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Tesla Coil Photos
From: wysock-at-ttr-dot-com [SMTP:wysock-at-ttr-dot-com]
Sent: Saturday, February 07, 1998 4:39 AM
To: Tesla List
Subject: Re: Tesla Coil Photos
To Scott, All---
I have always suggested the exact same technique as you have
described below, for obtaining the best photos of Tesla coil
discharge. Often, I will use background ambient light from a
distant light source, such as a flood lamp, to help illuminate
the equipment. I haven't rigged a remote shutter mechanism
as you have; but I normally use a long cable release, with a
locking feature (for bulb exposures) or, I will use the time
exposure feature of the shutter. I normally use a Canon A-1
for most exposures, but have also used a Rolleiflex or Mamiya
studio format 2 1/4 roll film cameras. When it comes to types
of film, I prefer to use Kodak Gold ISO 100 (same as the old
ASA standard,) or in the case of 120 roll film, Kodak Vericolor
II. These film types work well with the U-V content of Tesla
discharges, provided they are no over exposed. I am sure many
others on this List would have much to say, about their
experiences in Tesla coil photographing techniques.
Bill Wysock.
> To: "'Tesla List'" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
> Subject: Tesla Coil Photos
> Date: Sat, 7 Feb 1998 11:02:21 -0600
> From: Tesla List <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
>
> ----------
> From: Rscopper-at-aol-dot-com [SMTP:Rscopper-at-aol-dot-com]
> Sent: Saturday, February 07, 1998 8:59 AM
> To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
> Subject: Re: Tesla Coil Photos
>
> My best photos were taken as follows:
>
> 1) Set a coffee can or bucket on the ground a few feet away from the coil and
> put a narrow beam flashlight (maglight) pointing so that the beam lights up
> the secondary just below the toroid.
>
> 2) Set up the camera on a tripod out of range of the magnetic field.
>
> 3) My best results were using ASA100 speed.
>
> 4) Rig the camera with a shutter switch that won't vibrate the camera. I
> soldered some 40AWG to the button contacts and ran a remote switch out to the
> coil control pannel.
>
> 5) Here's the good part. Set the shutter for B or so that it stays open the
> whole time the switch is pressed. Then set the F-stop for about 2.8. Press
> the switch and hold for 1-3 seconds to get a good image of the secondary, and
> then turn on the coil while still holding down the switch. The longer you
> hold the switch, the more sparks you will capture. This way you can still get
> a good view of the secondary even if you only want to capture one long spark.
>
> Good luck,
>
> R. Scott Coppersmith
>
>
>
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