Official Automotive Rigs - DIY Thread

[saturnin]

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff341/anvilpictures/random%20stuff/tib1.jpg

[BT-S]

What are the avengers?

And how much cheaper than $4.99 can you get? LOL
haha... avengeres are manfrotto's suction cups..


lol and yes they are really cheap, but i just want to get rid of mine. :D

[CorzyPhoto]

Don - If you meter the light, you should be okay shooting in AV. That's what I shoot in - it's just a lot faster and easier to shoot in AV than full manual.

[saturnin]

i need to get a new lens i cant keep shooting this stuff with the sigma fish..lol.

[DonJuanMair]

Don - If you meter the light, you should be okay shooting in AV. That's what I shoot in - it's just a lot faster and easier to shoot in AV than full manual.

do you use spot metering?

[rockets.]

lol that tiburon shot is wicked.

i love mass distortion

[saturnin]

yah.. everyone has diff taste... i need to be coverd for diff tastes if u know what i mean.. lol... another bad thing about the sigma fisheye i cant put on a filter on it.. so i'm stuck shooting @ night.... sux

[Soopreme Team]

nice shots!

[bReed]

That is common sense, then you will require a NDX400. :p
where can i get one from? and how much are they

[saturnin]

i have been lookin on ebay but they are all ND400 no ndx that i can see

[DonJuanMair]

amazon.com have it

[DonJuanMair]

here are a couple from the other day

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/DonJuanMair/Chris%20Lambo/LamboDiablo2.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/DonJuanMair/Chris%20Lambo/LamboDiablo3.jpg

i just wish that they were sharper!

the rest of the shoot can be seen here

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=648550

[saturnin]

hmm.. thats too bad that they are soft... there isnt a sharp one from the set... sux

the stationary pics look bad ass.. good job

[DonJuanMair]

thanks, i think im going to try a B&W nd now, when your looking at 800x600 they look ok, the run was smooth and steady and it was f8 so it should have been sharper really

[saturnin]

yah thats wierd..i shoot my **** @ night and the car is actually driving and i mean u seen the results... ..hmm....how many pics do u normaly take?? i usualy take 15-20 pics of one setup and i always manual focus before the shot and re check it after 3 shots.

[DonJuanMair]

well the only time i have gotten sharp results is when im not using my nd on my camera, so last night i ordered a much better one, a B&W one.....we'll see what happens

[saturnin]

wich nd u using? wierd tho

[DonJuanMair]

i was using the hota hmc nd8

[rmodys]

So is there a general consensus on what the best materials to use for a rig are?

I'm understanding the pole needs to be about 10-15 feet long. What's the best material pole and diameter?

For a suction cup:
http://www.adorama.com/AEF1000.html

and then something like this for the end of the pole:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/553830-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_143A_143A_Magic_Arm_wit h.html

How do you mount the magic arm? And the suction cups mount with something like this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/371927-REG/Impact_KCP700B26_Super_Clamp_with_Standard.html

What else am I missing here?

[JurekB]

Mount the magic arm with the same clamps you are using to mount the pole to the cups.

For a pipe I'm using one that is 2metres long with a 45mm OD. The wall thickness is about 3.5mm. It's light but very sturdy but I could use a bit more length.

[DonJuanMair]

guys how heavy is the magic arm??

[Mike Bowen]

I found a metal shop nearby who sells some nice 2" aluminum tube stock. I'm going to pick it up tomorrow :)

[jeffrsx231]

The magic arm is 3.15625 lbs including the super clamp that is attached to it. I did some simple static engineering calculations today on my camera rig to see exactly how much force is pushing down on the front suction cup, and how much it is pulling up on the back one. So I had to weigh and measure everything.

[saturnin]

magic arm wiht a 1dsmk2 with glass is super heavy.hahahahaha

[DiCampo]

Hi all,

trying to compose a rig as well, and i do have some problems...

Currently I'm on a very limited budget (+/- 100€), so no possibilities to buy superclamps and avengers and the likes.

What I do have are some of the cheapo suction cups (the orange plasticy ones), some really strong reusable tie-wraps, 9 x 1m pieces of tubing that i can screw together (not very light) and a tripod the feet of which fit into the tubing.

This obviously means I'm building a three legged rig, as I think this adds quite a lot of stability for my low-budget materials. (PS cloning is no problem, i've done that to quite good effect before)

The only real problem is that I think the tie-wraps are a bit too flexible to make sure there is no bounce.

Any hints on what I can do to increase stability?
I am already on the lookout for sume sturdy rubber rings to fit around the tripod legs, so it is a snugger fit in the tubing.

Attached are some pictures of what I have


I've already taken some moving pictures, but that was handheld, hanging out of the car at some pretty high speeds. I want something a bit safer.

To give you an idea of what I've been doing, here are some examples:

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/5140/skodafabia60kq9.th.jpg (http://img23.imageshack.us/my.php?image=skodafabia60kq9.jpg)http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/2280/hyundaitucson81hp8.th.jpg (http://img22.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hyundaitucson81hp8.jpg)http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/7361/lexusis220d105md0.th.jpg (http://img21.imageshack.us/my.php?image=lexusis220d105md0.jpg)http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/9663/lexusis220d107gt0.th.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/my.php?image=lexusis220d107gt0.jpg)
http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/7058/merc22188ak1.th.jpg (http://img5.imageshack.us/my.php?image=merc22188ak1.jpg)http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/6471/merc22045bk4.th.jpg (http://img22.imageshack.us/my.php?image=merc22045bk4.jpg)http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/3541/merc220166cd9.th.jpg (http://img21.imageshack.us/my.php?image=merc220166cd9.jpg)

Also, I know this is a Canon forum and all my pics are shot with an Olympus, but it's all I have and this is the only place on the net where there's any good info on rigs.

[saturnin]

this is what a dirty honda looks like hahahaha it was filthy

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff341/anvilpictures/random%20stuff/honda1.jpg

[StreamlineGT]

I ditched the elaborate rig due to some weight concerns, and just put the friggen pole on the car to see how it was. I think I am going to go up to 1 1/4" AL RMC, the 1" is still too flexible, I think. The length is good at 12', and this is at 10mm on my XTi.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l49/streamlineGT/IMG_7117.jpg

Here it is at 14mm.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l49/streamlineGT/DPP_4724.jpg

Ghetto edit. I'm sure it will be a little easier if the background is blurry.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l49/streamlineGT/IMG_7118.jpg

Here it is at 14mm, with a simulated bounce of about 1", over a 1.6 sec. exposure. Still too much bounce.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l49/streamlineGT/IMG_7121.jpg

[StreamlineGT]

After closer speculation, it seems some of the flex is coming from the cup itself with the clamps that I am using, due to the off-center nature of the clamp. I am trying to do a ball head/super clamp combo on the front cup to accomodate any contour in the body. Has anybody done this? If so, are you having any issue with a 5.5lb capacity ball head not working?

[Mike Bowen]

Without really being able to see the cups/clamps, why arent the clamps vertical and the pole directly above the cups? I would think this gives the best support.


Another note, I went and picked up my new poles today!!! I got 3 6' pieces that weigh only 2.5 lbs each. I'm going to cut one of them into 2' and 4' pieces so i can have total rig lengths of 8', 10', 12' 14' 16' and 18' depending on the combination of lengths!! I can't wait to get them on a car this weekend.

[StreamlineGT]

Nice Mike! Hurry up so I can see! What OD and side wall thickness did you get?

If you look at the clamp in the last pic, see how the clamp stands off to the right side of the center of the clamp? it makes the cup flex a little more than I'd like. I did a quick mock up of a Giottos ball head I have, along with a super clamp, and it was much better. The superclamp was from my magic arm that came today, so I have to pick another one up now. I went to a local supplier on Tuesday, and though they had some super clamps the last time I went, they had sold them. I wish I had know that before I placed my order with B&H, oh well. I'll place another order.

[Mike Bowen]

They are 2" OD and a thin inner wall, only 0.065". But they are sooo light I think its going to work really well.

With my cups, clamps, I can rotate them any direction, but usually they are just straight up to give the most support...you can kind of see it here:

http://www.imgtree.net/files/vyg329acum2o6hn3bh50.jpg

[sunten1]

^^^ How much did that setup run ya?

[saturnin]

i switched my photobucket so i lost all the other links here they are again with some new stuff
http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff341/anvilpictures/Autos/honda1.jpg
http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff341/anvilpictures/Autos/crossfire_Back.jpg
http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff341/anvilpictures/Autos/cross3.jpg
http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff341/anvilpictures/Autos/cross2.jpg
http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff341/anvilpictures/Autos/bmw_side.jpg

[john owen]

Loving that last shot, cool car, image and colour - very nice

[saturnin]

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff341/anvilpictures/Autos/bmw2.jpg

[aninde30]

hi all.. i'm new on this forum...

anyway i want to make myself a DIY rig just like you guys did....

i wonder if i could use the Manfrotto 171 Mini Clamp for holding the extension pole? is it strong enough to hold? or i just get Manfrotto 035 Super Clamp?

oh teh last thing.. does anyone have a link how to remove the rig on photoshop?

thx..

[aninde30]

They are 2" OD and a thin inner wall, only 0.065". But they are sooo light I think its going to work really well.

With my cups, clamps, I can rotate them any direction, but usually they are just straight up to give the most support...you can kind of see it here:

http://www.imgtree.net/files/vyg329acum2o6hn3bh50.jpg

could you tell me what's the extension between ballhead and the last clamp?

and how much does this all cost for you?


ps: sorry for my bad english :P

[DonJuanMair]

so i think i know now why my images have been soft, it is because of my filter, i just got a B & W nd (i did get the wrong one though) and i did a test in my back garden and i shot the same image, manual focussed and the B & W came out sharper and captured a lot more detail, i just have to return it now for the right one!

[z3speed4me]

OK... I need to find somewhere to get a shorter pole... Measuring from my trunk to my front window, I can barely even squeeze a 6ft in my car, and even that is pushing it, I have to put a cap or a cloth over the end so it doent nick my front window.... So I need to find another way to do this due to the smaller proportions of my vehicle.

Has anyone tried to do two 6ft sections with a screw in union piece in the middle or something of the sort???

I really think this is the only way this will work for me right now, especially if I am going to be traveling places with this stuff, I dont want to be on the highway with a pole like "mounted" on top of my car for transportation :)

[Mike Bowen]

here's a few from today, car selection was, uhhhh, not good :)


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3310/3302849976_258e292267_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebowen/3302849976/sizes/o/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3367/3302017979_990cd160e4_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebowen/3302017979/sizes/o/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3418/3302850002_e026c9bcf5_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebowen/3302850002/sizes/o/)

The new poles are good, but I think a big problem is with my arm, I don't think it's quite study enough...there is another one I'm going to order and give it a try.

[aninde30]

need advice... which one better for rig? a ballhead? or 3 way head?

[DiCampo]

Has anyone tried to do two 6ft sections with a screw in union piece in the middle or something of the sort???



I've had a similar problem... Started out with 10ft poles and cut them in 3 pieces.

I can join them using these things:
http://www.bonfix.nl/Productoverzicht/60-Sanitaire_knelfittingen/440-Rechte_koppeling#s440

I don't know what they're called in English, but you should find something similar at your locall DIY-shop.
Cost me about 5€ a piece.

[aninde30]

I've had a similar problem... Started out with 10ft poles and cut them in 3 pieces.

I can join them using these things:
http://www.bonfix.nl/Productoverzicht/60-Sanitaire_knelfittingen/440-Rechte_koppeling#s440

I don't know what they're called in English, but you should find something similar at your locall DIY-shop.
Cost me about 5€ a piece.

can you post the pic of it? i couldn't imagine it rite now hehee... does this little thing slip into the pole?

[ChadAndreo]

here's a few from today, car selection was, uhhhh, not good :)








The new poles are good, but I think a big problem is with my arm, I don't think it's quite study enough...there is another one I'm going to order and give it a try.
What kind of arm are you using?

[Mike Bowen]

What kind of arm are you using?

Currently using this one:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/354218-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_196AB_2_Articulated_Arm _2.html

But just ordered this one (which i've seen used on another guys rig):

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/325446-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_143N_Magic_Arm_Without_ Camera.html

[Mike Bowen]

could you tell me what's the extension between ballhead and the last clamp?

and how much does this all cost for you?


ps: sorry for my bad english :P

It's the first one of the links i just posted. I would recommend the 2nd one, but get it with the camera platform if you don't already have one.

For my poles, cups, clamps and arm, i think i spent about $200. With the new arm add another $75. Going to spend another $25 this week probably in metal to make some new couplers

[z3speed4me]

first attempt....

yes I know it's pretty soft, I was using an extendable pole from a pool skimmer until I get to the store and get something MUCH stronger, it moved a lot :( (and i got some dirt on the lens before i put my filter on it seems) epic fail on my behalf....

Its my first, I will get better soon I hope, but we all have to start somewhere right???

driveway ftw :)

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/4598/img8146.jpg

and for those of you wondering.... the original
I could not get the coloring right on the fence no matter what I tired.... note to self for future!


http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/4011/editi.jpg

[saturnin]

good start! keep @ it

[Mike Bowen]

wellll i figured out my new couplers for the poles

http://imgtree.net/files/z0cfdc236zvk01ull535.jpg

so now i got those and my arm should be here friday so hopefully i can get out this weekend again and try out the new stuff, see if it works any better. if not then strengthening with the wire rope will be next

[rockets.]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3491/3303207204_320439b78f_o.jpg

One of mine i took yesterday... just need to get some more stability!

[DonJuanMair]

stability seems to be the thorn in everyones side.... mine included, i think i may start saving for an under car rig

[aninde30]

Currently using this one:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/354218-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_196AB_2_Articulated_Arm _2.html

But just ordered this one (which i've seen used on another guys rig):

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/325446-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_143N_Magic_Arm_Without_ Camera.html

is this the same? http://www.oktagon.co.id/Detail.aspx?Product=899130101347

and what other things do i need to use it? a clamp? thx a lot..

[aninde30]

It's the first one of the links i just posted. I would recommend the 2nd one, but get it with the camera platform if you don't already have one.

For my poles, cups, clamps and arm, i think i spent about $200. With the new arm add another $75. Going to spend another $25 this week probably in metal to make some new couplers

thx for the sharing :D

[Mike Bowen]

is this the same? http://www.oktagon.co.id/Detail.aspx?Product=899130101347

and what other things do i need to use it? a clamp? thx a lot..

That looks like the one I currently have, which I wouldn't recommend.

[StreamlineGT]

stability seems to be the thorn in everyones side.... mine included, i think i may start saving for an under car rig

I've been thinking the same thing Tony, but I go and pick up my 1.5" AL RMC today at the wholesaler, as well as 2 super clamps from a local vendor. I am going to give that a go before giving up on the thing entirely. It seems some people here have some success with the suction mount, so I think we can do it.

[DonJuanMair]

where are you getting it from Brendon?

[StreamlineGT]

I am getting the conduit from Electrical Wholesalers, Inc. And the clamps from Camera Bar in Hartford.

[Mike Bowen]

When you get it can you measure the inside and outside diameters for us?

I am getting the conduit from Electrical Wholesalers, Inc. And the clamps from Camera Bar in Hartford.

[StreamlineGT]

1 15/16" OD
1 9/16" ID

I think it is too big, I think maybe 1 1/4" conduit would be the sweet spot. It is rather heavy compared to the 1". Mocking it up now.

[Cromfel]

This may be stupid question, forgive me if so, but why dont you install the rigs coming from under the car? There are plenty of points to attach stuff, be it pipe styled bolt tighterning grips or just abusing the collision "loops" where you can attach rope. Maybe a bit more hardcore DYI but anyway. To give the structure some more stability you could always just attach 1 small wire to some easily editable spot on hood or something. Just a thought, so dont shoot me with anything except camera! :D

[Mike Bowen]

1 15/16" OD
1 9/16" ID

I think it is too big, I think maybe 1 1/4" conduit would be the sweet spot. It is rather heavy compared to the 1". Mocking it up now.


How heavy?

[StreamlineGT]

BIG conduit.... 13 feet..

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l49/streamlineGT/IMG_7309.jpg

[Mike Bowen]

Doesn't look like there is much flex though! Did you weigh the poles?

[StreamlineGT]

Funny thing is I don't have a bathroom scale. The other stuff was light enough to weigh on my postage scale. I'll run down to my parent's house tonight and grab their scale, or better yet, buy one. Stay tuned.

[z3speed4me]

13 ft fits in your car.....

so unfair :(

[rmodys]

BIG conduit.... 13 feet..
Have you shot with this yet? I'd love to see how it works out!

[StreamlineGT]

13 ft fits in your car.....

so unfair :(

Haha, not exactly. I'm still working on that. As of right now, I transport it in my van. That means no shots of my car unless my wife drives behind me to the location. :(

Have you shot with this yet? I'd love to see how it works out!

Not yet, just finished it up tonight, but I have something scheduled for Sunday and a new WRX, he is going to be my guinea pig, along with some other CTSubie members. I might bring the 1", 1 1/4", and 1 1/2" conduits with me, and see what the minimum is to get a decent shot.

[DonJuanMair]

i manage to get a 10ft pole in my RX8

[StreamlineGT]

shot at 10mm, the front wheel looks really big! lol

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l49/streamlineGT/IMG_7123.jpg

[rockets.]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3458/3308385514_ef9071b261_o.jpg

[saturnin]

looking good

[aninde30]

That looks like the one I currently have, which I wouldn't recommend.

how about this one? http://www.oktagon.co.id/Detail.aspx?Product=899130101369 i think it's strong enough for the rig ehehhe... :D

oh another thing... i would use a sigma 24-70 f/2.8 lens for the rig.. should i get rid of it and get super wide lens or keep it? thx

[aninde30]

oh i forgot... any advice for clamps that strong enough to hold the rig? besides manfrotto 035 super clamps?

[Mike Bowen]

shot at 10mm, the front wheel looks really big! lol


Yeah it does...looks good tho. Did you get a chance to weigh the poles? I'm curious because with your arm and camera mounted on there, looks like there is almost no flex.

[Mike Bowen]

how about this one? http://www.oktagon.co.id/Detail.aspx?Product=899130101369 i think it's strong enough for the rig ehehhe... :D

oh another thing... i would use a sigma 24-70 f/2.8 lens for the rig.. should i get rid of it and get super wide lens or keep it? thx

Not sure about that one.

The arm in this combo pack is the one I just ordered....its the 143N magic arm.

http://www.oktagon.co.id/Detail.aspx?Product=899130101279

Not sure if they have it with just the arm or not

[john owen]

This may be stupid question, forgive me if so, but why dont you install the rigs coming from under the car? There are plenty of points to attach stuff, be it pipe styled bolt tighterning grips or just abusing the collision "loops" where you can attach rope. Maybe a bit more hardcore DYI but anyway. To give the structure some more stability you could always just attach 1 small wire to some easily editable spot on hood or something. Just a thought, so dont shoot me with anything except camera! :D

Try a 911, its super smooth - i should imagine a lot of sport cars a similar

You are connecting to steering and or suspension parts and this isn't a good idea if the car is moving.

You will also need to jack the car to get a good fix location

I've found it takes time to rig from under the car, but it is a better solution in terms of retouching and the fixing element

[crazyjetsfan22]

how are you guys fitting this 10ft pole in ur car?

[Ultimate CC]

Is this Nino from Nasioc? There are several ways people fit them, some use clamps to put on pinch welds and others use magnets...

[DonNguyen]

for those using magnetic rigs, much low can a car be?

[Jungle_Jim]

hey guys i have been watching this thread with great interest over the last few months and recently put together a rig of my own.

the main tubing is made up of 1.5inch aluminium tube in 5ft section which is flanged at one end allowing the top of one to connect to the bottom of the other. i then drilled holes and add bolts to stop the sections coming apart. the good part is this rig is really portable

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/8bitgeneration/rig1-1.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/8bitgeneration/rig2.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/8bitgeneration/rig3.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/8bitgeneration/rig4.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/8bitgeneration/3rigconstruction.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/8bitgeneration/2rigconstruction.jpg

[Jungle_Jim]

this was the result of my first test and i am pretty pleased with the result, i just need to find an area with flatter ground as it was a bit bumpy in places

these were all shot just using 2 lengths of tube i have another 2 more
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/8bitgeneration/2-copy-1.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/8bitgeneration/1-copy-1.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/8bitgeneration/3-copy-1.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/8bitgeneration/5-copy-1.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/8bitgeneration/4-copy-1.jpg

and another

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/8bitgeneration/final-copyweb.jpg

[brasher]

Thats the same as my boom setup junglejim, but my sleeves are welded.

[Soopreme Team]

nice rig shots jungle.. i think they would look alot better if you werent looking at the camera on some of those.. LOL!

but like i said those are some nice rig shots..

[aninde30]

Not sure about that one.

The arm in this combo pack is the one I just ordered....its the 143N magic arm.

http://www.oktagon.co.id/Detail.aspx?Product=899130101279

Not sure if they have it with just the arm or not

owwhh i see... um i think i'm gonna order that one (244RC) coz it holds enough for my cam , max load is 4.0 kg don't know it's good or bad for my rig hahhaa... will report that if the rig done ;)

[aninde30]

hey guys i have been watching this thread with great interest over the last few months and recently put together a rig of my own.

the main tubing is made up of 1.5inch aluminium tube in 5ft section which is flanged at one end allowing the top of one to connect to the bottom of the other. i then drilled holes and add bolts to stop the sections coming apart. the good part is this rig is really portable

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/8bitgeneration/rig1-1.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/8bitgeneration/rig2.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/8bitgeneration/rig3.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/8bitgeneration/rig4.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/8bitgeneration/3rigconstruction.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/8bitgeneration/2rigconstruction.jpg

nice tutorial... will try some on my future rig ahhaah :D anyway good idea on the tube connection ;)

[DonNguyen]

for those using magnetic rigs, how low can a car be?

oops...my grammar sucks....FIXED :D

[saturnin]

it all depends how your rig is set up... there really isnt one set height.

i have my stuff so i can adjust it accordinly..if hte car ir super low i can bring it up, if it tall and certain stuff goes past the frame i can extend it.. etc etc...

[JurekB]

Well here is my second attempt and had to deal with a huge amount of bounce this time around. I think this was caused by the bonnet of the car not being particulary big so the cups were mounted quite close together. I also shot these on my own so I wasn't able to steady the camera by hand.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3459/3312063791_575b0a8ac3_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3420/3312063461_b226d18c2a_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3494/3312893026_2c0cdc61c7_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3616/3312063525_a45fd619cc_o.jpg

[DonNguyen]

it all depends how your rig is set up... there really isnt one set height.

i have my stuff so i can adjust it accordinly..if hte car ir super low i can bring it up, if it tall and certain stuff goes past the frame i can extend it.. etc etc...

thanks Saturnin...I guess i'll have to do a little playing around

[DonNguyen]

also, what magic arm would you guys recommend?

[saturnin]

i have manfrottooooooooooooo one

[Mike Bowen]

i just got my new magic arm in today! i cant wait to get it on the rig, its so much better than the one i have now

[DonNguyen]

which model? there are a couple different ones available

[StreamlineGT]

Magic Arm that I have. (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/325440-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_143_Magic_Arm_Kit.html)

[DonJuanMair]

brendon how heavy is that and how does that effect the weight

[StreamlineGT]

It is 3.5 lbs, including the super clamp, arm and camera platform, minus the camera.

What do you mean by "how does it effect the weight"?

[DonJuanMair]

oops i mean how does the weight effect the stability

[StreamlineGT]

With the 1.5" conduit, it doesn't really. I will test it without the arm, but I think any instability caused by the arm, will be insignificant compared to the performance of the arm.

I also had one piece of conduit cut in half and threaded yesterday, so I have a transportable rig now! I actually have two complete sets of rig pipes now. I may start working on an undermount style next.

[saturnin]

yah its heavy sh1t .. that arm(i have the same one) with a camera.. ....

[DonJuanMair]

brendon have u tried your rig on a hood of a car yet?

[StreamlineGT]

no, but my hood is far sturdier than my roof, and it worked on that. I haven't tried it on anything yet, for real. I was hoping to get out this Sunday, but they are forecasting some inclement weather.

[Mike Bowen]

so i was tweaking my rig tonight, i think i got it pretty good setup now. this was done by myself, so i think we can eliminate the remaining vibes with me outside of the car and someone pushing. this is just a quick edit in light room, didnt get rid of the rig yet

http://imgtree.net/files/xbhzq0mb6zvi7er23fq3.jpg

100% crop of the front of the car

http://imgtree.net/files/ahtxg0a8yxs269gk0mpk.jpg

rig with upgrades and new arm

http://imgtree.net/files/igu16i4uz5oi6rdqmu9y.jpg

[rmodys]

so i was tweaking my rig tonight, i think i got it pretty good setup now. this was done by myself, so i think we can eliminate the remaining vibes with me outside of the car and someone pushing. this is just a quick edit in light room, didnt get rid of the rig yet

http://imgtree.net/files/xbhzq0mb6zvi7er23fq3.jpg

100% crop of the front of the car

http://imgtree.net/files/ahtxg0a8yxs269gk0mpk.jpg

rig with upgrades and new arm

http://imgtree.net/files/igu16i4uz5oi6rdqmu9y.jpg
Do you think you could post some up-close pictures of how you mounted each of the wires and the stand in the middle?

[Mike Bowen]

yeah but wont be til tomorrow. i'm on the way out the door

[rmodys]

yeah but wont be til tomorrow. i'm on the way out the door Awesome, it looks like a pretty steady rig design.

I went out and bought two 1.5" diameter 7' rods today to start getting serious about it. I figure that if I've got 14 feet of aluminum sitting around the house I'll pretty much force myself into finishing this project.

[DonJuanMair]

That's what I need to do, have the centre piece like that, I would also love to see pics.

Brendon reason why I asked because I recently did a lambo and just the weight of my pole and camera was getting the hood out of shape.

[JurekB]

That's what I need to do, have the centre piece like that, I would also love to see pics.

Brendon reason why I asked because I recently did a lambo and just the weight of my pole and camera was getting the hood out of shape.

The same happened to me when I was shooting the Honda I posted earlier. I was shooting on my own so I was sitting in the drivers seat and all I could see was the hood being pulled up where I had the top cup mounted.

[DonJuanMair]

lol it sucks right?

well we mounted the rig and then you could see it was really bending the shape so we took it off and then he started saying i think its bent now, so i was really worried. But after a closer inspection it was fine

[JurekB]

As it was my girlfriends car then yes, I was a little concerned and she's still complaining about the ring marks. :lol:

It was actually quite stable and only started to distort the hood when the car was moving and the camera started to bounce. If I can deal with the bounce then everything else should be ok.

[JustinL]

so i was tweaking my rig tonight, i think i got it pretty good setup now. this was done by myself, so i think we can eliminate the remaining vibes with me outside of the car and someone pushing. this is just a quick edit in light room, didnt get rid of the rig yet

http://imgtree.net/files/xbhzq0mb6zvi7er23fq3.jpg





Is that yellow wire shooting your camera? Did you think to run it through the passenger side window then over the boom of your rig onto your camera? Don't think this should matter if you're shooting someone else's car (you'll be walking beside it I hope)

[JustinL]

Haha, not exactly. I'm still working on that. As of right now, I transport it in my van. That means no shots of my car unless my wife drives behind me to the location. :(



Not yet, just finished it up tonight, but I have something scheduled for Sunday and a new WRX, he is going to be my guinea pig, along with some other CTSubie members. I might bring the 1", 1 1/4", and 1 1/2" conduits with me, and see what the minimum is to get a decent shot.

Not sure if I'd trust the flimsy sheet metal of a Subaru to your rig Brendan. (I know 1st hand)

Just have to figure out a way to section off that piping you're using too!

[Mike Bowen]

Is that yellow wire shooting your camera? Did you think to run it through the passenger side window then over the boom of your rig onto your camera? Don't think this should matter if you're shooting someone else's car (you'll be walking beside it I hope)

Yeah its an extended shutter release cable, but you nailed it. I would be walking by the the camera as the car is moving in a normal shoot. It's easy enough to clone out though in this situation.

[john owen]

Not sure if I'd trust the flimsy sheet metal of a Subaru to your rig Brendan. (I know 1st hand)



I tried a rig of the bonnet of my subaru yesterday, got to say it was flexing all over the place and the end I gave up, concerned it was going to bend it out of shape!

I then spent an hour trying to rig underneath until cold and frustration kicked in and i went home in a huff!

I'll be try more off the glass this week but it does make me think how I'll do this on a customers car? I got a 911 and a nice red Ferrari lined up and i know from experience of both that the 911 will be solid and the red beast will be paper thin.

[itzjere]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3318643386_1430889d13_o.jpg

Temp rig setup until my Avengers, super clams and magic arm comes in later this week. Found aluminum pipe shop locally with a 3mm sidewall, so it's really sturdy. Aluminum shop also found matching OT to the ID of the pipe and when coupled together, the pipe is extremely rigged. The only downside is all together for the 2 pipes, cut and section will run around $100. I will see how well the painter pole works and flexes before considering this option.

[StreamlineGT]

1" AL RMC FTL, but 1.5" AL RMC FTMFW!!! We are still plagued with stability issues, but we didn't really take much care in not making the rig shake. Hell, we drove the car, while it was running, at speeds faster than a push. I am pleased with the way they came out for now. Next time out, taking those extra precautions to prevent shake.

Sample, quick rig edit, didn't feel like removing the whole thing, sorry. I am leaving that to the car owner, who is better at the photoshop thing.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l49/streamlineGT/DPP_2152.jpg

[DonJuanMair]

cool! very sharp, whats the full specs for the pole?

[StreamlineGT]

cool! very sharp, whats the full specs for the pole?

1.5" trade width aluminum rigis metal conduit. it is 1 7/8" OD with a 1/8" sidewall thickness. It is 13 feet long with threaded joint. I didn't use the one with 2 threaded loints, but I probably should have to see how it effects stability.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l49/streamlineGT/DPP_2155.jpg

[Mike Bowen]

Looks good Brendon!

[StreamlineGT]

Not sure if I'd trust the flimsy sheet metal of a Subaru to your rig Brendan. (I know 1st hand)

Just have to figure out a way to section off that piping you're using too!

I'll tell you, the body of the new WRX is quite sturdy, I was impressed. I did section that pipe already, but didn't use it today, I used another full stick.

[rmodys]

1" AL RMC FTL, but 1.5" AL RMC FTMFW!!! We are still plagued with stability issues, but we didn't really take much care in not making the rig shake. Hell, we drove the car, while it was running, at speeds faster than a push. I am pleased with the way they came out for now. Next time out, taking those extra precautions to prevent shake.

Sample, quick rig edit, didn't feel like removing the whole thing, sorry. I am leaving that to the car owner, who is better at the photoshop thing.

This one turned out great, nice. What lens and focal length did you use for these? I noticed you don't really have any distortion at all.

[john owen]

I'll tell you, the body of the new WRX is quite sturdy, I was impressed. I did section that pipe already, but didn't use it today, I used another full stick.


Humm, the body on the 2003 isn't...

The roof flexed on this shot, i thought for a moment I may have done perm damage but it popped out again as I took the cup off!

[StreamlineGT]

This one turned out great, nice. What lens and focal length did you use for these? I noticed you don't really have any distortion at all.

EXIF shows 10mm on my 10-22mm

[rmodys]

So I ordered my cups, clamps, and magic arm from B&H yesterday. I was wondering what you guys think about this material for a pole:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100400412&N=10000003+90025+501845

Do you guys think the steel might be too heavy and cause bending on the cup end? Should I go and try to find a good price on aluminum instead? If so, what diameter?

Also, for those with a vertical support: how long is your entire rig and how high is your support? Would you have gone higher or does it prevent wobble enough?

[Mike Bowen]

What are the specs on the steel? I tried view that link but it didnt work.

[StreamlineGT]

the link was for 1.5" EMT. I think it will be too heavy, and not long enough unless you add a short piece, but then you have to worry about coupling it together. The Alumminum rigid will thread together, and is lighter than the EMT.

[Mike Bowen]

The EMT is good, but heavy. You can't get much more than 10' on without really puting a lot of stress on the clamps. I would recommend going with aluminum

[Thameth]

So I ordered my cups, clamps, and magic arm from B&H yesterday. I was wondering what you guys think about this material for a pole:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100400412&N=10000003+90025+501845

Do you guys think the steel might be too heavy and cause bending on the cup end? Should I go and try to find a good price on aluminum instead? If so, what diameter?

Also, for those with a vertical support: how long is your entire rig and how high is your support? Would you have gone higher or does it prevent wobble enough?

Steel is toooo heavy, go for 2" diameter Aluminum, thats what the Automotive Rigs guys use.

[DonNguyen]

The EMT is good, but heavy. You can't get much more than 10' on without really puting a lot of stress on the clamps. I would recommend going with aluminum

can you link to somewhere that carries aluminum rigid?

[gonças]

1" AL RMC FTL, but 1.5" AL RMC FTMFW!!! We are still plagued with stability issues, but we didn't really take much care in not making the rig shake. Hell, we drove the car, while it was running, at speeds faster than a push. I am pleased with the way they came out for now. Next time out, taking those extra precautions to prevent shake.

Sample, quick rig edit, didn't feel like removing the whole thing, sorry. I am leaving that to the car owner, who is better at the photoshop thing.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l49/streamlineGT/DPP_2152.jpg

awsome shot.

love the colour of that "Kia" :D

[Mike Bowen]

can you link to somewhere that carries aluminum rigid?

metal supermarkets, they are a worldwide chain

[rmodys]

I went out and bought some 1 3/8" aluminum instead today, At 10 feet it was pretty rigid so I think I should be pretty good for that. Thanks guys

[DonNguyen]

metal supermarkets, they are a worldwide chain

none in my area :(

i'm gonna try a metal supply company

[itzjere]

I went out and bought some 1 3/8" aluminum instead today, At 10 feet it was pretty rigid so I think I should be pretty good for that. Thanks guys

How much did you spend if you don't mind sharing.

[rmodys]

How much did you spend if you don't mind sharing.
It was $53.76 plus tax and I got it from U-Build-It Aluminum which is a national chain. I'll take some pictures of the setup when the stuff from B&H comes. I'm planning on three sections (total of 14') with a stabilizer bar with lines running to each end in the middle. Just need to get the stabilizer welded up and I should (hopefully) be good to go. But at 10' the thick-walled 1 3/8" aluminum was extremely sturdy.

Not too bad considering that the 1.6" EMT was $22 for 14'... and much heavier to boot.

[Mike Bowen]

how heavy is it, and how thick are the walls?

[rmodys]

how heavy is it, and how thick are the walls? About 9 or so pounds for the whole setup plus 1/8" thick walls. The walls of the EMT were 1/16".

...and I'm starting to think it's a little on the heavy side. I'll probably end up going up in diameter and down in wall size.

[StreamlineGT]

The 1 3/8" stuff in no good. That is what my 1" al rigid was. WAY too much bounce. I'll get some of the pics I took with that uploaded so you can see the difference.

[rmodys]

The 1 3/8" stuff in no good. That is what my 1" al rigid was. WAY too much bounce. I'll get some of the pics I took with that uploaded so you can see the difference. Alright sounds good. What diameter and wall size did you use?

[StreamlineGT]

1 3/8" OD, 1/8"wall tubing at 12 feet, 2 second exposure.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l49/streamlineGT/DPP_2167.jpg

Same spot, roughtly the same speed....
1 7/8" OD, 1/8" wall tubing at 13 feet, 2 second exposure (after white balance correction, sorry) Look at the lights in the ceiling...

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l49/streamlineGT/DPP_2162.jpg

[rmodys]

1 3/8" OD, 1/8"wall tubing at 12 feet, 2 second exposure.
Same spot, roughtly the same speed....
1 7/8" OD, 1/8" wall tubing at 13 feet, 2 second exposure (after white balance correction, sorry) Look at the lights in the ceiling...

You're running Avenger F1000's right?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/67896-REG/Avenger_F1000_F1000_Pump_Cup_with.html#accessories

So with the 1 3/8" did you use the stabilizer or not? I'm thinking that, if you didn't use the stabilizer before, I may be able to get away with the smaller diameter plus a stabilizer. What do you think?

And did you ever get up-close pictures of how you connected the two pieces and whatnot?

[StreamlineGT]

You're running Avenger F1000's right?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/67896-REG/Avenger_F1000_F1000_Pump_Cup_with.html#accessories

So with the 1 3/8" did you use the stabilizer or not? I'm thinking that, if you didn't use the stabilizer before, I may be able to get away with the smaller diameter plus a stabilizer. What do you think?

And did you ever get up-close pictures of how you connected the two pieces and whatnot?

I have a setup similar, I have a ball head on top of one of my cups, and the clamp directly on the other. I like that setup though, I may look into those.

I had an elaborate setup with a stabilizer, but went with the big azz pipe instead. I wasn't sold on my stabilizer idea, and am more than pleased wiht how these came out, so I don't feel I need to change it. Flapzap has a stabilized rig, he seems to have good luck with it, am I right?

[rmodys]

I have a setup similar, I have a ball head on top of one of my cups, and the clamp directly on the other. I like that setup though, I may look into those.

I had an elaborate setup with a stabilizer, but went with the big azz pipe instead. I wasn't sold on my stabilizer idea, and am more than pleased wiht how these came out, so I don't feel I need to change it. Flapzap has a stabilized rig, he seems to have good luck with it, am I right? What cups are you running? I'm afraid that it may be a little bit too heavy.

And if you don't mind, can you explain how you connected your two lengths of pipe?

Those with stabilized rigs, what do you think of them?

[jdm.squeek]

I just got my rig in the mail, literally! 2 avenger F1000's, 4 super clamps, and a manfrotto 143 magic arm. YEH! Cant wait for the 10-22mm to come tommorow!

[StreamlineGT]

What cups are you running? I'm afraid that it may be a little bit too heavy.

And if you don't mind, can you explain how you connected your two lengths of pipe?

Those with stabilized rigs, what do you think of them?

I used aluminum rigid conduit, and it threads together.

[DonJuanMair]

wow what a difference brendon, i just actually ordered that exact pole in the second one! i hope it will be nice and sturdy, i did 10ft

[DonNguyen]

looks like 2" would work a little bit better

[Soopreme Team]

Well here is my second attempt and had to deal with a huge amount of bounce this time around. I think this was caused by the bonnet of the car not being particulary big so the cups were mounted quite close together. I also shot these on my own so I wasn't able to steady the camera by hand.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3459/3312063791_575b0a8ac3_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3420/3312063461_b226d18c2a_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3494/3312893026_2c0cdc61c7_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3616/3312063525_a45fd619cc_o.jpg

nice ep!

[itzjere]

I just ordered some aluminum tubes online from a place called SpeedyMetals.

I bought four 2" OD, 1.75" ID tubes at 4ft each. I also bought three 1.75"OD 1ft tubes to couple them all together. All together, they were $65. An option some people might want to consider as breaking the tubes down into 4ft pieces is much easier to transport, lighter than EMT, and with a thick wall of .125, it should be quiet rigid (according to the results I've seen here). It is more expensive than buying a single EMT pole, or painters pole, but this solution is lighter, more compact and supposedly more rigid. Rigid, compact, cheap -- pick two.

[Mike Bowen]

I just ordered some aluminum tubes online from a place called SpeedyMetals.

I bought four 2" OD, 1.75" ID tubes at 4ft each. I also bought three 1.75"OD 1ft tubes to couple them all together. All together, they were $65. An option some people might want to consider as breaking the tubes down into 4ft pieces is much easier to transport, lighter than EMT, and with a thick wall of .125, it should be quiet rigid (according to the results I've seen here). It is more expensive than buying a single EMT pole, or painters pole, but this solution is lighter, more compact and supposedly more rigid. Rigid, compact, cheap -- pick two.



Let me know how that works. I have 2" aluminum as well, but only a wall thickness of 0.065", so its half the size of yours. There is a little more bounce that I was hoping for, so I was thinking about going to the .125" wall.

[itzjere]

Let me know how that works. I have 2" aluminum as well, but only a wall thickness of 0.065", so its half the size of yours. There is a little more bounce that I was hoping for, so I was thinking about going to the .125" wall.

Shipping will take a while since I am on the other side of the country of the shipping center, so please be patient, but I will let you know. I'll be posting up my results in here.