You had asked me to post some info on the light box I built. This is a really simple one, and there are lots of (better) ways to make them. Mine is not ideal at all, but it gets the job done: even illumination without glare.
Ingredients:
Plastic storage crate, 12-gallon ($3.99) 54cm wide, 34 cm deep
18” fluorescent under-cabinet light ($5.99)
Sylvania “Design 50” 5000 degree Kelvin bulb ($9)
Neutral light-gray construction paper for the sides and bottom ($2)
I screwed the light into one side of the crate, took an old oak plank and varnished it for background. I used to work in a digital imaging company that had a photo lab, we had a $200 professional light box, and this one works just as well.
-Rorschach :][: <a href= http://www.scarysharp.com>HOS</a>
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Knife photog lightbox info for Jurphaas
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samosaurus
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rorschach, thanks for the tip.
I'm not familiar with the Design 50 tube. For my information, are there photographic advantages of this flourescent bulb over other types? Also, do you set your white balance for flourescent or leave it on automatic? (I'm assuming you're taking digital pictures). Thanks again.
I'm not familiar with the Design 50 tube. For my information, are there photographic advantages of this flourescent bulb over other types? Also, do you set your white balance for flourescent or leave it on automatic? (I'm assuming you're taking digital pictures). Thanks again.
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rorschach
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- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
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Jurphaas: sure, go for it! Let me know if you think of improvements. I'm not the first guy to build a crate-box lightbox.
toothed: The purpose of the 5000 K bulb is to get the full spectrum of light output so that white balance will be as close to daylight as possible. Typical Fluorescent bulbs are "cool blue" (~3000 K) and waaay too blue for good white balance. With these bulbs you can set your digicam to the Fluorescent white balance setting to alter the colors, but that result is less than good for me. (Incandescent bulbs are typically very yellow.)
For a good 5000K bulb I put my white balance setting on "daylight", which is what 5000 is supposed to mimic.
Keep posting those pics everyone!
-Rorschach :][: <a href= http://www.scarysharp.com>HOS</a>
toothed: The purpose of the 5000 K bulb is to get the full spectrum of light output so that white balance will be as close to daylight as possible. Typical Fluorescent bulbs are "cool blue" (~3000 K) and waaay too blue for good white balance. With these bulbs you can set your digicam to the Fluorescent white balance setting to alter the colors, but that result is less than good for me. (Incandescent bulbs are typically very yellow.)
For a good 5000K bulb I put my white balance setting on "daylight", which is what 5000 is supposed to mimic.
Keep posting those pics everyone!
-Rorschach :][: <a href= http://www.scarysharp.com>HOS</a>
Rorschach, true brotherhood here and excellent information. I feel very honored but it might take some time before I have spare time to start building. Also very clear advise on the light bulbs. Thanks again. I would like to show you my appreciation, so please forward me you mailing address.
Clipits work!
Clipits work!
Rorschach, true brotherhood here and excellent information. I feel very honored but it might take some time before I have spare time to start building. Also very clear advise on the light bulbs. Thanks again. I would like to show you my appreciation, so please forward me you mailing address.
Clipits work!
Clipits work!
