light tent
Dec 11, 2019 05:31:22 #
exakta56
Loc: Orford,New Hampshire
I need to take photos of artifacts for local historical society. A light tent would be perfect. Anyone have one that they want to sell? The larger the better, for size.
Dec 11, 2019 06:00:16 #
I have one that is large enough to walk into. But I suspect it would cost a lot to ship from CA to NH. I'd sell it for $50 + shipping.
Dec 11, 2019 06:25:56 #
I suggest a light cone.
Like a giant lens hood that reaches from the lens to behind the subject, the cone is made from a 54" wide roll of white plastic diffusion material (from SetShop), and the bottom at the subject end is flattened, or cut out.
I use a strip of 1/4" Lexan 4"x8' bent into an inverted U shape and fastened to a piece of plywood, as a support for the big end of the cone.
The subject sits about a foot inside the cone.
Lighting is done from the outside of the cone and can be contrasty with light source close to the cone or flat with light spread over a larger area of the cone. Reflections in glossy subjects are all beautiful smooth gradients, much cleaner than available qube tents.
Like a giant lens hood that reaches from the lens to behind the subject, the cone is made from a 54" wide roll of white plastic diffusion material (from SetShop), and the bottom at the subject end is flattened, or cut out.
I use a strip of 1/4" Lexan 4"x8' bent into an inverted U shape and fastened to a piece of plywood, as a support for the big end of the cone.
The subject sits about a foot inside the cone.
Lighting is done from the outside of the cone and can be contrasty with light source close to the cone or flat with light spread over a larger area of the cone. Reflections in glossy subjects are all beautiful smooth gradients, much cleaner than available qube tents.
Dec 11, 2019 07:08:07 #
tcthome
Loc: NJ
Dik wrote:
I suggest a light cone. br Like a giant lens hood... (show quote)
Can you post a pic of it?
Dec 11, 2019 07:59:28 #
tcthome wrote:
Can you post a pic of it?
I don't have a pic of the cone. Here's a setup using 2 of the 8' Lexan strips supporting the 54" diffusion material. to make a cone, remove the near hoop, roll the plastic into the desired shape, and tape it to your lens hood and the rear Lexan hoop.
Dec 11, 2019 08:17:01 #
tcthome
Loc: NJ
Dik wrote:
I don't have a pic of the cone. Here's a setup using 2 of the 8' Lexan strips supporting the 54" diffusion material. to make a cone, remove the near hoop, roll the plastic into the desired shape, and tape it to your lens hood and the rear Lexan hoop.
Thanks for putting up the pic. I pictured something totally different not even thinking of the diffusion cloth which makes sense.
Thanks , Tom
Dec 11, 2019 08:20:34 #
tcthome wrote:
Thanks for putting up the pic. I pictured something totally different not even thinking of the diffusion cloth which makes sense.
Thanks , Tom
Thanks , Tom
Note that the diffusion material is not cloth, it's plastic and behaves like heavy paper. Cloth would sag when used like this.
Dec 11, 2019 08:28:38 #
I just got a 36" X 36" light tent off ebay for less than $10. It is very nice, came with a circular case and 4 different color backgrounds.
The front is removable and has a vertical slot in it for putting the camera lens through it.
When I get home I can post the link to it, if I can find it.
Will
The front is removable and has a vertical slot in it for putting the camera lens through it.
When I get home I can post the link to it, if I can find it.
Will
Dec 11, 2019 08:31:43 #
tcthome
Loc: NJ
Dik wrote:
Note that the diffusion material is not cloth, it's plastic and behaves like heavy paper. Cloth would sag when used like this.
Plastic from a hobby/craft supply?
Dec 11, 2019 08:52:40 #
I thought I got mine from SetShop, but I don't see it there. It was much cheaper than ROSCO or Lee.
It probably came from TheaterSupply here in Baltimore. They've moved and may not carry it anymore.
It probably came from TheaterSupply here in Baltimore. They've moved and may not carry it anymore.
Dec 11, 2019 11:27:06 #
exakta56 wrote:
I need to take photos of artifacts for local historical society. A light tent would be perfect. Anyone have one that they want to sell? The larger the better, for size.
Why do you need a light tent, if you have a flash, you're all set?
Dec 11, 2019 18:03:53 #
exakta56
Loc: Orford,New Hampshire
As I have seen in the instructions given on YouTube by a museum or two, the light tent provides non-glare light. The light sources are set outside the tent, the light penetrates the diffusible cloth and the subject within the tent is bathed in light which is even. This method particularly is useful where glossy photos, framed pictures under glass, etc are being photographed. I have to record small things and items as large as chairs and need non-glare [which a flash will make] results. I am open to suggestions and am ready to learn more from all of you. Thanks for your input.
Dec 11, 2019 18:05:22 #
Dec 11, 2019 18:08:16 #
Dec 11, 2019 18:17:10 #
exakta56 wrote:
As I have seen in the instructions given on YouTub... (show quote)
Don't shoot glossy photos and framed pictures under glass in a light tent. Use a traditional copystand and lights setup. Shooting in a tent would put white reflections in the glass and gloss. Use a large black card with a hole for the lens to reflect black (nothing) in the glass. Use a longer lens to keep the light reflections out of view.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.