1/64 Model Collectors Thread

[AOS-]

Draw me a picture.

This won't teach you anything, but I just wanted to share my process of improving 4.1MP pictures.

I just grabbed another Fast Cash today and it's going to be used as some paperclip on my future desk. I don't take great photos from scratch, I rely on photosohp to make it prettier. Let's start with the raw photo (cropped to 640 for viewing purposes).

It's waaaay too dark for my liking.



Now after adjusting levels, I brought up the midtones and highlights.

Did an Auto Colour balance, came out murky so I manually changed the colour balance after that; turned down the blues in the shadows, and raised the red in the highlights.

I got more or less a white backdrop now. That's what I wanted.


I normally have a good photo by this point, but the lighting I used here is different than what I normally use, and I still find it murky, so I raised the highlights again. Now it looks more like what it does in the other photos during the editing procedure.

The highlights are too green and yellowish.


Made the highlights less yellow, more red, and moved the slider more towards green so that it appears more like white. I also added red in the midtones to give the car a more solid existence in the picture as well as adding magenta to the shadows to deepen the black.

And because I felt like it, I made it have a more warmer tone this time.

I guess the point I'm making is that while you may not have the best set up to take a nice photo, there is always post processing to make up for it.


Here are the other two cards I got today:

Maisto's Knuckle Dragger

Post Processed:

Ford F-150 Raptor

Post-Processed:

 

[Azuremen]

I think I understand the first part, but I'm going to need you to go real slow for me. Metering & 18%, I'm going to need a translation too.

You remember when we used to play Call of Duty, and there will always be that kid with kill/death ratio of something like 0.69? I am that kid when it comes to photography. Draw me a picture.

At least you aren't the kid at 0.18 (saw this the other day, true story)

Exposure, like I said, is the effective light falling on the sensor. Default metering (which is measuring the light) on cameras wants everything to be about 18% grey when averaged (a very neutral grey), which works great most of the time. This is because generally, you have an even mix of shadows and highlights because of light sources. But when working with very white scenes, like snow, it tends to under expose (too little light) because it thinks a normal exposure is too much since it will be above the 18% range. You may have also noticed if you take a picture at night, all of the bright things are extremely blown out. This is because the camera saw mostly shadows and over exposed trying to get to 18% grey as well.

In short, if everything is bright (white), the camera will want to make it less bright (closer to grey) and if everything is dark (black) the camera will want to make it more bright (closer to grey) instead.

Color balance is the result of the range of light generated by different light sources. Fluorescent lights are typically a bit green tinged, incandescent are a bit yellow, sodium is extremely yellow/orange. If you've wondered why a picture taken at a party or such is typically yellow, this is why. An example from my own work of before and after with white balance, dealing with sodium lamps.

Cameras often have presets to work with this, and even an auto setting that will attempt to correct for light sources. I don't trust auto modes generally, so see if there is an incandescent or fluorescent setting on the camera. Applications like Photoshop have tools for solving this as well - in PS, the curves can be adjusted based on what you decide is white and black, along with auto-tools as well.

/photography rant.

 

[AOS-]

did you like, stalk me or something? I don't recall you ever showing an interest in tiny cars.

 

[Cano]

photography, dude.

 

[AOS-]

It's like he has some magic subscription that lets him know about any thread that is talking about taking a good picture..

 

[VspecZR1GT2RS89]

Unfortunately, today's Walmart hunt turned up with doubles... I do believe the Estoque has a messed up front wheel error. Forgot what kind of error it'd be called but it looks squished. Apologies for the quality, but I had to take the picture quickly before my parents come into the room.

Dude, I dint blame you. I have to put my stash of new cars on my desk in the farthest corner of my room. Since it kinda tight there, they usually don't go there. So I'm in the green.

You act like you're hiding drugs from them or something.

Hey, hiding scale cars, figures, comic books and/or video games from parents who will give a loooonngg lecture about growing up, even if they don't care if you do(like mine) but they put more emphasis on saving $$$ for important things(which I do) but at least it's not drugs, illegal weapons or other harmful items.

So, both of us and hundreds of other guys in their late teens and twenties who do collect things. Our parents should be lucky.


[/QUOTE="MedigoFlame"]Unfortunately, it feels that way since they would disapprove of any hobby that requires anything that has to do with money... Kind of wish I started the hobby earlier when I had my own car too. Since I have to "sneak" out after work to go buy them using my parents car and hide them with the food I bring home from the restaurant I work at.

That is all that I'm hiding from them... For a high schooler, I'm pretty much a nerd that doesn't go out much. Mainly because most of the people at my school aren't exactly great...[/QUOTE]

I was like that even in my high school days(homeschooled) even if I was outside, I'm a nerd for life.

But unlike you, I didn't have a job, so I would save $$$ for collecting.

Soon I going to college and/or finding a part time job to gather some cash for school, investing into my WRX STi, Lan Evo or any car I want. And IF I have enough, maybe a S-chassis or a MK3 Supra for a project car to build during my time in school.

Yep, that's a lot of things right there, but at least I'm not paying rent for a apartment/studio, so I lucked out there. But I always have a small stash, just for the collection and since these guys are cheaper than a 1:18 or action figures though.

I'm gonna buy my new PS3 soon, and when I do, I'm planning on spending $10-30 dollars on some HW and MB cars. See how can I pull that one off.

Went out today to some stores and found Heaven...... A large bin full of HWs mixed between 2010-2012 cars. I hit the jackpot, but I was short on cash. But, I had two dollars so at least I finally got:

Nissan SkylineHT 2000GT-R Kenmeri KPGC110

And..... Ford/FPV Falcon Race Car

:tup:

 

[photonrider]

For a moment there I thought I had clicked wrong and tumbled into the photographic Forum . . . LOL - always good to hear some advice, though.

Anywhooo ......

Look what I snagged a month ago - only bringing them out now - more stuff for the crazy dioramas I construct. I’m planning a HUGE MB road and track scene and these are more actors in the drama:

MB EMT Set.

HW Tuners for the trackside:

As for the focus on photography - quick critiques are nice but the technical discussions of photography are more welcome in the Photography Forums, I would think. They need the business!

Talking about photography - one of my favourite MBs. This one is so . . . car.

And some older shots from way back in this thread - thought I pull them out again:

None of them ’shopped.

 

[AOS-]

Which reminds me, I need to buy a Furai off eBay in the future.

 

[$miglo]

pic a promise last week
IMG_0068 by smiglo, on Flickr

Treasure Hunts 12 by smiglo, on Flickr

 

[M-POWER_FTW]

HW Tuners for the trackside:

Nice. Bought the same 5 pack for the same car.

 

[Azuremen]

It's like he has some magic subscription that lets him know about any thread that is talking about taking a good picture..

I'm a wizard, duh.

Though I honestly have no clue what prompted me to look in this thread, true story.

I do have a few small cars of my own laying around, or they may be in a box from when I last moved. When I find them I'll post some pictures perhaps.

 

[AOS-]

Though I honestly have no clue what prompted me to look in this thread, true story.

It's because you were viewing the Rumble Strip and saw my name as the last poster.

Post pics or lose your magic wand

 

[diabolicwyvern]

If Hot Wheel's all he's hiding from them, they are the luckiest parents ever.

Dear ( whomever), could you come in here

"Yea, what's up mom"

What is this! (Points to small box filled with white powder)

"It's a science experiment. We're studying the half life of powered sugar and its not to be disturbed in any way. You'll notice a bit of it missing each day if you check but the teacher said that's to be expected. Oh, you know what? I'm not sure if having the powdered sugar exposed to the incandescence lights in my bedroom will hurt the experiment so I may need to re run it next month. Just remember not to open the box. We can't touch it or even smell it for fear of ruining the experiment."

 

[MedigoFlame]

I was like that even in my high school days(homeschooled) even if I was outside, I'm a nerd for life.

But unlike you, I didn't have a job, so I would save $$$ for collecting.

Soon I going to college and/or finding a part time job to gather some cash for school, investing into my WRX STi, Lan Evo or any car I want. And IF I have enough, maybe a S-chassis or a MK3 Supra for a project car to build during my time in school.

Yep, that's a lot of things right there, but at least I'm not paying rent for a apartment/studio, so I lucked out there. But I always have a small stash, just for the collection and since these guys are cheaper than a 1:18 or action figures though.

I'm gonna buy my new PS3 soon, and when I do, I'm planning on spending $10-30 dollars on some HW and MB cars. See how can I pull that one off.

Went out today to some stores and found Heaven...... A large bin full of HWs mixed between 2010-2012 cars. I hit the jackpot, but I was short on cash. But, I had two dollars so at least I finally got:

Nissan SkylineHT 2000GT-R Kenmeri KPGC110

And..... Ford/FPV Falcon Race Car

:tup:

Sounds like fun going to college and spending your own money... Wish I could find a bin with HWs from 2010 and 2011. Looking through this thread makes me feel depressed I didn't start earlier. Missed out on some awesome models like the Skylines.

 

[a6m5]

Missed out on some awesome models like the Skylines.

Like which Skyline? Are you still talking about the Kenmeri, or another Skyline?

Exposure, like I said, is the effective light falling on the sensor. Default metering (which is measuring the light) on cameras wants everything to be about 18% grey when averaged (a very neutral grey), which works great most of the time. This is because generally, you have an even mix of shadows and highlights because of light sources. But when working with very white scenes, like snow, it tends to under expose (too little light) because it thinks a normal exposure is too much since it will be above the 18% range. You may have also noticed if you take a picture at night, all of the bright things are extremely blown out. This is because the camera saw mostly shadows and over exposed trying to get to 18% grey as well.

In short, if everything is bright (white), the camera will want to make it less bright (closer to grey) and if everything is dark (black) the camera will want to make it more bright (closer to grey) instead.

Color balance is the result of the range of light generated by different light sources. Fluorescent lights are typically a bit green tinged, incandescent are a bit yellow, sodium is extremely yellow/orange. If you've wondered why a picture taken at a party or such is typically yellow, this is why. An example from my own work of before and after with white balance, dealing with sodium lamps.

Cameras often have presets to work with this, and even an auto setting that will attempt to correct for light sources. I don't trust auto modes generally, so see if there is an incandescent or fluorescent setting on the camera. Applications like Photoshop have tools for solving this as well - in PS, the curves can be adjusted based on what you decide is white and black, along with auto-tools as well.

/photography rant.

Jesus Christ, Cody. Do you not realize that you are talking to an idiot!? It had English words in it, but I still couldn't understand some of it. Basically, I gathered that white balance adjustment thing on the camera that has the light bulb logo is what I should stick with. P.S., cool pics of your bimmer.

At least you aren't the kid at 0.18 (saw this the other day, true story)

Was his kill streak a short bus? Armed with really, really clean side windows?

Or maybe he's just five years old.

HW Tuners for the trackside:

I've been looking for ANY hachiroku(AE86), but I don't want the whole set for that. Are they basically five times the price of the single package in this case?($5 in the U.S.?)

As for the focus on photography - quick critiques are nice but the technical discussions of photography are more welcome in the Photography Forums, I would think. They need the business!

That was my fault, I asked for tips. Sorry man.

Treasure Hunts 12 by smiglo, on Flickr

I like this. 👍

diabolicwyvern, could you come in here

"Yea, what's up mom"

What is this! (Points to small box filled with white powder)

"It's a science experiment. We're studying the half life of powered sugar and its not to be disturbed in any way. You'll notice a bit of it missing each day if you check but the teacher said that's to be expected. Oh, you know what? I'm not sure if having the powdered sugar exposed to the incandescence lights in my bedroom will hurt the experiment so I may need to re run it next month. Just remember not to open the box. We can't touch it or even smell it for fear of ruining the experiment."

 

[VspecZR1GT2RS89]

It's because you were viewing the Rumble Strip and saw my name as the last poster.

Post pics or lose your magic wand

Yep, AOS is the true magician .

Dear ( whomever), could you come in here

"Yea, what's up mom"

What is this! (Points to small box filled with white powder)

"It's a science experiment. We're studying the half life of powered sugar and its not to be disturbed in any way. You'll notice a bit of it missing each day if you check but the teacher said that's to be expected. Oh, you know what? I'm not sure if having the powdered sugar exposed to the incandescence lights in my bedroom will hurt the experiment so I may need to re run it next month. Just remember not to open the box. We can't touch it or even smell it for fear of ruining the experiment."

Thanks, I'll remember that right there. Science experiment. Gotta love Chemestry :tup:.

Sounds like fun going to college and spending your own money... Wish I could find a bin with HWs from 2010 and 2011. Looking through this thread makes me feel depressed I didn't start earlier. Missed out on some awesome models like the Skylines.

Yeah, that's why me living at home cuts down on alot of other bills and let's me focus on important stuff, save up for the needed or desired items while having a little inexpensive hobby on the side.

Hey don't give up bro, just keep looking around. Check smaller stores like grocery, $.99/$1 stores and swap meets, they have a lot of cars ranging from every year, even cars from the 1990's and that's a looonnngg time ago from today, but it's hard to find cars in the 90's and early 2000s in stores.

So to find the older years like the 90's, best to find them in swap meets or on eBay. Hope this helps.

 

[MedigoFlame]

Like which Skyline? Are you still talking about the Kenmeri, or another Skyline?

Yup, still talking about the Kenmeri Skyline. But I also remember the R34 and R35 GT-Rs that I missed out on. Really frustrating knowing I missed out on them.

Yeah, that's why me living at home cuts down on alot of other bills and let's me focus on important stuff, save up for the needed or desired items while having a little inexpensive hobby on the side.

Hey don't give up bro, just keep looking around. Check smaller stores like grocery, $.99/$1 stores and swap meets, they have a lot of cars ranging from every year, even cars from the 1990's and that's a looonnngg time ago from today, but it's hard to find cars in the 90's and early 2000s in stores.

So to find the older years like the 90's, best to find them in swap meets or on eBay. Hope this helps.

I've found several 1990s and previous models at the local flea market which was great. Unfortunately, for things like eBay, it will be difficult since I have no way of buying things online.


EDIT: Has anyone else found the Easter exclusives? Still looking through the normal pegs and Easter aisles and finding nothing. Would like to find the VW SP2...

 

[a6m5]

Yup, still talking about the Kenmeri Skyline. But I also remember the R34 and R35 GT-Rs that I missed out on. Really frustrating knowing I missed out on them.

I'm not a huge fan of the newer Skylines, but I did pick up one of each:

This stuff gotta be cheap online though, if you can get them past your parents(I feel like a bad influence lol). ......wait. I just searched for "R34 Skyline" on eBay and ToyPeddler, there are total of just two, that are sold by itself. Even the R35(2009 GT-R) seems rare. Unbelievable.

I still say don't even sweat the Kenmeri, because I still see tons of it around here. It's only a matter of time before the supply catches up. If it doesn't, I can even mail you one.

As for the R34 & R35, if you want it bad enough, you might pay few bucks more & get them from eBay? Way I approach this hobby, if I can't score them easily, or cheaply, I don't worry about it. TH 240Z was going for $20, but I was too cheap. Then they started coming down a bit, I nabbed one at $17(not that much cheaper lol). If I don't get something, it's not the end of the world, like the case with Rod Strickland basketball cards.

EDIT: Has anyone else found the Easter exclusives? Still looking through the normal pegs and Easter aisles and finding nothing. Would like to find the VW SP2...

I haven't even bothered. Perhaps I will look next time. 👍

 

[photonrider]

VW SP2

This is the ’10 variation; the 2012 Eggsclusiv has ’Easter 2012’ on the side. Haven’t found it yet either.

I saw the TH Tyrell on a peg but couldn’t grab it - was on another errand. Shucks. Are all the red Tyrells this year TH’s? Can’t remember seeing the green stripe.

 

[RACECAR]

LOL! RACECAR - I do that too - all the time. What is that game? Looks cool.

Sorry, didn't see this post. That was rFactor and that car in particular is from the enduracers Mod.

 

[photonrider]

Sorry, didn't see this post. That was rFactor and that car in particular is from the enduracers Mod.

Thanks, RACECAR. My nephew (17) was babbling about it and wanted me to try it out. He’s gaga about it - loves it.

Guys - check out this yatming.

 

[Cano]

Very late model. Those kinda tampos starter to come out when the compan y was about to drop production of the 1:64 line.

 

[Schwartz]

Cano: I'm feeling the urge to take all my cars out of the blister cards. Must... Resist...

 

[photonrider]

Do it Schwartz! Just do it! Merge with the cars, man, when you get the urge.

Cano - The yatming is fairly new; more than five years, though - can you tell me what year, anything else? Can’t remember where I picked it up.

Here’s some more pics of it:

 

[a6m5]

Cano: I'm feeling the urge to take all my cars out of the blister cards. Must... Resist...

Do it Schwartz! Just do it! Merge with the cars, man, when you get the urge.

There's definitely two camp merging in this thread, if not in the hobby. Somebody should PM SVX(OP?) and see if we could add a poll.

P.S. Schwartz, they do not have any cookies, they lie!

 

[CodeRedR51]

Cano: I'm feeling the urge to take all my cars out of the blister cards. Must... Resist...

All you have to do is ask yourself:

1) Am I in this for the future investment?
2) Am I in this for the cars?

Answer to question #1 is leave them in the blister packs.
Answer to question #2 is take them out if you want.

Myself, I'm in it for both, hence why I buy two cars. One to open, one to lock away in a dark closet.

 

[a6m5]

I also appreciate the packaging art(illustration). Plus I can see the car just fine out of the blister thing.

 

[RACECAR]

Thanks, RACECAR. My nephew (17) was babbling about it and wanted me to try it out. He’s gaga about it - loves it.

I didn't see what the big deal was about it at first but it wasn't until I played and even more so when I begin painting on it, thats when I really liked it. I personally have loved the painting and modding aspect more so then the driving as of late but because its not so demanding on hardware, it works well even on low end laptops like mine. Speaking of which, I'm now doing the white version of that Hot Wheels BMW. If theres any mod featuring any cars from Hot Wheels, I'll likely do those as well.

And on the subject of Hot wheels, Has anyone seen the Z4 GT3? I'm pondering going around my Local Wal-Mart Friday and looking for it.

 

[CodeRedR51]

The Z4 GT3 isn't out yet.

 

[a6m5]

How about Furai? I can't remember if anybody here's seen one yet.