Lecture 2: Computer and Camlift Basics

Bio 498/698: January 27, 2012

Lecture OutlineComputer Start upP-51 Camlift

ControlsLens setupLive ViewMoving the CamliftTaking a pictureAutorun

Computer Start Up1: Press red button on power-strip2: Press power button to start computer3: When prompted (it will take a while), press CTRL-alt-delete4: To log in, use the username bio2\user. No password needed, leave it blank and press enter.

To open the 4 needed programs, you can use the programmed buttons on the far left of the keyboard.

M1 = Opens the CamliftM2 = Opens LightroomM3 = Opens Zerene StackerM4 = Opens Photoshop

The P-51 Camlift

Camlift Controller

When you open the lift (Key “M1”), click “OK” when prompted.

Camlift Controls

Setting Up the Lens

ALWAYS SET UP LENS BEFORE:1. Camera is set up on lift or,2. A lens is changed

• Scroll over Settings and click on “Edit Step Settings”

Setting Up the Lens, continued

With Step Settings window open, click on “Set Up Lens”

Setting Up the Lens, continued

• In Set Up Lens window, click on lens and aperture (F#) being used.

• Click “Save”

• In Step Settings window, click “Apply” then “Ok”

Live View

To open Live View click on the ‘Live View’ button on the Camlift control panel

You’ll hear a click from the camera and a window will open, displaying everything the camera “sees”.Live View

Live View

Grid Select Magnif

y

White Balance

Point of Interest Outline

Live View

Drag the point of interest outline to the desired position.

In this example it is in the center, surrounding the words Live View Test. Click on the Magnify button

Magnify

Live View

Magnified view (500%)To zoom out, hit the de-magnify button.

De-magnify

Moving the Camlift up and downThe Up and Down buttons: The amount you move

the Camlift up or down is governed by the step size you have selected with the ‘Step Size Slider’.

Gross Movement Slider

Step Size Slider

Emergency stop button

Up and Down buttons

Moving the Camlift up and down

Gross Movement Slider

Notice: As the Gross Movement Slider is in a lower position, the image of the specimen is clearer

Moving the Camlift up and down

The Stop Button: If the Camlift is moving and is in danger of hitting something, this will stop it

• The ‘Infinite’ Step size: allows the lift to move up or down continuously when held down

• Other step sizes: move up/down once per click

Taking a pictureAlways close out of Live View before taking a picture!

Step 1: Close out of Live ViewStep 2: Make sure Lightroom is openStep 3: Click on the ‘Take Picture’ buttonStep 4: The picture should now be visible in Lightroom

Take Picture

Take Picture button = Click this when the camera is connected and turned on and it will fire the camera and flash

Autorun: Taking Slices

• At the highest point of the specimen that is in focus, click the ‘Start Here’ button

Start Here

Highest in-focus point

Autorun: Taking Slices

Stop Here

Lowest in-focus points

• At the lowest in-focus point on the specimen, click the ‘Stop Here’ button

Autorun: Taking SlicesWhen ‘Start Here’ and ‘Stop Here’ positions have been designated, click the ‘Autorun’ button

• Make sure the Current Lens Magnification is the same as the yellow magnification on the lens is the same

• Look at the Number of Slices (Try to keep the # under 25)

• Hit the ‘Start button’*Opening Autorun will close out of Live View

# Slices

Current lens Magnification

Autorun

Congratulations! You have now taken your first set of photographs. Be sure to check the Lightroom and Zerene Stacker guides!