I recently replaced my Kodak digital camera with a newer 
model. I have been pleasantly surprised to find that I can 
set the new camera to prevent the flash from going off. 
(Purchase price on
both was roughly $150.)

Elizabeth Whitaker
Alexandria, VA


Ray Terry wrote:
>  Over the course of 4 days last year I took about 3000 images of Civil War Pension files at NARA's Central Research Room on Pennsylvania Ave., D.C.? My interest was to obtain quick, easy copies of text, which could then be leisurely examined at home, the limiting factors in the research being both the time and expense of travel to the Research Room and the hours it was open. ? Here are some details --
> 
> - Camera: point and shoot Nikon Coolpix 5200 (about $250 new a couple of years ago).
> - No flash necessary or desired, for the reasons stated in earlier messages in this thread. 
> - I sat at a table illuminated by daylight.
> - I did not use a copy stand.? I stood and leaned against the very sturdy table, steadied my elbows against my body and shot straight down at the pages.
> - Each shot took about 10 seconds to set up and snap. 
> - I took 3 extra camera batteries with me plus a charger.? 
> 
> Taking photos avoids the examination of Xeroxed pages at the exit of the Research Room and at the exit of the Archives building.
> 
> NARA permits scanners as well as cameras (& battery charger) to be brought into the building. They must be registered at the desk inside the Pennsylvania Ave. researcher's entrance.? The equipment is examined both upon entering and leaving the Central Research Room.? They are looking for theft and for documents secreted within.? 
> 
> Sample photo image results can be viewed at? 
> 
> http://www.mitsawokett.com/MilitaryService/CW%20Pension%20File%20Images/CW_Pension_Files.htm
> 
> which I have uploaded as examples for this thread.? These were given a minimal Photo Shop enhancement by selecting "image - adjust - auto levels", just enough to read them easily.

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