Photographing Stamps

[Christopher]

I'm about to start a new project that involves taking relatively high
resolution macro shots of old stamps. Thought I would cast a general line
out asking for advice - problems people have run into, innovative solutions
dreamed up, and links to galleries anyone might have created.

[Colin]

What camera? For top-quality work, you will probably want a proper macro
lens, not a zoom-macro, as these might focus closely enough, but almost
invariably show curvature of field, meaning the stamp edges will not be
too sharp, and (usually) barrel distortion, bulging out the edges of the
stamps. If the stamps are loose some means of holding them flat, like a
small vacuum table would be needed. Some form of bilateral 45-degree
lighting is preferable to a ring flash, to avoid flare from smooth or
semi-glossy paper some stamps are printed on. A vertical column that
can carry the camera, like an adapted enlarger column, so the camera can
be raised or lowered to suit while maintaining verticality. A focusing
rack so the entire camera can be racked for fine focus would be nice, a
much easier method than lens focusing when you are at about 1:1 repro
ratio.

[David]

Wouldn't a scanner do a better job?

[Gregor]

I assume for now that you want to use a digital camera. Otherwise, look at
medium format for highest resolution and greatest dynamic range using
negative film.

If the stamps can safely be put through the scanner, a good quality scanner
is better than any digital camera. The problem is safe handling of precious
stamps. A DSLR with a good macro lens, such as the Nikon 60mm f/2.8D AF
Micro-Nikkor, will be less intrusive.

A good light source is mandatory. Some people like ringlights, such as the
Sigma EM-140 DG TTL Macro ringlight. - Unfortunately, the Nikon SB-29s does
not support i-TTL (just TTL). And again, Nikon seems to have fallen asleep
;-(

If you do not like the effect of the ringlight, you can also use two flash
systems using i-TTL with a light box. Illumination is tricky and you must
experiment.

The best background to use is a sheet of neutral gray poster board. Black
or white backgrounds are usually more difficult to get the exposure right.
Remember, digital has a limited dynamic range and you do not want to under-
or over-expose your background.

You should also buy a good frame for your camera with fine focusing rail
and, if you do not use a ringlight, good macro flash brackets (see Kirk
Enterprises for a good example).

If you use a suitable CCD camera, you may also want to experiment with UV
light. Be careful with your eyes. But you can get interesting markings out
of stamps that are no longer visible in visible light. The Nikon D70 and D2H
are suitable UV cameras.