amazon.com/Adorama-RS-CS920-Deluxe-Column-Baseboard/dp/B000I1A0HY/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1218896018&sr=8-1

If you're good at Do-It-Yourself projects, you might be able to put something together that would suffice. Take note of the lighting on each side of the copy table that would give even and uniform illumination.

[Margus]

Can I ask why on earth don't you use a document scanner?

[Rhys]

Hmm... I notice he posted and ran.

[perfectj]

i'm looking for exactly the same thing - i photograph jewellery.
the stand i'm looking for is the one they use on CSI, like a frame with handles on either side and they place it over the object and shoot.
because i do hundreds of images at a sitting i dont want something thats fiddly to use, just a place, focus, shoot, move on, kinda thing.

if anybody can help i would really appreciate it

[Rhys]

Jewelery uses a different technique. That's usually placed on white plexiglass/perspex illuminated from below and from above.

[Margus]

Rhys is right. For shooting jewelery or any other products I'd recommend something like this (http://www.ortery.com/index/index.php).

[Rhys]

Generally, jewelery - unless it's for a large display can be shot adequately with a compact and a small light tent with adequate illumination from below and all around. In fact, you can even make the light tent from white foamboard with some small halogen lamps hidden out of view.

[James DeRuvo DHQ]

My recommendation would be to simply build your own rig out of PVC pipe. This way you can control all aspects of the design and will pay a few dollars as opposed to spending $30 and trying to make something work that doesn't really.

All you need is to sketch it out, get a 1/2" pvc pipe, elbows, etc. And place a T connector in the middle with a cap that takes the standard tripod bolt. And it can do double duty to place lighting for your soft box.

[Rhys]

My recommendation would be to simply build your own rig out of PVC pipe. This way you can control all aspects of the design and will pay a few dollars as opposed to spending $30 and trying to make something work that doesn't really.

All you need is to sketch it out, get a 1/2" pvc pipe, elbows, etc. And place a T connector in the middle with a cap that takes the standard tripod bolt. And it can do double duty to place lighting for your soft box.

This sounds good BUT PVC pipe is so flexible that this is a complete and utter waste of time and money.

[perfectj]

Jewelery uses a different technique. That's usually placed on white plexiglass/perspex illuminated from below and from above.

true - but i still need something to hold the camera and also, because i'm mainly doing body jewellery i just use a macro lens and a ring flash

[perfectj]

Generally, jewelery - unless it's for a large display can be shot adequately with a compact and a small light tent with adequate illumination from below and all around. In fact, you can even make the light tent from white foamboard with some small halogen lamps hidden out of view.

i find when i use a light tent i lose all the sparkle - no shadows which is good but the whole thing looks dead

because i have generally had little equipment to work with i have tended to think a little outside the square - if i can get a nice crisp hi res image to start with i can pretty much do anything in photoshop

[perfectj]

Rhys is right. For shooting jewelery or any other products I'd recommend something like this (http://www.ortery.com/index/index.php).

overkill for what i'm doing and i just wouldnt have the room - i do all my stuff while i'm working in the shop, so i usually have about 30cm square to work in.

i want the stand because after the first 50 or so images my back is killing me and i could work faster if i was just sliding the jewellery under the camera setup

this is my website www.perfectjewellery.com.au

fashion jewellery and body jewellery - i recon my images are pretty good seeing as i dont really have any equipment, (none of these is taken with a macro) i usually photograph the stuff on a sheet of white paper beside the computer:D sorry, i'm know i'm making all you pro's cringe!

[Rhys]

I looked at your square CZ. The lighting lost the sparkle in the CZ. It's tricky to get sparkle. I presume you're using a compact with macro capabilities?

What I would suggest (the background is not that important but the sparkle is) is a generally diffused light shining from above and a small halogen shining from below - that should add some sparkle.

[perfectj]

I looked at your square CZ. The lighting lost the sparkle in the CZ. It's tricky to get sparkle. I presume you're using a compact with macro capabilities?

What I would suggest (the background is not that important but the sparkle is) is a generally diffused light shining from above and a small halogen shining from below - that should add some sparkle.

the sparkle is really hard to get with the square ones - they're just not the right cut.

i'm using a canon eos 400d - but i took those photos with just the standard lens under horrible fluro lighting - now that i've got a macro i'l take them again.

the biggest problem i have is that clear stones and silver jewellery tend to all look grey and dull - i'll try what you've suggested