How to photograph hallmarks on sterling silver

[bp044]

The marks are as small as 1/4 of an inch. They are usually incised or impressed in to a silver object to show provenance. Am I in the correct forum to get an answer ?

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bp044

 

[Leonard Migliore]

The marks are as small as 1/4 of an inch. They are usually incised or impressed in to a silver object to show provenance. Am I in the correct forum to get an answer ?

You need two things: first, a camera and lens that will focus close enough to have a small object fill the frame. Second, you need lighting that will produce contrast in the mark.

You do not say what camera you have but other posts you have made suggest that you have a Sony HX80. I have no idea how close an HX80 will focus but it would be easy for you to determine this. So you'll be able to tell if your camera is usable or not.

I would use directional lighting to get contrast in the relieved marks. This can be anything, like a table lamp to one side or a little spot. You'll want to use a tripod.

You can get better results with a DSLR and a macro lens but those cost money.

 

[PenPix]

Google "light tent".

I made one myself for a job I had shooting jewelry pieces.

 

[Snow Crow]

As an alternative, try using a scanner.

 

[D Cox]

Assuming the HX-80 has a filter thread on the lens, get yourself a Raynox 250 close-up attachment lens. This will allow you to focus down to a close distance.

I don't think you want a light tent for this job. It is not the same as photographing jewellery. Hallmarks are more like coins.

Look at this post:

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www.dpreview.com

and also Google "photographing coins" -- there are several good web pages. For example:

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www.sigma-2.com

 

[D Cox]

Here is a quick shot to show how close you may get with a Raynox 250 attachment:



The lighting is from a large window, with a small block of polystyrene foam on the shadow side to even it up.

The I used camera has a fixed, non-zoom lens which focusses fairly close on its own, so you may or may not get equally close with your camera. The camera was mounted on a copy stand, but you could equally use a small tripod. Set the shutter to the 2 secs delayed action to avoid vibrations.

 

[bp044]

The marks are as small as 1/4 of an inch. They are usually incised or impressed in to a silver object to show provenance. Am I in the correct forum to get an answer ?

You need two things: first, a camera and lens that will focus close enough to have a small object fill the frame. Second, you need lighting that will produce contrast in the mark.

You do not say what camera you have but other posts you have made suggest that you have a Sony HX80. I have no idea how close an HX80 will focus but it would be easy for you to determine this. So you'll be able to tell if your camera is usable or not.

I would use directional lighting to get contrast in the relieved marks. This can be anything, like a table lamp to one side or a little spot. You'll want to use a tripod.

You can get better results with a DSLR and a macro lens but those cost money.

 

[D Cox]

Thanks. I am using a tripod mounted Nikon 7700 with a 10 power lens threaded in front of the prime lens

I wish you had said that to start with.

That camera has about 12 Megapixels. I think that is enough for hallmarks, provided you get them sharply in focus, and use the delayed action.

Is the close-up lens an achromat, or just a cheap single-element model ? That could make a difference.

To get a major improvement in image quality, you would need a mirrorless camera with a good macro lens. Something from Sony or Olympus, for example. DSLRs are very good for some things (such as sports), but mirrorless cameras are I think more practical for very close work.

Can you post an example of the images you are getting now ?

 

[Aberaeron]

The marks are as small as 1/4 of an inch. They are usually incised or impressed in to a silver object to show provenance. Am I in the correct forum to get an answer ?

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bp044

Apart from the obvious of using a macro lens, have you thought about using the high contrast monochrome or 'dramatic tone' type of art mode that your camera must have? Give it a go and see if the result pleases.

Its not the easiest thing in the world inside a ring, for instance, because the hallmark follows a tight curve and is therefore difficult to get all in focus. In these cases it may be best to hold back a bit rather than go macro, and stop down to f8 or so as long as you have good light. Going macro has the risk of the camera and lens shading light.

Crop in post processing if necessary.

 

[bp044]

Thanks. I am using a tripod mounted Nikon 7700 with a 10 power lens threaded in front of the prime lens

I wish you had said that to start with.

That camera has about 12 Megapixels. I think that is enough for hallmarks, provided you get them sharply in focus, and use the delayed action.

Is the close-up lens an achromat, or just a cheap single-element model ? That could make a difference.

To get a major improvement in image quality, you would need a mirrorless camera with a good macro lens. Something from Sony or Olympus, for example. DSLRs are very good for some things (such as sports), but mirrorless cameras are I think more practical for very close work.

Can you post an example of the images you are getting nowProbably

Sorry I was not spcific. I am using a lens with a Polorid label on it. Probablly the lesser of what you asked. However the resolution is good enough for my purposes.

My problem is confined to getting the proper light. I prefer continous lighting . I need an inexpensive solution
bp044