Printing f stop scale

[JasonC]

Hi, I have calibrated several lenses with new hand-written f stop scales. I am wondering if there is a easy way to print a better looking scale. Thanks.

Jason.

 

[Markok765]

Powerpoint

 

[JasonC]

Powerpoint? Markor, you mean just draw the scale on Powerpoint? I think it is rather difficult to get the sacle to the correct size.

Jason.

 

[Markok765]

Sorry, i thought you ment something else. mabye redo it, with a ruler and make copies.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

Jason

Take a look of what Ihave done Dead Link Removed (not the same thing but also attached to the lens of a lightmeter). If that suits your purpose, I'll tell you how it was made.

 

[Jim Jones]

If I weren't content with crude scales, I'd attach removable tape to the lens where the scale goes. When the apertures are marked on the tape, remove it, back it up with paper, and scan it. In a digital editor or drawing program you can create a neat scale. Print it on an adhesive label at the right size and attach it to the lens. Clear paint or tape will protect it.

 

[Capocheny]

Jason,

I had S.K. Grimes engrave one of of my lenses a short while ago and they did a first rate job... looks like it was always an integral part of the lens from the manufacturer!

IIRC, it wasn't that expensive either.

Cheers

 

[JasonC]

Jason,

I had S.K. Grimes engrave one of of my lenses a short while ago and they did a first rate job... looks like it was always an integral part of the lens from the manufacturer!

IIRC, it wasn't that expensive either.

Cheers

At $45 a scale, it adds up quickly when you are doing multiple lenses. Since re-calibarting aperture scale is not difficult, I'll rather do it myself. Just want to find a easy way to make neat scales.

Jason.

 

[JasonC]

Jason

Take a look of what Ihave done Dead Link Removed (not the same thing but also attached to the lens of a lightmeter). If that suits your purpose, I'll tell you how it was made.

Ralph, how did you make that?

Jason.

 

[Jim Noel]

Yes Ralph, please share the how to.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

Like I do all my dials and scales. I draw them in Adobe Illustrator, print them onto Avery labels, tape them over with clear tape, cut them out and tape them to whatever they need to go on.

 

[JasonC]

Anyone knows any freewares or sharewares that have similar functionalities as Adobe Illustrator. Thanks.

Jason.

 

[Lee L]

You might look at Inkscape. I've never used Adobe Illustrator, so can't make a comparison.

http://www.inkscape.org/

Lee

 

[JasonC]

Thanks Lee. Inkscape looks very interesting. I'll give it a try.

Jason.

 

[BOSS565]

How about a label maker. Brother makes one that takes 1/2 inch tape. You could pick a small font size and trim the tape on a paper cutter,

 

[JasonC]

Printing straight scales are easy with label makers. However with semi circular scales found on compur shutters, I don't think label makers work well.

Jason.

 

[Nathan Smith]

I think you could scan your hand-drawn scale and then use it as a template to redraw it in Photoshop or the like, preferable one that allows you to use layers. One way you could make sure that you maintain the correct scale might be to scan a ruler along with it, and check the print to ensure that it's still shows the correct size.

See Guillermo Penate's pinhole article for some ideas in that regard.

I've thought about doing this sort of thing by printing with an inkjet printer onto clear inkjet water slide decal paper. This site has directions for creating decals by this method.

I haven't done any of this yet, so let me know how it goes - I'm planning to use this method to make nice focussing scales for a 4x5 camera.

Nathan

 

[Jim Noel]

Thanks, I have the necessary computer stuff, just never thought of doing what you have.
Jim

 

[Lee L]

Since you asked about something similar to Illustrator, I wasn't thinking about the way I usually do this kind of project, which is a CAD program where you can precisely determine spacing, arcs, etc. I use an older spinoff of Generic CADD under XP and QCAD under linux. I'm sure there are some cheap or free alternatives you might find and try. QCAD is free only under linux with some restrictions, and the XP program I use is no longer distributed.

I print out to a laser printer on waterproof paper.

Lee