Are 17mm and 24mm shift lenses too wide for jewelry shots?

stover98074 wrote in post #13485553
I wonder how focus stacking software would work with your macro lenses and pens. I see this software used a lot by macro bug shooters. - Should be a lot less expensive that a TS lens.

A light tent and off camera flash is very wise. You can make them and learn how to use inexpensive flashes at this site - http://strobist.blogsp​ot.com …0-macro-photo-studio.html

That site is awesome, but I don't remember ever having seen that article. I've actually got a light tent, but I haven't ever figured out where to hang it from so I haven't had a chance to try it.
You don't by any chance have a recommendation for focus stacking software, do you? My inclination, if the software is expensive, is to just buy the hardware. I always prefer to get the shot right without too much post processing.

ROGERWILCO357 wrote in post #13486281
also wondered the same thing which lens to shoot diamonds and watches since they are so reflective..any shots of your pens? Which is your fanciest and which mont blanc would you suggest for everyday use? the classic rollerball platinum?

I've tried to shoot diamonds and my wife's jewelry, but have somewhat given up because diamonds seem to be a different beast. I remember doing some research and everywhere I looked, there seemed to be general agreement that diamonds were very challenging.

My fanciest pen? I guess that depends on how you define "fanciest". If you mean expensive, then I have a few Namiki-style pens. Each of those pens are worth about the same as an E-Class. If by "fanciest," you mean intricate, then I might still say the Namiki pens because of the process the pens go through. For the non-collector, I'm going to say that the "fanciest" pens I have are limited edition Aurora or Michel Perchin pens.

Everyday use? Hrmmmm...I have a desk job and am in meetings for probably 50% of my day. I don't like to take notes with a laptop in meetings because of the "barrier" effect, so I do a lot of writing. So, in my case, I believe a Le Grand Mont Blanc fountain pen of any finish is a good choice. Reason being that if you're going to have one nice pen, then it might as well be one that is widely recognized. If you are not at a desk, then ballpoint is your best choice. My recommendation is that you hit up a pen store and try out several for feel and look. FYI, my "every day use" pens will change from time to time, but today, I use 4:

• Montblanc Le Grand Stainless Steel fountain pen
  
• Montblanc Meisterstuck highlighter
  
• Monthblanc sterling silver and carbon fiber ballpoint
  
• Dunhill Sidecar ballpoint

wimg wrote in post #13486650
I am not SunTsu of course, but personally I prefer fountain pens, not rollerballs. Considering his avatar is a picture of a fountain pen nib (pen point) I would think he would recommend a fountain pen as well .

I also recommend fountain pens for everyday use, I always have anywhere between 3 to 20 with me, ideally filled with different colours of ink, different types of pen points, from fine to broad, italic, brush type points, etc.

I do love fountain pens. I do usually have at least one ballpoint with me, but I will only write with one if I have to.

Collecting is a lot different than using. I only collect fountain pens and that's probably in line with other collectors. The only time I will collect something other than a fountain pen is if it comes in a set with a fountain pen.

What do you use to carry 20 pens?

wimg wrote in post #13500057


You may possibly have to . I probably have as much invested in fountain pens as in photo gear currently... .

Kind regards, Wim

My pen collection is easily worth more than my photo gear. Photo gear is expensive, but it's relatively cheap compared to many other hobbies. With photographic equipment, the amount you can spend on gear is really limited because once you've bought every lens and a few bodies, there is nothing left to buy. I haven't done the math, but you'd probably cap out well before $100K. Some inidividual limited edition pens can cost $100K (although rare).

Photography can provide a lot more satisfaction, however, because you can share the results. People usually aren't very interested at looking at my pen cabinets longer than a few seconds. For the most part, I think pen collecting is a bit solitary and dare I say, narcissistic.

SunTsu wrote in post #13501667
Thank you very much. I wasn't expecting such a thorough and detailed response. The next time you take some pen photos, I would really love to see a photo of your set-up.

I'll try not to forget .

Thank you kindly, much appreciated. And no, I am not aprofessional. Just passionate about things I like to do .

My big example, so to say, is Bill Riepl. He probably rates as the #1 pen photographer worldwide.
Check out this site: http://www.stylophiles​online.com/
He also does the images for Conway Stewart.

Since you are interested in Namiki, and hence probably maki-e, check these out:
http://www.stylophiles​online.com/09-05/09dan.htm

The simple cheap and nasty ones you can buy anywhere . Since I manage power of those small old analog compatible flashes by moving them further away or closer, it doesn't really matter which ones you use.

I ended up ordering the 17mm version and think I'll be happy. I can get a good 3 months of practice in now before heading to Italy.

I'm definitely going to take you up on your invitation to join http://www.fountainpen​network.com. Now that I think of it, I guess I shouldn't be too surprised to find some people with similar cross interests at POTN and the fountain pen site. There is an element of (gear)collecting for some photographers (I'm probably going to get flamed a bit for that comment).

Well, I will too .

Kind regards, Wim

SunTsu wrote in post #13501715
That site is awesome, but I don't remember ever having seen that article. I've actually got a light tent, but I haven't ever figured out where to hang it from so I haven't had a chance to try it.
You don't by any chance have a recommendation for focus stacking software, do you? My inclination, if the software is expensive, is to just buy the hardware. I always prefer to get the shot right without too much post processing.


I've tried to shoot diamonds and my wife's jewelry, but have somewhat given up because diamonds seem to be a different beast. I remember doing some research and everywhere I looked, there seemed to be general agreement that diamonds were very challenging.

My fanciest pen? I guess that depends on how you define "fanciest". If you mean expensive, then I have a few Namiki-style pens. Each of those pens are worth about the same as an E-Class. If by "fanciest," you mean intricate, then I might still say the Namiki pens because of the process the pens go through. For the non-collector, I'm going to say that the "fanciest" pens I have are limited edition Aurora or Michel Perchin pens.


Everyday use? Hrmmmm...I have a desk job and am in meetings for probably 50% of my day. I don't like to take notes with a laptop in meetings because of the "barrier" effect, so I do a lot of writing. So, in my case, I believe a Le Grand Mont Blanc fountain pen of any finish is a good choice. Reason being that if you're going to have one nice pen, then it might as well be one that is widely recognized. If you are not at a desk, then ballpoint is your best choice. My recommendation is that you hit up a pen store and try out several for feel and look. FYI, my "every day use" pens will change from time to time, but today, I use 4:

• Montblanc Le Grand Stainless Steel fountain pen
  
• Montblanc Meisterstuck highlighter
  
• Monthblanc sterling silver and carbon fiber ballpoint
  
• Dunhill Sidecar ballpoint

If you've never used a fountain pen and/or you don't sit at a desk all day, I don't think I would recommend a fountain pen.

I use notepads with decent quality paper all the time, wherever I go .

Kind regards, Wim

SunTsu wrote in post #13501822
I do love fountain pens. I do usually have at least one ballpoint with me, but I will only write with one if I have to.

Collecting is a lot different than using. I only collect fountain pens and that's probably in line with other collectors. The only time I will collect something other than a fountain pen is if it comes in a set with a fountain pen.

What do you use to carry 20 pens?

I use several cases, a few small ones holding 3 and 2, plus a slightly bigger one holding up to 12, and one up to 20, whatever I feel like, actually. I will always have a case with 3 pens on me whatever happens, however .

They are stowed in my Crumpler roller case, with inks (6 bottle currently ), writing pads and pen repair stuff (I fix nibs), my laptop with a lot of additional stuff, and my 5D II and 5 lenses plus some ancillary equipment .

And in my "manbag" I will carry a 3-pen case, and a G10 .

Probably the same here, but I don't want to think about it too much. I a not os much a collector though, as a fountain pen user .

Kind regards, Wim