I just finished rebuilding a Duo-Art expression box and had the idea
of photographing it before taking it apart.  I never did this before
because it would take longer to get the photos finished than the
rebuild.

Now, with a digital camera, I can be sure I have a good picture before
I disassemble a unit.  I can take very close shots that are almost good
enough for measurements, and I don't have to take time drawing details
such as linkages and position of parts that must be lined up later.
I bought the cheapest (down to less than one-third of the original
price) megapixel camera I could get, at a closeout about six months
ago, and I'd found no real use for it until now.

We have a Nikon Coolpix in the family but it is not available to me
in the workshop.  It takes wonderful pictures but is overkill for
documenting piano parts.  The Kodak is adequate for the job but I would
never recommend buying a Kodak product.  Their service is very bad and
their products vary.

By now you can pick up a good used megapixel camera at auction for less
than $500, which is half what I paid for the Nikon a year ago.  If you
buy a Nikon Coolpix you can also use it to take fine pictures, unlike
the Kodak.

Spencer Chase
http://nt.mcn.org/spencer/

 [ Jody has a Nikon Coolpix which I borrowed to photograph piano roll
 [ labels at high resolution.  I was very pleased with the results.
 [ -- Robbie