Digital Camera - to photo before dismantling equpt?

[N Cook]

Anyone been there before or any advice, i haven't got one yet..
I would, half the time, want to zero in on the mechanism in
a complex tape deck or complex VCR slip clutch or gear assembly
so would probably need extension tubes.
But i assume none of the more basic digital cameres have detachable lenses.
I seem to remember that for the same light level there is more depth
of field with tubes than additional close-up lenses and you
can get in closer with tubes (for Ag halide photography anyway )

electronic hints and repair briefs
http://homepages.tcp.co.uk/~diverse

 

[jakdedert]

Anyone been there before or any advice, i haven't got one yet..
I would, half the time, want to zero in on the mechanism in
a complex tape deck or complex VCR slip clutch or gear assembly
so would probably need extension tubes.
But i assume none of the more basic digital cameres have detachable
lenses. I seem to remember that for the same light level there is
more depth
of field with tubes than additional close-up lenses and you
can get in closer with tubes (for Ag halide photography anyway )

electronic hints and repair briefs
http://homepages.tcp.co.uk/~diverse

Most cameras have a macro mode which will focus pretty close. Using maximum
resolution when photographing the assembly helps as well. This gives you
the ability to zoom in on the section in question while maintaining
readability.

Some of the Nikon Coolpix line have accessory lenses available
(aftermarket?). They employ a snap-on adaptor to combine the accessory
lense with the built in one.

jak


jak

 

[Bob Parker]

Some of the very latest fairly cheap Olympus digitals can focus
down to about 20mm in "Super Macro" mode. I can assure you that you
wouldn't miss the tiniest detail with those. The only problem is that
you generally can't use flash because the lens shades the subject from
it.

Bob

 

[Art]

I've been making use of my Canon ELPH Camera for this purpose quite a while.
I find that indeed it does assist in assisting my far from perfect memory
when disassembling and reassembling some of these complex devices. Having
the ability to interface it with my laptop and enlarging the photo is a
great "Post-Em Note" of that silly connector I can't for the life of me
remember where it came from nor how to run the finish wiring harnesses. BTW,
it takes a bit of trial and error to become relatively confident in doing
this photography, inclusive of light sources other than the built in flash
devices. Cheers A/J

 

[jakdedert]

I've been making use of my Canon ELPH Camera for this purpose quite a
while. I find that indeed it does assist in assisting my far from
perfect memory when disassembling and reassembling some of these
complex devices. Having the ability to interface it with my laptop
and enlarging the photo is a great "Post-Em Note" of that silly
connector I can't for the life of me remember where it came from nor
how to run the finish wiring harnesses. BTW, it takes a bit of trial
and error to become relatively confident in doing this photography,
inclusive of light sources other than the built in flash devices.

I use my Coolpix (2.1 megapix without aux lense) all the time for this app.
Your advice about light sources could be amplified a bit. The built-in
flash often is good enough, but sometimes will throw shadows which obscure
detail; or wash out the image, which amounts to much the same thing. I've
found that good ambient light is preferable to the flash for recording
technical details; but almost any kind of bright, even light is okay. You
don't have to take it out in the sunlight, even your flourescent shop light
is sufficient. Most digicams have a menu entry for white balance. A bit of
'spot' illumination can bring out details. Heck, the white balance is not
even that important, unless you're trying to image something where color is
important. Even bad pics are better than trying to go by memory on
complicated assemblies.

Another idea is to get a cheap camcorder and actually record video of the
disassembly process. Put it on a tripod and let it run....

The great thing about digicams is the ability to preview your pics and redo
immediately if necessary.

jak

 

[N Cook]

A collective thanks to everyone's tips.
I now have a few keywords to explore online this weekend.
Was not aware of the built-in 'macro' facility on many of these cameras.
Then next week will check that the USB ports work on this cobbled together
pc.

electronic hints and repair briefs
http://homepages.tcp.co.uk/~diverse