The reproduction stand is a system for acquiring two-dimensional material in a small format (approx. 20×30 cm) created within Fondazione Cini.
In response to the need to digitise photographic negatives and slides, it was decided to implement the setup with a backlit blackboard for tracings, avoiding the purchase of a special scanner. This solution was adopted to respect the principles of efficiency and effectiveness, favouring the reuse of resources and instrumentation already in possession.
Technical Specifications
The equipment used consists of:
- a Canon EOS 750D camera with a SIGMA 50 mm F1.4 DG or 35 mm lens mounted on a small format adjustable stand (with a maximum height of 83 cm). The camera used has a 50.6 megapixel sensor that allows you to capture high definition images;
- a MedaLight LP-400 cold cathode backlit whiteboard (20×30 cm);
- two Yongnuo YN-600L LED spotlights positioned on the sides of the work surface, which have been substituted in 2023 by two new Neewer RGB168 spotlights, which guarantee a softer and more diffused light.
The acquisition operations are managed using the Canon EOS Utility 3 software which allows you to use the camera remotely: the setting of the shooting parameters, the focus and the recovery are controlled and set directly from the computer.
Once the documentation has been placed on the surface, the shot has been defined, the parameters have been adjusted according to the type of lighting used (LED spotlights or backlit blackboard) and the focus has been adjusted, the photograph is taken using the connected software. By saving the files you get raw files (uncompressed images) in CR2 format.
In the case of digitization of negatives, slides or other transparent material, it is advisable to use the backlit whiteboard avoiding the illumination of the side lights.