Photographing Scale Model Airplanes

[Marek Pajak]

Friends, what type of a camera, or camera lens, or camera settings do I need to photograph my scale airplane models?

I already have a fancy light booth with proper lights. It makes for some really nice light conditions.

I would like to investigate the camera and camera settings next. Some of the shots are extreme closeups to show detail!

I think at extreme closeups most cheap cameras start having problems with focus.

 

[SoCalWill]

Set the camera on a tripod, set focal length to ~50mm or higher, Multi/Matrix meter, Center focus, turn on the two second timer mode, set A mode, start with aperture at f/10 (you will have to trial and error to see if this is enough focal depth for your model, set it higher if it's not,) lock ISO 100, let the camera decide the shutter speed. Autofocus on the model, click the shutter and hands off/no movement for the two seconds until the camera fires. Review and adjust as necessary.

 

[D Cox]

You don't say what camera you have now, or what your budget is.

 

[ernstbk]

I suggest that you look into focus stacking. Some cameras can do internal focus stacking, or you could use Helicon Focus.

I have been experimenting using an N-gauge locomotive using manual focus, a macro rail and Panasonic GH4 post focus (all using a 45mm macro lens), processed with Helicon Focus. The best result I got was using the macro rail followed by manual focus, the GH4 post focus was a bit disappointing when used with small objects.

24 images processed with Helicon Focus

Helicon Focus did an excellent job based on the quality of the dust in this photo ;-)

 

[sierrascale]

Interesting topic - building 1/48 scale aircraft is my main hobby. I've mainly used my camera gear since the sixties in a supporting role to shoot full size aircraft at museums and airshows as well as my own models and those of others at model shows.

That said, there are lots and lots of videos on youtube.com about photographing scale models. A multipart series by Paul Budzik seem to explain it all in great detail. Many more if you search for "photographing plastic models" in the youtube search bar.

Bob in Louisville

 

[bjn70]

Your primary need is being able to set your camera aperture to a high f-number to get more depth of field. Beyond that it depends on what size your images will be viewed at. If you are just posting online then a 4/3 sensor camera or even some point and shoot cameras would probably work for you. You wouldn't have to go for a large DSLR camera even though you can buy a basic DSLR kit new for not much more money, or you could look for relatively new used equipment.

 

[Roger99]

Set the camera on a tripod, set focal length to ~50mm or higher, Multi/Matrix meter, Center focus, turn on the two second timer mode, set A mode, start with aperture at f/10 (you will have to trial and error to see if this is enough focal depth for your model, set it higher if it's not,) lock ISO 100, let the camera decide the shutter speed. Autofocus on the model, click the shutter and hands off/no movement for the two seconds until the camera fires. Review and adjust as necessary.