P3D Re: Tesla Coil shots

[Rob <lilindn@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> 
> I have a friend who wants me to shoot 3d pictures of his Tesla Coil in
> the dark and was wondering if anyone had exposure tips.  I figured maybe
> 2 or 3 second exposures on 100 speed film at different f-stops but I
> wasn't sure. Any tips would be appreciated.
..
    Depending on the rate of arcs the coil produces, 2 to 3 seconds
sounds about right,  definitely experiment with the f-stops to get most
pleasing exposure, and the length of the exposure as well.
    Be careful to keep your camera a safe distance from the coil so it
won't become part of the arc path!
    My choice in film would be either Kodachrome 25 or 64.  These films
have superior anti-halation characteristics to render fine points or
lines of light sharp, as well as a very deep black  (BTW, I usually use
E-6 films, but this would be an exception).
    You may want to experiment with placing deep color filters over the
lenses, perhaps turning of the coil, changing filter color, turning it
back on, repeat....  to give an otherwise monochrome scene vivid colors.
    Rob
    "When one is awake, one is always thinking, and I sleep very little" 
    (attributed to Nikola Tesla in a Yugoslavian TV mini-series)


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