Thread: DIY Lightbox for $0

Super instruction and demonstration!

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

Wow, that is a lightning fast lens! I wish I could afford some faster glass for my D70 so I wouldn't have to push the CCD sensitivity as much.

Great how-to as well. I really should put one of these together...

Originally Posted by RayG

That one's by Aaron.

The 50/1.8 is probably one of the cheapest Nikkor lenses. Also one of the best. Highly recommended!

I have the same lens, and use it with a Nikon D70. I recall getting it for around $100. I agree with Ray -- highly recommended.

Oh, and the lightbox is awesome -- can't get better and more frugal than that!

Way to go! I've been contemplating doing something similar myself, I just need to get off my duff. I get boxes about that size each month when I receive my insulin pump supplies.

Originally Posted by RayG

The 50/1.8 is probably one of the cheapest Nikkor lenses. Also one of the best. Highly recommended!

Most people don't realise how true that is. 50/1.8 lenses are among the highest quality lenses available. They deliver better resolution and contrast than 95% of all lenses available at ANY price. There is a reason they used to be the standard lens.

Sometimes the saying "you get what you pay for" is wrong.

Bit like your lightbox. You can't argue with those results!

Great post Ray. I use a cardboard box also w/ tissue paper in the windows. Depending on the light and effects you're looking for copy paper works also. For the back drop I use some blotter paper I had laying around. My light source is directed from the top and one side w/ desk lamps. Cameras used are point and shoot. I have some really nice lenses but they are on my 35mm SLR Canon ELOS ELAN. Some day I plan on getting a Canon digital SLR my lenses will fit but so far I am glad I am waiting since the resolution keeps increasing. My son has been taking most of my shots posted.

Side note: I noticed some of your SOTD shots w/ Kodak 25 mm film cans in the background. When I was a tool and Die maker my last job was w/ Kodak making tooling and prototypes for film cutting, perforation dies, metal forming and emulsion equip. Perf dies had a tolerance of +- .00005. Lots of lapping and polishing. It was a great hobby.

Great job Ray. I am definately going to build one of these. I have the D-80 with several nice lenses including the F-1.4 50mm and recently did some shots for the revolver thread. The light box will make the lighting much better. Thanks.

bj

Ray,

you did forget to mention you're an avid photographer
I always love to see your B/W pics. IMO nothing beats the warmth of real film.
But this light box is a great example of being your own MacGyver at home.
Thanks for taking the time to write this whole experience and tutorial.
As to macro lens, I mostly use my AF Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8D.

Great Idea, I'll have to get some scrap diffusion material from work and make me one of these. Although I do not have a great camera set up, it should work for me.

Eddie

Looks fantastic! I've been looking for an idea to make one! Way to go!

Great post ray...thank you in actually allowing us noobs to see how it's done.