Services
Instructions for the Copy Stand
Just what is a copystand?
A copystand is a stand for mounting a camera, complete with base board
and arms to hold lights. The stand enables you to take photographs, print
or slide film, of flat art or objects that you place on the base board.
The lamps cast even lighting on the work being shot for the best possible
presentation.
Film To Use
RECOMMENDED FILM: TUNGSTEN 160 EKTACHROME ( available
in 36 exposure)
The lights on the copystand are tungsten bulbs (4 in total). So the
recommended film for slides when shooting black & white or color)
is Kodak Ektachrome 160 tungsten film which is available at the UT Bookstore
or Thompsons Photo Products. If you don't use tungsten film your photos
will be off in color. If you must shoot color print film under tungsten
lights, you will need to add a color-correcting filter to your camera's
lens which is NOT supplied by the ISC. It can also be purchased at Thompsons.
Cost: (approximate) film 36 exp = $9.70 and processing
is about $6 per roll.
Step by Step Instructions
- Load camera with tungsten film. Set film speed to correspond with
the Tungsten 160 film.
- Mount camera to copystand via tripod screw mount, checking to see
that it is firmly fastened and level with the surface that you are
photographing.
- Check to see that the illumination from the copystand lamps is even.
Place a ruler in the center of the surface of your work area between
the lamps to see if an even shadow is cast. This determines if the
lights are positioned evenly. Generally a 45-degree angle from the
subject is best. Low lamp angles provoke less glare on the subject.
Turn off overhead ceiling lighting (eliminates glare).
- Place material to be copied on Copyboard. See that the subject is
flat under the camera view (the heavy glass will help flatten books
and also eliminate shadows created from slightly raised materials)
If you are photographing an image printed on thin paper where the print
from the opposite side of the page is showing thru, put a piece of
black paper behind the page to "absorb" the print shadows.
Strips of black construction paper can be used as cropping frames.
Any specific color backgrounds needed must be provided by you.
- Turn lights ON by switching on power strip on floor.It is suggested
to turn off lights during breaks. These are tungsten bulbs and they
can get quite warm while shooting...you may even sweat a bit!
- Do Not Leave Copy Stand unattended during your allotted time. YOU
are responsible for camera and lens during loan period.
- Adjust camera for proper exposure. Set Aperture F8 for standard
f-stop setting and shutter speed set on AUTOMATIC. If you wish to manually "bracket" for
best exposure, this can be done manually with metering system within
camera and use of a grey card (18% neutral density "grey card")
For those who wish to do it this way, once again, request assistance
from graphic designer if needed, there is a grey card.
- Adjust Camera for correct height by use of the mount arm handle
located on the right side of the camera mount arm. Fill up your frame
with image and do necessary cropping. Focus camera on material to be
copied. When you are ready, take photograph by slowly pressing shutter
as not to cause "shake" in the stand (cable releases are
preferable but not supplied by the ISC, you may bring your own.) As
you photograph subjects of different sizes and dimensions, you will
need to raise and lower the camera on the stand. Refocus each time
you shoot and check for shadows and glare.
- When you are through, switch lights OFF by turning off power strip
and rewind film in camera by depressing rewind button on bottom of
camera and rewinding film, ask for help if needed.
- Return the camera to front desk and they will return your ID.
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