DIY Photographic Copy and Reproduction Stand from Plywood and Plumbing

Using $50 worth of plywood, plumbing fittings, and a scavenged enlarger arm, this photo stand allows a camera to be raised and lowered on plane with a subject. Advanced uses include moving the arm off-center and angling the camera to simulate Scheimpflung effects.

Macro uses for photographing stamps, coins, and other flat-surface objects are significant. With a rotating macro platform, plane of focus shots and selective focus and be achieved easily. With a lighted base, film and photo print digitization are simplified significantly.

In short, not bad for an eight-minute build.

Video Index:
Skip the Intro: 0:07
What it will do: 00:20
Parts: 00:58
Photos of the Finished Stand: 9:26

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[Twolightsart]

excellent video. just what I was looking for. thanks for sharing.

[mandurahchess]

I was hoping that this would be an improved means of scanning negatives.

I'd be inclined to use MDF, and to drill through it to support the vertical column. I might use a metal tube, I have an old, cheap roof rack here some place, and also a deceased floor-standing light.

Or my Gitzo tripod together with a column that can be mounted horizontally.

[richcirminello]

great idea for a DIY, but really wish the video was shot much wider so we could see the entire process and project

[Aster-risque]

No view of the entire thing? Being zoomed in on it the full time doesn't help at all, I have no idea what you're doing.