Need Recommendation for Close-In (Macro) Photography for Reports, Records and Analysis
Need Recommendation for Close-In (Macro) Photography for Reports, Records and Analysis
(OP)
I frequently need to document very small flaws in very tight, very poor lit spaces: small scratches, weld cracks, tooling nicks or flaws, thread cuts, nicks or as-found damage for the clients' records, for final reports on repairs or problems, for engineering evaluation back in the office when we discuss solutions needing new tooling, methods, or estimates for repairs.
Flaw sizes vary: Figure 0.032 to 0.006 deep scars taken from 2 inches away to 4 inches away from the target.
Usually, I can get the camera lens within 2-5 inches from the target point. Sometimes closer, but the digital camera "Macro" setting usually fails, as does the cell phone Auto-Focus settings.
To date, nothing works - probably because of the limited "macro" abilities of my cell phone camera (most convenient most of the time) or small digital camera. Too fuzzy, too bad a light, bad focus, no room to get camera in place, etc.
There are clamp-on macro lenses on Amazon and other sites. In your experience, are those clip-on type lens adequate? Too poorly made? Not needed because a better solution is needed? "Good enough" for my reports and emails?
Should I go for a lens on the company's generic digital camera - assuming one can be found.
Flaw sizes vary: Figure 0.032 to 0.006 deep scars taken from 2 inches away to 4 inches away from the target.
Usually, I can get the camera lens within 2-5 inches from the target point. Sometimes closer, but the digital camera "Macro" setting usually fails, as does the cell phone Auto-Focus settings.
To date, nothing works - probably because of the limited "macro" abilities of my cell phone camera (most convenient most of the time) or small digital camera. Too fuzzy, too bad a light, bad focus, no room to get camera in place, etc.
There are clamp-on macro lenses on Amazon and other sites. In your experience, are those clip-on type lens adequate? Too poorly made? Not needed because a better solution is needed? "Good enough" for my reports and emails?
Should I go for a lens on the company's generic digital camera - assuming one can be found.





RE: Need Recommendation for Close-In (Macro) Photography for Reports, Records and Analysis
Most are free, and one might be good enough.
RE: Need Recommendation for Close-In (Macro) Photography for Reports, Records and Analysis
RE: Need Recommendation for Close-In (Macro) Photography for Reports, Records and Analysis
Why not give it a go? At ten or fifteen quid, what have you got to lose?
A.
RE: Need Recommendation for Close-In (Macro) Photography for Reports, Records and Analysis
TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKorP55Aqvg
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RE: Need Recommendation for Close-In (Macro) Photography for Reports, Records and Analysis
I use a Canon EOS 1Ds MkIII or a Canon 6D with a 100mm macro lens and a ring flash. With that I don't have to get within a few inches to get the same magnification and resolution.
A substitute would be one of the Canon or Nikon cameras with an APS sensor and a 50 or 60mm macro lens. Those are less expensive but do an adequate job.
If you are doing this in your office on stationary samples, use an old copy stand to mount your camera and provide lighting. One that works particularly well is a Polaroid MP4. It has mounted lights and you can find an adapter to mount your SLR on the mast. If in the field, use the ring flash.
RE: Need Recommendation for Close-In (Macro) Photography for Reports, Records and Analysis
I have purchased several dozen to use in the plant for inspection, documentation, and measurement.
-AK2DM
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"It's the questions that drive us"
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RE: Need Recommendation for Close-In (Macro) Photography for Reports, Records and Analysis
I bought something like that on eBay for about $20; seemed to work OK for that sort of thing.
TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKorP55Aqvg
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies forum1529: Translation Assistance for Engineers Entire Forum list http://www.eng-tips.com/forumlist.cfm
RE: Need Recommendation for Close-In (Macro) Photography for Reports, Records and Analysis
I agree with Ron about DSLRs, however, I am looking to replace the compact camera I keep in my briefcase. I mistreat thing way more then I would be willing to do with my DSLR.
I am thinking about getting a macro lens for my DSLR. If your camera can be manually focused, a good trick is to manually focus to minimum distance, then "focus" by moving the camera in and out.
--
JHG
RE: Need Recommendation for Close-In (Macro) Photography for Reports, Records and Analysis
Edit: I did a Google search and I see plenty of laces as to getting it. However, the one I brought up had some complaints on down loading the program. Apparently it is free.
RE: Need Recommendation for Close-In (Macro) Photography for Reports, Records and Analysis
STF
RE: Need Recommendation for Close-In (Macro) Photography for Reports, Records and Analysis
Link
Link
Link
RE: Need Recommendation for Close-In (Macro) Photography for Reports, Records and Analysis
My Canon T2i is a great performer... cost me $1k several years ago, but Amazon has the body only for $200. Add in a macro lens for <$200, and you have yourself a really good camera.
Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Need Recommendation for Close-In (Macro) Photography for Reports, Records and Analysis
Will inform all of success/failure of the lenses as info becomes available.
Will order various focus lengths and report success/failures.
RE: Need Recommendation for Close-In (Macro) Photography for Reports, Records and Analysis
RE: Need Recommendation for Close-In (Macro) Photography for Reports, Records and Analysis
I just saw a Ricoh camera with a ring of light around the lens like a microscope. This should help.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/t...
I had better results with my old Samsung phone than my new one with fewer MP.
A trick I was taught was to use the timer. Taat reduces the shake from pressing the button.
The Dinolites work pretty well when hooked up to a computer and on a stand. I have never tried to use them hand held though.
RE: Need Recommendation for Close-In (Macro) Photography for Reports, Records and Analysis
The Lumix camera that lives in my briefcase has just died, mostly from living in my briefcase. The new DMC-ZS45 I have just bought is very nice.
This shot was challenging with my DSLR. I used a tripod, f/20, and a one second exposure to get everything in focus.
--
JHG
RE: Need Recommendation for Close-In (Macro) Photography for Reports, Records and Analysis
http://www.cowboystudio.ca/product_p/cx-3000%2520t...
RE: Need Recommendation for Close-In (Macro) Photography for Reports, Records and Analysis
It may be hard to see, but the clamp-base of one of these is concave which makes it easier to mount your camera on a round object like a pipe or something.
John R. Baker, P.E. (ret)
EX-Product 'Evangelist'
Irvine, CA
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