Added a light box to the macro table

[aphotographynut]

Hi gang: Again, this is not strictly Macro stuff, and I hope it is OK to post here, but here goes:

I recently posted my "plans" for a new adjustable macro table. Last weekend, I was putzing around and thought "hey, you are trying all sorts of lighting, but what about from the BOTTOM?". Hmmmmm how do do this? I built a light box and set it on the light table. The results are interesting. I could not get the water in the attached pic to, well, be bright enough. I lit if from underneath and the image is attached. Again, this is still a work in progress, but if the "gang" here wants me to, I can add some pictures of it and an explanation of how I built it.

The first pic was without the "bottom" or "up" lighting (not much time spent editing, straightening, sorry. The second one's only difference was that up light.

C&C welcome!

Thanks!

Andy

[LordV]

The uplighting certainly adds something to the photo - Interesting DIY
Brian V.

[Bob B]

Nice work. Now image how many different lighting modes you will get by placing color plastic panels or color paper between the object and the bottom light.

[aphotographynut]

Great Bob, now my wheels are really spinning!

[aphotographynut]

Here is a pic of the "box". I didn't make a bottom for it since you can then use all sorts of material for a reflector; foil, white paper, gold, etc.

Materials:

1x4x8ft board @ $7.00 for the fancy grade
2 handles @ $8.00 for the fancy ones
2 flourescent lights @ $26.00
1 piece of glass @ $23 (was more since I wanted polished edges) you could save about $11 if you can live without that.
Some varouis clips, screws etc. (probably less than a dollar worth).

Total: @ $65. You could do this for a lot less if you used standard grade lumber, no handles, cheaper glass, etc. I would say it could cost as little as @ $40 or so.

Nail and glue the frame together, attach lights and handles, run chords out the back, and use some sort of adhesive caulk for the glass....viola!

Final dimensions are 20x20x3.75"

Just remember to set the correct white balance (I normally do a custom one when working in artificial light) and you should be all set!

[Bob B]

Fine looking light box at a very reasonable price. Keep posting your DIY projects.

[Bob B]

Last year I was experimenting with under lighting. I used a narrow beam flashlight shining up through red or blue colored plastic /glass. I drilled a hole through the tree bark to limit the light spread.
#1 No red light, #2 Red on, #3 Blue light to create blue tummy

[aphotographynut]

So Bob: Tell us (me); are you in love with your macro lens? I am seriously considering that as my second macro. I know it can be hard to master, but if you can give us your impressions, that would be fantastic. If it has to be in a different thread, that's cool. Just let us know!

A

[Bob B]

I’ve owned the Canon MP-E65 macro lens since July 2008 and it has not disappointed me. Because of chronic shoulder problems I knew my days of carrying heavy bulky cameras were over so I decided to enter the world of macro photography exclusively on a light table . I do have a fully manual point and shoot camera but it is used only sporadically.
If a person is not ready to commit himself to mastering this lens long term, then the temptation to switch to a lens with greater depth of field is very strong. Giving up on this lens deprives a person from making important advancements regarding lighting, focus stacking and post processing. This lens forces a person into the world of experimentation, construction, persistence and precision. Lighting systems may need to be improvised in order to get certain effects. Some objects that photograph well at 1x do not photograph well at 5x . The lens is not at fault but the object is.
I have used this lens exclusively indoors and attached to my light table. I marvel at anyone who takes multiple images at 5x in order to focus stack and does so without using a tripod and focusing rail!
I’ve never used tube extensions but it would be less expensive but the image quality is an unknown to me.
A macro that has 1x and focuses to infinity is less expensive but does serve a dual purpose.

[Athena]

I love watching this project continually advance. This is a great addition!

[transcape5]

Nice DYI project, Andy. I like your fancy handles.

[aphotographynut]

Thanks Tom:

Handles were on clearance at the Home Depot. Got a box of 4 for $16.00

I figured, what the heck. I can make a second one now if I want (bigger, smaller, etc.)

Also, at Menards there are several choices in compact fluorescent lights. I went with the "cheaper" ones. If I had to do it again, I may consider adding a third light in the box.