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This picture shows a scale of the butterfly „Salamis parhassus“ with a reproduction scale (RS) of 70:1.
Camera:
Nikon D300
1/250 s. exposure time, at 200 ISO/ ASA. Highest resolution (4288x2848 Pixel) saved as RAW
Extension tube:
Nikon PK-13 (27,5mm)
Bellows:
Nikon PB-6 Bellows at full pull-out (200mm). The bellows is fixed firmly at the DURST 6x6 stand.
Lens:
Microscope lens, Nikon M Plan 40, 0.5 ELWD, 210/0
Distance to motive (butterfly wing) = 10mm.
Table:
The motive is placed on a microscope table. The optical system is dismantled since only the height adjustment is needed. The table is movable up or down with the help of an adjustment wheel with a scale (pitch line of 2/1'000 mm) that allows 3 steps per 2/1'000mm,
i.e. 0.7/1'000mm.
Lights:
Nikon Speedlight SB-16 flash in position "MD" (Motor Drive), the flash burning time (t0.5) is approximately 1/10’000 s. A second SB-16 (slave) is used, whose light is guided via 2 optical fibers in a different angle to the motive. Hence, dark areas are brighten up. The environmental
light is reduced to the minimum.
Workflow of exposure:
With the help of the histogram the camera was set to underexpose approximately 1-2 f-stops.
Using a cable trigger. At the first release the mirror is locked up, after 5 s a second release takes place and after another second the camera releases the shutter.
The sharpness (focus) is in front of the closest part of the motive.
Following, the table is lifted in 0.7/1'000 mm steps and a picture is taken at each step. The procedure is continued until the whole area of sharpness has passed and the pictures are getting completely out of focus again. The area of sharpness is usually evaluated before the recordings start.
The sample picture is the result of a stack with HeliconFocus (as RAW). The stack involved
112 exposures, whereof 48 contained sharp areas.
Setup of HeliconFocus:
Method = B, R (Radius) = 30, S (smoothing) = 1.
Artifacts were deleted with HeliconFocus “retouching” (incongruous area were replaced by sharp areas from a single picture)
The processed image was saved as a *.tif file
The brightness was minimally corrected with the light-equalizer function of ACDSee. In addition a smooth sharpening was applied
Costs of the equipment in euro), without software and computer:
1'500.- Nikon D300
50.- extension tubes
200.- bellows
300.- optics/ lenses
50.- optical adapter
100.- old Microscope with height adjustable table
100.- old Nikon SB-16 Flashes
300.- optical fibers
Total approx. 2'600.-
If one owns already a camera the equipment investment is 1’100. - and since the optical fibers are not essential, the investment drops down to approximately 800.- euro.
Time:
A skilled stacker needs around half a day.
This is a short description; I am open for patient asker.
For precise questions fell free to contact me by email.
Info @ farben-und-formen.ch
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