Close-up images of minute details and repairs of mechanical clocks
In the world of clock repair, an enthusiast has found a unique way to merge two passions: photography and horology. This generalist approach to macro photography in clock repair has proven to be incredibly useful, offering a more effective means of documentation and instruction than traditional written methods.
The author primarily relies on natural light from a west-facing window for photography, complemented by a continuous studio light when needed. However, for optimal results, a dedicated camera with a good macro lens is highly recommended. The author's go-to camera for macro work is an Olympus E330, a 14-year-old model that boasts a switch to activate manual focus mode and lock on extremely close subjects.
A well-crafted video or series of detailed still images can be more effective than written instructions in clock repair. For instance, a shot of punch marks around a mainspring barrel arbour is an example of the usefulness of macro photography in clock repair. Even homemade click spring repair can benefit from photography in clock repair.
The author takes dozens of photos from every angle during a clock repair job for reference and cataloging purposes. "A picture is worth a thousand words" is a saying that aptly applies to the use of photography in clock repair.
For high-quality macro shots in clock repair, recommended equipment includes a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a dedicated macro lens and a stable tripod setup.
Specifically, a full-frame mirrorless camera like the Sony A7R V is highly recommended for macro photography. This camera offers excellent resolution and image quality, which is critical when capturing fine clock details. A 1:1 macro lens (meaning the subject can be captured at life-size on the sensor) is ideal. For example, Sony’s native 90mm or 100mm macro lenses provide sharp, high-resolution close-up images with suitable working distance for clock components.
Stability is essential to avoid blur from hand shake; a sturdy tripod combined with a remote shutter release or self-timer helps achieve sharp images, especially at slow shutter speeds common in macro photography. While cheap digital microscopes or USB microscope cameras may be affordable and somewhat useful, they tend to have inferior image quality, lack manual controls, and do not offer the ergonomics or image detail that a high-quality macro lens and camera setup provide.
In conclusion, using a high-resolution mirrorless or DSLR camera such as the Sony A7R V paired with a dedicated 1x macro lens (90-100mm focal length) on a stable tripod with remote shutter control will give you the sharp, detailed macro images essential for clock repair documentation and inspection.
Clock collecting and repair can combine photography with horology, offering a unique and rewarding hobby for those with an eye for detail and a passion for precision.
- Clock collecting and repair can also be enhanced by incorporating photography, allowing enthusiasts to document their work in great detail and share their discoveries with others in the horology community.
- With a high-quality DSLR or mirrorless camera, such as the Sony A7R V, and a dedicated macro lens, one can capture crisp and vivid images of vintage clocks, providing valuable insights for clock repair and an engaging visual experience for the home-and-garden lifestyle.
- A well-curated collection of macro photographs of clock components could make for an impressive addition to one's home-and-garden display, showcasing both the aesthetics and intricacies of horology and the art of clock repair.
