1. Camera scanning (negatives), spectral lighting testing, Dynamic range tests
  2. Spectral analysis of different light sources

DIY Spectroscope

I wanted to examine the spectrum of the "Full Spectrum" CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps) that I was using to "camera scan" slides and negatives. This is the DIY spectroscope I built to display the spectrums. I sort of don't think that I will be using full spectrum CFLs for camera scanning anymore. (To be continued...)

I got the diffraction grating slide from Amazon. I mounted the diffraction grating slide in the PhotoSolve Extend-a-Slide that I normally use to mount negatives and slides.
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Rosco #3026 diffusion filter in front of the slit.
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Rosco #3026 diffusion filter in front of the slit.

  • Box that has a slit that was made from two box cutter blades.  The light shines through the slit.
  • Inside of the box showing the slit.  The box is lined with black paper to reduce reflections.
  • 50 watt 12V MR16 tungsten halide bulb shining on the slit.  (Not shown is a Rosco #3026 diffusion filter that goes in front of the slit.)
  • Rosco #3026 diffusion filter in front of the slit.
  • 1,000 lines per mm diffraction grating mounted in a slide.  The slide is mounted in a home made slide carrier that works with a PhotoSolve Xtend-a-Slide.  (The magnets are cut from business card refrigerator magnets I got from Staples.)
  • The slide with the diffraction grating is mounted on the Xtend-a-Slide.  Which is mounted on a Canon 60mm macro lens.  Which is mounted on a Canon 60D.
  • Camera aimed to the side of the slit.  After jockying the camera  around until a spectrum is displayed on the LED.  It is pointed towards away from the slit and at an angle.  The display on the LCD is the spectrum that is captured.  (Normally the room and the inside of the box is dark.)
  • Spectrograph image from the 60D of the 12V MR16 tungsten halide bulb.
  • Indoor Sunshine full spectrum CFL.  This is the best "Full Spectrum" CFL that I could find.  Others have even more gaps between the spikes.
  • Philips soft white CFL (no claim for full spectrum).  Note the wide gaps between the spikes.
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