Official Automotive Rigs - DIY Thread

[Mike Bowen]

I built a vertical support for mine, but would rather not have it and just have the pole without support....so if the .125" wall works well, then i might just go to that

[civicseth]

I used aluminum rigid conduit, and it threads together.

Where exactly did you find this aluminum conduit at? I can't seem to source any locally.

[Mike Bowen]

Try a commercial electrical place...thats the only place around here who has it. They usually will still sell to the public.

[StreamlineGT]

Where exactly did you find this aluminum conduit at? I can't seem to source any locally.
I bought it at an electrical supplier, like Flappy said. Had it in stock in the warehouse, and had it at the satellite branch the next day.

[rmodys]

I bought it at an electrical supplier, like Flappy said. Had it in stock in the warehouse, and had it at the satellite branch the next day. Waaait a second! So the electrical warehouse sold it already flared and threaded?

[civicseth]

What's the name of the place so I can see if there is something similar around here. I'm a little clueless on what electrical supplier actually refers to.

[DonJuanMair]

i just ordered the same pole that you suggested Brendon, from Phoenix

[StreamlineGT]

Waaait a second! So the electrical warehouse sold it already flared and threaded?

yes, but not flared. The conduit is threaded on each end, with a threaded coupling connects them. You can see the coupling in this picture at the top close to the camera, that is 3 feet from the magic arm.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l49/streamlineGT/DPP_2164.jpg

What's the name of the place so I can see if there is something similar around here. I'm a little clueless on what electrical supplier actually refers to.

Electrical Wholesalers, Inc. here in CT. Where do you live, I can find you something? Nevermind, I can read, really I can.

i just ordered the same pole that you suggested Brendon, from Phoenix

You won't be disappointed Tony, I promise.

[StreamlineGT]

What's the name of the place so I can see if there is something similar around here. I'm a little clueless on what electrical supplier actually refers to.

http://www.ehced.com/ This is a Consolodated Electrical Distributors Company, and they are nationwide, well, they have one here in CT.

This place looks like a larger supplier as well. http://www.richardselectric.com/

[civicseth]

Awesome! Thanks for doing some research for me. I feel like a bum now. haha.

[DonJuanMair]

do you all think about the photoshopping after?
what i mean is do you think about how hard it is going to be to get the suction cups cloned out when your placing them?
im editing one pic now and its a real pain in the ass

[DonJuanMair]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3628/3329541217_69a316e73c_o.jpg

2 more to come, rig is killing me in one shot

[john owen]

do you all think about the photoshopping after?
what i mean is do you think about how hard it is going to be to get the suction cups cloned out when your placing them?
im editing one pic now and its a real pain in the ass


I do think about it and i try and take care not to cover large amounts of detailed stuff or break curved lines as these are the hard parts to replace

But I love the PS work and I'm very good at it ;-) - to me thats the fun part

[DonJuanMair]

John whats your technique...... i usually select an area and then use a combo of the clone tool and the patch tool to make it look similar.....

[sunten1]

Yeah I was borrowing your guys pictures and trying to clone the rigs out, what a pain in the butt.

I should be building my own rig in a few months.

[DonJuanMair]

ok so i really like this shot and i was wondering if anyone can help......

i have tried the clone tool, the patch tool, the healing brush tool, gradient overlay, i have tried everything!!! i cant get this one to look good

can someone have a go and maybe share with the group their techniques please.......

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/DonJuanMair/grrrr.jpg

[sunten1]

My attempt

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa81/whitea32/Untitled-1-5.jpg

[DonJuanMair]

yeah thats kind of the same result i was getting......
it just doesnt look right u know what i mean sunten?

[itzjere]

ok so i really like this shot and i was wondering if anyone can help......

i have tried the clone tool, the patch tool, the healing brush tool, gradient overlay, i have tried everything!!! i cant get this one to look good

can someone have a go and maybe share with the group their techniques please.......

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/DonJuanMair/grrrr.jpg

The hood is gonna be a hard to fix. Maybe try the same angle but attach the rig on the roof?

[DonJuanMair]

yeah i hear ya, the reason i did the hood is because my widest is 17mm on a crop body, once i get my uwa i can def use the roof

[sunten1]

yeah thats kind of the same result i was getting......
it just doesnt look right u know what i mean sunten?


Yeah the hood wasn't fun...

[itzjere]

yeah i hear ya, the reason i did the hood is because my widest is 17mm on a crop body, once i get my uwa i can def use the roof

Yep, an UWA would help, or maybe explore the option of a longer pole.

[DonJuanMair]

well i can only fit a 10ft pole in my car at the moment, im going to see how things are when i get my new pole in a few weeks and a wide lens and see how that is then maybe look at an extender

[john owen]

yeah thats kind of the same result i was getting......
it just doesnt look right u know what i mean sunten?

can you send me a hi-res please

[john owen]

Thats a hard retouch, you have part of the window, screen and bonnet to rebiuld

Cloning isn't going to cut, you need to rebuild the image.

I would make masks, selecting colour from the bonnet and 'airbrushing' it back in

[TimeAtk]

Hey guys, I have read this thread thoroughly for the past several weeks, and I have begun to build my own rig.

I bought 2 Avenger F1000 suction cups and 3 Superclamps and a Magic arm.. It seems that this setup is prett common/generic regarding suction cup rigs.

My problem is picking out the right tubing since it is not so black and white as the other materials.

Is there a general consensus about the OD and the ID of the aluminum poles?

Ive heard 2" OD and 1/8" ID on a 10ft works well.. anyone can confirm that?

[StreamlineGT]

Yes, but 10 feet is a little short, IMO.

[quickster]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3553/3332260314_ea444a525d.jpg

[TimeAtk]

Yes, but 10 feet is a little short, IMO.


Okay... if I move up to a 12ft would the rig still hold up?

[StreamlineGT]

You say you've read the thread, but ask these questions. My rig is 13 feet, 1 7/8" OD, 1/8" wall thickness (which is what I think you meant in your first post), and they held up in my first test.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=7448087&postcount=1639

[itzjere]

Hey guys, I have read this thread thoroughly for the past several weeks, and I have begun to build my own rig.

I bought 2 Avenger F1000 suction cups and 3 Superclamps and a Magic arm.. It seems that this setup is prett common/generic regarding suction cup rigs.

My problem is picking out the right tubing since it is not so black and white as the other materials.

Is there a general consensus about the OD and the ID of the aluminum poles?

Ive heard 2" OD and 1/8" ID on a 10ft works well.. anyone can confirm that?

It should be around a 1/8" wall, not ID.

As others have said, 10ft is short, but not everyone can fit that big of a pole into their car. The length is also dependent on what type of angle/shot you are trying to achieve, and more importantly, how wide your lenses are (35mm). Once you figure that out, your length of pole should be fairly easy to pick.

[Silverludebb6]

Lowes sells RMC.. right next to the EMT. I'm not sure that it is aluminum but it is RMC.

[DonNguyen]

Lowes sells RMC.. right next to the EMT. I'm not sure that it is aluminum but it is RMC.

its not aluminum, its steel...

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=73207-33483-039454&lpage=none

[Mike Bowen]

And very heavy

[DonNguyen]

yeah...i can only imagine...

i called to see how much it weighed and the guy told me 5-10 lbs....

i laughed and hung up

[Microsoft Paint]

ok so i really like this shot and i was wondering if anyone can help......

i have tried the clone tool, the patch tool, the healing brush tool, gradient overlay, i have tried everything!!! i cant get this one to look good

can someone have a go and maybe share with the group their techniques please.......

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/DonJuanMair/grrrr.jpg
I gave it a shot, I copy and pasted parts of the hood onto the rig and smudged the edges so it would blend better then smart blured it. I have the psd if you want so you can see what I have done
http://i39.tinypic.com/11to8xz.jpg

[rmodys]

I gave it a shot, I copy and pasted parts of the hood onto the rig and smudged the edges so it would blend better then smart blured it. I have the psd if you want so you can see what I have done

I know that I for one would love to see the psd if you're willing to share it with everyone.

[Microsoft Paint]

No problem, here is a link where you can download it.
http://www.sendspace.com/file/qmeifv

[z3speed4me]

agreed that is one of the hardest ones i have seen to fix... too much stuff in a small goin on... i am not good enough to even think about trying to fix that shot yet

[DonJuanMair]

Hats off to John Owen for that rig shot guys, check it out

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3412/3339075824_c235b440ca_o.jpg

[john owen]

Hats off to John Owen for that rig shot guys, check it out

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3412/3339075824_c235b440ca_o.jpg

Humm, i don't think its quite done, still needs a little work along the bonnet but its getting there

[Silverludebb6]

its not aluminum, its steel...

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=73207-33483-039454&lpage=none

Yea I know that now. lol. Weight is not my concern with my rig though. Its simply rigidity. So we will see how it turns out. haha.

[john owen]

Not sure you can see the subtle changes on the web but here is the final version
Thanks to DonJuanMair for letting me have a crack at it, this version I have finished the screen off and worked the image a little with doge and burn

[DonJuanMair]

great work john that was a hard shot indeed

[DonJuanMair]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3651/3341547529_0e8d8089bd_o.jpg

i like in this one you can see my hand driving....

[itzjere]

For those who are shooting rigged photos during the day/when the sun is out, what level of ND are you guys using?

[marcos camargo]

finally i can post my first rig shot.
this is a work for Volvo Brasil, in the launch of XC60.
thanks to Thameth and Corzy for tips and advices.

348328

348329

[Thameth]

Great work Marcos!!

[jejeje]

finally i can post my first rig shot.
this is a work for Volvo Brasil, in the launch of XC60.
thanks to Thameth and Corzy for tips and advices.


#2 is very good considering that it seems to be offroad, and not on a flat surface. Must be close to impossible to keep the rig steady. I like #1 aswell, and the car :-)

[DonJuanMair]

i think i know the secrets behind those shots, great work though.....
im going to try what i think you did next time and see if i get results like that :)

[adsayer]

Has anyone actually tried to take a stationary photo of the car after the rig shoot, in roughly the same position as where the camera was located with the rig, then used that to clone out areas on the dynamic shot?

Does that even make sense? hahah

ads

[BT-S]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3559/3342776369_32ebc147d7.jpg

[DonNguyen]

Yea I know that now. lol. Weight is not my concern with my rig though. Its simply rigidity. So we will see how it turns out. haha.

lemme know how that works out

[RedHotLama]

So most of these are above car rigs. Anyone have success with some under car attachments?

And pole size 1.75 or 2 inch.

[marcos camargo]

i think i know the secrets behind those shots, great work though.....
im going to try what i think you did next time and see if i get results like that :)

thanks! the "secret" is very simple, hehehe:cool:, I needed a sharp imagem for the client. tell me what you thinking.

[Silverludebb6]

So most of these are above car rigs. Anyone have success with some under car attachments?

And pole size 1.75 or 2 inch.

I'm working on an under car rig right now. I will post more about it when it's finished.

[itzjere]

Just got my aluminum poles in today. Decided to be a little creative with them :P

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/3345326191_8712e0bafe_o.jpg

For those who are wonder the specs, I have four 4ft 2"OD, 1.75ID tubes, coupled together by three 1ft 1.75"OD poles. Fairly light, very beefly, and minimal flex.

[Mike Bowen]

Just got my aluminum poles in today. Decided to be a little creative with them :P

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/3345326191_8712e0bafe_o.jpg

For those who are wonder the specs, I have four 4ft 2"OD, 1.75ID tubes, coupled together by three 1ft 1.75"OD poles. Fairly light, very beefly, and minimal flex.


I wanna see pics of this on the car with the arm and camera hanging! :)

[itzjere]

I wanna see pics of this on the car with the arm and camera hanging! :)

This weekend I'm hoping if school doesn't murder me first :oops:

Here is a shot of the complete setup. I'm gonna get fasteners later this week to secure all the piping together.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3307/3346221036_dd95f2c332_o.jpg

Specs:
4x 4ft 2"OD, 1.75"ID Aluminum Tubing
3x 1ft 1.75"OD Aluminum Tubing (Couple tubes together)
2x Avenger F1100 Suction Cups
3x Manfrotto/Bogen Super Clamps
Manfrotto/Bogen Magic Arm

[mellofelow]

Where did you get the alum tubing? Can it be purchased from Home Depot?

[DonJuanMair]

how do you intend to attach the poles together?

[itzjere]

Where did you get the alum tubing? Can it be purchased from Home Depot?

SpeedyMetals.com

how do you intend to attach the poles together?

I have 3x 1ft poles with an OD that matches the ID of my main tubes. I will use those to couple the sections together (very snug btw). I'm gonna also drill holes through the tube so I can use a screw to secure everything together and prevent sections from sliding out.

[RedHotLama]

Man speedy metal prices are great.

Its about 1/2 the cost of a local place even with shipping.

Also for the magic arm do you think its better to go with camera platform or quick release? I already have some quick release stuff.

[DonJuanMair]

SpeedyMetals.com



I have 3x 1ft poles with an OD that matches the ID of my main tubes. I will use those to couple the sections together (very snug btw). I'm gonna also drill holes through the tube so I can use a screw to secure everything together and prevent sections from sliding out.

cool, where did you order it from?

[itzjere]

Man speedy metal prices are great.

Its about 1/2 the cost of a local place even with shipping.

Also for the magic arm do you think its better to go with camera platform or quick release? I already have some quick release stuff.

I found that they were cheaper online than locally as well. I'm happy with my service with them.

I find the quick release really handy, esp when setting up the magic arm, I don't have to manage my heavy camera at the same time. I can set it all up first, and then snap the camera in.

cool, where did you order it from?

SpeedyMetals.com

[adsayer]

Has anyone actually tried to take a stationary photo of the car after the rig shoot, in roughly the same position as where the camera was located with the rig, then used that to clone out areas on the dynamic shot?

Does that even make sense? hahah

ads


bump...

[Thameth]

Whats the difference between Round Pipe and Round Tube at SpeedyMetals?

[itzjere]

Whats the difference between Round Pipe and Round Tube at SpeedyMetals?

Technically, none. It is all in the definition in what the thing is used for. A pipe is by definition a carrier of some material (i.e. water, gas) whereas a tube is a structure, and can be used for frame work or whatever. That being said, pipes will also include other metric measurements such as schedule, which indicates how much PSI is can handle.

In our purpose, we will be just looking at the OD, ID and wall. Generally, I found tubing cheaper as it will not have a schedule requirement and just need to fit my general requirement of OD/ID sizing.

[ep88]

http://luisbicol.smugmug.com/photos/487460335_qt4mU-L.jpg

http://luisbicol.smugmug.com/photos/487461829_cj5cA-L.jpg

http://luisbicol.smugmug.com/photos/487463241_RRNay-L.jpg

some pics of my sti
http://luisbicol.smugmug.com/photos/487467668_UupmR-L.jpg\\

http://luisbicol.smugmug.com/photos/487471668_zoG88-L.jpg

[itzjere]

^^^ Excellent photo set!

[saturnin]

what type of setup is that?

[Thameth]

Very nice ep88! Would definitely love to see some info on your rig and maybe some Exif data?

[RedHotLama]

Here is a pick of his rig in this post

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showpost.php?p=25877331&postcount=29

and just go to his smugmug page for the exif info.

http://luisbicol.smugmug.com/gallery/7545599_fjkk2#487457387_rAKwC

[Thameth]

Thanx for the links RedHot, though it looks like he has camera info blocked on his SmugMug..... Also I would suggest he not have the original files open for download like that, maybe restrict it down to smaller sizes like "Large" or "XLarge"

[itzjere]

For avenger users - I am having a problem with my cups. I mount the cups onto my car and constantly pump. But no matter how long I pump, the red line still remains. Suction is strong and very hard to take off, but I notice the red line doesn't 'disappear' or retract into the pump. Anyone else have this problem? Or maybe could give me a figure of how many times they have to pump til the red line disappears?

[RedHotLama]

Thanx for the links RedHot, though it looks like he has camera info blocked on his SmugMug..... Also I would suggest he not have the original files open for download like that, maybe restrict it down to smaller sizes like "Large" or "XLarge"

Strange about the exif. Mine doesn't do that.

[ep88]

Thanx for the links RedHot, though it looks like he has camera info blocked on his SmugMug..... Also I would suggest he not have the original files open for download like that, maybe restrict it down to smaller sizes like "Large" or "XLarge"

Yea I blocked the camera info. I totally forgot to restict the viewable pics to XL. Thanks!

f7.1, 1.6 secs, ISO 100.

[Thameth]

Thanx ep88!

[BT-S]

For avenger users - I am having a problem with my cups. I mount the cups onto my car and constantly pump. But no matter how long I pump, the red line still remains. Suction is strong and very hard to take off, but I notice the red line doesn't 'disappear' or retract into the pump. Anyone else have this problem? Or maybe could give me a figure of how many times they have to pump til the red line disappears?
thats wierd...


it usually takes me 25 or so pumps to make the red line disappear completely and i have the same cups as you

[itzjere]

thats wierd...


it usually takes me 25 or so pumps to make the red line disappear completely and i have the same cups as you

I'm gonna try it again tonight on a better surface.. maybe try wiping the suction cup off too.

I have read on other forums that other people have the same issue as me, but haven't had the suction cup fail on them either.

[DonNguyen]

itzjere...

how stable is it from you're tests?

[john owen]

http://luisbicol.smugmug.com/photos/487460335_qt4mU-L.jpg



this one is totally sick

How you finding the pumps on the scooby body work with a rig that long?

[itzjere]

itzjere...

how stable is it from you're tests?

I coupled three 4ft sections together last night, and mounted my 1D with 17-40 onto the poles with a magic arm and there was minimal deflection. I plan on putting the fourth section when i shoot, but as a counter weight.

I'll put it together again tonight and post up a picture after I'm off work, and out of class.

[DonNguyen]

be sure to take a pic of how you have it set up...

definitely might be an option for me

[john owen]

Its not just good rig shot, its a good shot + a good rig shot. Look at the composistion the light and that sun flair is nice

[rmodys]

http://luisbicol.smugmug.com/photos/487460335_qt4mU-L.jpg WOW, care to share the EXIF on this shot? Beautiful work!

For avenger users - I am having a problem with my cups. I mount the cups onto my car and constantly pump. But no matter how long I pump, the red line still remains. Suction is strong and very hard to take off, but I notice the red line doesn't 'disappear' or retract into the pump. Anyone else have this problem? Or maybe could give me a figure of how many times they have to pump til the red line disappears?I've found that it takes less pumps and tends to work better overall if you pump slowly. This is just from messing with the Avengers on my Jeep in the driveway since the rig isn't 100% finished yet.

[ep88]

this one is totally sick

How you finding the pumps on the scooby body work with a rig that long?

it's scary coz the evo has an aluminum roof so it gets deformed, good thing it didn't get any dents from the weight of my rig. same with my sti, although its roof is not aluminum...it's still pretty thin and flimsy.

[quote=rmodys;7505815]WOW, care to share the EXIF on this shot? Beautiful work!


thanks guys!

Here it is.

http://luisbicol.smugmug.com/photos/489940935_ZjFG6-O.jpg

[mcsime]

Hey every body ! In first time, I'm sorry for my bad speaking I'm french !!:cool:
I take today my first rig shot :
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/3349530792_1e2f6e52d4_o.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/3349530792_1e2f6e52d4_o.jpg)

[p4photo]

Do any of you use under car rigs? What are the pro or cons of both? Do any of you have any pictures of under care rigs and or how I would build one?

[jeremycliff]

I've been playing with my rig quite a bit lately.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3564/3338230771_c920ce3469.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3461/3265980734_e80b2fdab5.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3297/3265193441_48fbbc2fd2.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3440/3240642346_d04e98dd63.jpg

[Thameth]

Great work Jeremy!

[itzjere]

Okay, so some people requested photos of the rig setup, so here it is. No actual rig shots, but you can see how I connected each section in the photos, as well as how much deflection there is when the whole rig is put together and mounted with my 1D Mark II N + 24-105mm.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3645/3352919964_4e9df6e9fc_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3590/3352094593_000b4a0845_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3417/3352919452_6f57ee03e2_o.jpg
Note: I didn't secure these two sections together, I just coupled them together. I was too lazy to unscrew the bolts :P

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3613/3352094139_c2159ff34f_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3541/3352919020_309885f66a_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3598/3352093765_0e72fc37b8_o.jpg
Go ahead and laugh at the pillow, but it's my insurance policy :)

[Thameth]

Pillow = Awesome! :lol:

BTW, what lens is that on your cam?

[BT-S]

that pole looks 10x sturdier then mine.. im going to have to look into that..


^^ looks like a 24-105IS

[itzjere]

Pillow = Awesome! :lol:

BTW, what lens is that on your cam?

Canon 24-105mm f/4 L IS.

that pole looks 10x sturdier then mine.. im going to have to look into that..


^^ looks like a 24-105IS

It's pretty sturdy! I like it a lot. I'm gonna go out and do some shots tomorrow and see how well it handles oscillation.

[DonJuanMair]

thats a great rig

i just got one 10ft piece and two 5ft pieces, now i just need to figure a way to join them all together. Your rig has gave me some idea though

[itzjere]

thats a great rig

i just got one 10ft piece and two 5ft pieces, now i just need to figure a way to join them all together. Your rig has gave me some idea though

I like how I have coupled my pieces together. Really portable and easy to take down. I did smaller pieces so it's easier to transport. I'm looking at getting a bag to keep it all together like my lighting kit.

[DonJuanMair]

i like it too..... kinda wish i would have ordered different sizes now, did you just order different diameter sizes?

[itzjere]

i like it too..... kinda wish i would have ordered different sizes now, did you just order different diameter sizes?

Yup, pretty much.

4x 4ft 2"OD, 1.75"ID
3x 1ft 1.75"OD

[Thameth]

I think I'm about to make a sizable order to SpeedyMetals.com hehe.... Can't wait.

[itzjere]

I think I'm about to make a sizable order to SpeedyMetals.com hehe.... Can't wait.

I was very happy with my service with them. Shipping is bit high, but at the same time, we aren't shipping out a lens here.

Their service was good, filled my order and shipped it within 24 hours, and I got everything I asked for without a hitch. I recommend them. Not to mention the quality of the aluminum and cuts are very clean.. No rough edges.

[DonJuanMair]

how much did it all set you back?

[itzjere]

how much did it all set you back?

Tubing was around $87 shipped. I tried several painter poles and all failed miserably because my 1D is so heavy.. Even though it is more expensive than your standard steel pipe or painters pole, I'm very happy with it.

[DonJuanMair]

wow all of that for 87, great stuff

[Dennis Evertse]

I see you have fixed studs on your suction cups(these (http://www.teamworkphoto.com/images/manfrotto/F1100.jpg)), is this going to work on a curved car panel?

I am planning on using these: http://www.harrysproshop.com/Tripods/superclamps/241.jpg

[itzjere]

I see you have fixed studs on your suction cups(these (http://www.teamworkphoto.com/images/manfrotto/F1100.jpg)), is this going to work on a curved car panel?

I am planning on using these: http://www.harrysproshop.com/Tripods/superclamps/241.jpg

Several people that told me that, and I honestly haven't shot it on the car yet.. I will later today, so I will update you on how it goes! I've test fitted everything on my car and i don't have any problems so far.

[quickster]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1327/3352426743_4e6fcfeaa8.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1225/3353332826_b90b68cc00.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1303/3353431620_6a54ed76d0.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1077/3353394322_abd4a35cca.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1305/3353331414_f58724f017.jpg

[itzjere]

^^^ :thumbsup: (CRSX FTW)

[rmodys]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1305/3353331414_f58724f017.jpg
Awesome lighting, care to share how you mounted the camera and what flashes you used?

[BT-S]

Several people that told me that, and I honestly haven't shot it on the car yet.. I will later today, so I will update you on how it goes! I've test fitted everything on my car and i don't have any problems so far.
i have the same cups with the fixed studs, and i dont have any problem getting the clamps to hold the pole. you shouldnt have a problem..



^^ excellent shots pat bw!

[itzjere]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3549/3355326487_78f9ef8818_o.jpg

First photo with the rig setup. Gotta work on my cloning.

[gonças]

yeah only the cloning lets it down a bit. Lovely shot tho, great sharpness

[DonJuanMair]

that does lok sharp, those poles worked out nice then!

[itzjere]

Yah, poles worked out well. Able to support the body very well, and after the end of the night, I had a lot of confidence in the poles and suction cups.

I will keep working on the cloning part. Been reading some sites on how I can improve these shots. If anyone has any techniques they'd like to contribute, I'm sure we would all appreciate it.

[DonJuanMair]

What tools are you currently using?

For best resutls I found the clone tool and using darken and lighten blending modes

[itzjere]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3357264536_3f0ea580ac_o.jpg

Bahh.. this photo originally was a lot harder, but I still can't seem to get the ceiling to go well.

[itzjere]

What tools are you currently using?

For best resutls I found the clone tool and using darken and lighten blending modes

I'm using the clone tool as well.. but 'normal' blending modes.

What do darkening and lightening blending modes do?

[DonJuanMair]

if you choose lighten it will only brush over parts that are darker than the part you sample. I think that's right, I'm at work and replying on my cell so I don't hace access to photoshop.

On one I edited there was an obvious part of the hood that was clearly cloned incorrectly. So I chose lighter, because the area then looked a bit dark and sampled the area I wanted it to look like and then brushed over the dark area. It worked great.

The best thing is to experiment with lighten and darken and see the results.....

[itzjere]

if you choose lighten it will only brush over parts that are darker than the part you sample. I think that's right, I'm at work and replying on my cell so I don't hace access to photoshop.

On one I edited there was an obvious part of the hood that was clearly cloned incorrectly. So I chose lighter, because the area then looked a bit dark and sampled the area I wanted it to look like and then brushed over the dark area. It worked great.

The best thing is to experiment with lighten and darken and see the results.....

Thanks for the advice! I will definitely experiment around!

[StreamlineGT]

Finally used the segmented rig AND put it in the car. It worked great, and was even easy to setup by myself. I was all by myself, so I couldn't steady the rig by hand, so they are not as sharp as they could be. They were also 8 seconds long, which contributed to them not being sharp. Good for a second attempt I think.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l49/streamlineGT/IMG_7534.jpg

[Thameth]

Damn, you even got the reflection of the camera at the end of the rig in your front wheel LOL

Nice shot!

[Silverludebb6]

Ok I've got a question. Anyone know where I can get some clamps connected by a cable? Kinda like what is pictured here -> http://automotiverigs.com/product.html

I may hafta make my own.

[itzjere]

Tried to do a daytime one with a better background. Much easier to edit than the parking garage! Needed to use my ND8 even on an overcast day near sunset!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3444/3358542443_4c15eda558_o.jpg

[Borbor]

Yah, poles worked out well. Able to support the body very well, and after the end of the night, I had a lot of confidence in the poles and suction cups.

I will keep working on the cloning part. Been reading some sites on how I can improve these shots. If anyone has any techniques they'd like to contribute, I'm sure we would all appreciate it.

think your setup is sturdy enough to drive on?

Talking about speeds of about 40 to 50km/h

[Thameth]

think your setup is sturdy enough to drive on?

Talking about speeds of about 40 to 50km/h

I wouldn't..... Why would you need it to work at those speeds?

[itzjere]

think your setup is sturdy enough to drive on?

Talking about speeds of about 40 to 50km/h

Ehh. I wouldn't be THAT trusting.. if you hit a really solid bump or something, you could dislodge the suction cups. Why do you need to be going that fast anyways?

[DonNguyen]

itzjere....is that ur RS3? if so, are you on SL?

[itzjere]

itzjere....is that ur RS3? if so, are you on SL?

That is my roommate's car - Mystikchris.. he's on SL. But no, it's not an RS3.. he just repainted the car.

I'm on SL too.. I no longer browse but you can see my xA.. same sn.

[DiCampo]

Why do you need to be going that fast anyways?

It can help if you can only get the car for a shoot for a couple of hours during daytime. With those speeds you need a much shorter exposure to get the same results.
I wouldn't try it from the start though... Make sure you can trust your rig first. Bumps and things like that, you can go and recce the road before taking the pics.

[DonNguyen]

That is my roommate's car - Mystikchris.. he's on SL. But no, it's not an RS3.. he just repainted the car.

I'm on SL too.. I no longer browse but you can see my xA.. same sn.

cool. i'm on SL too. same SN

[itzjere]

It can help if you can only get the car for a shoot for a couple of hours during daytime. With those speeds you need a much shorter exposure to get the same results.
I wouldn't try it from the start though... Make sure you can trust your rig first. Bumps and things like that, you can go and recce the road before taking the pics.

When shooting during the daytime, you should use ND filters... I double stack two ND8 filters during the daytime to bring down the shutter speed.

[Mark1]

It can help if you can only get the car for a shoot for a couple of hours during daytime. With those speeds you need a much shorter exposure to get the same results.


What time you save will be wasted in getting the car up to speed, taking the picture. pulling over to chimp, adjust, getting back up to speed, take the picture, pull over, chimp....... In stead of having someone else drive and you walk along side and adjust as necessary.

[itzjere]

I thnk DiCampo's point was that when shooting during the day time, it's hard to get the shutter speed down since it's so bright outside (even at ISO 50/100 and f/22). If that's what you mean DiCampo, I would not suggest you drive the car fast but rather invest in ND filters.

[Borbor]

The ND isn't the problem.

The location doesn't allow for pushing.

It's the bumps I'm worried about, definitely.

[DiCampo]

That's what I meant indeed...
I just checked prices on so;e of those filters and they are less expensive than i thought.
I had gathered them at around 150EUR a pop, which would make it hard for the beginning photographer.
But yeah, the filters are definitely safer, but driving at speed makes for a more fun adventure :lol:

[itzjere]

The ND isn't the problem.

The location doesn't allow for pushing.

It's the bumps I'm worried about, definitely.

The bumps in the roads you mean? I know what you're thinking.. that when you go over a bump fast, it doesn't seem as bad as when you drive over slowly.. But when you have a pole hanging out with a good amount of weight on the end creating leverage, the faster you hit the bump, the more it will oscillate since the car will not absorb the leveraged energy. If you drive slow, you can easily stabilize the pole, and the oscillation will be much less.

Your other option is, just find a less bumpy road? Where in Toronto are you thinking about shooting? There are plenty of good roads.

[DonNguyen]

one from this weekend

http://www.ndnguyen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/rig_031409_0630.jpg

[Borbor]

The bumps in the roads you mean? I know what you're thinking.. that when you go over a bump fast, it doesn't seem as bad as when you drive over slowly.. But when you have a pole hanging out with a good amount of weight on the end creating leverage, the faster you hit the bump, the more it will oscillate since the car will not absorb the leveraged energy. If you drive slow, you can easily stabilize the pole, and the oscillation will be much less.

Your other option is, just find a less bumpy road? Where in Toronto are you thinking about shooting? There are plenty of good roads.

The oscillation is only part of my worry, it's that plus the amount of damage it might do on
a) the panels that the cup is attached to
b) whether the cups will hold due to the force from the bumps. We're talking about an undamped oscillation with a good 4 pounds attached to the end of a 12-15 foot pole with only two support points on the other end.

[itzjere]

The oscillation is only part of my worry, it's that plus the amount of damage it might do on
a) the panels that the cup is attached to
b) whether the cups will hold due to the force from the bumps. We're talking about an undamped oscillation with a good 4 pounds attached to the end of a 12-15 foot pole with only two support points on the other end.

I can understand your panel worry. I do see some roof flex on some cars that I have rigged so far. I don't think there will be any permanent damage if you push the car. Once you start driving the car, it's different game.

As for the suction cups, I read that they Avenger advertised 50lbs holding power, but are actually under-rated and can hold 200lbs.. don't quote me on that, but I was able to hang on them fine. But I was hanging on the stud. Once you add leverage, the physics and calculations and different. A 4lb camera becomes more powerful the longer the pole gets.

Again, I suggest pushing.. I don't see any reason where driving is necessary.. especially 40-50kph. I understand it can be sunny out, but that's what ND filters are for.

[brasher]

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/1103/yi7j9004cover.jpg

[Ultimate CC]

can't wait to get a rig...

[RaymondXTi]

Oh wow I love that last shot... :drool:

[jejeje]

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/1103/yi7j9004cover.jpg

Nice! Setup please ;)

[DonNguyen]

looks like an undercar set up

[StreamlineGT]

Not sure about this PP. I didn't do the whole thing, but a friend changed the coloring and most of the rig, I just did some touch up.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l49/streamlineGT/DPP_2178.jpg

[DonNguyen]

you're got some weird pixelation going on on the cement and the door

[DonNguyen]

more shots from this weeked

http://www.ndnguyen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/rig_031409_0280.jpg

http://www.ndnguyen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/rig_031409_1620.jpg

http://www.ndnguyen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/rig_031409_3330.jpg

[itzjere]

Nice photos guys.

Don - you need a longer pole, or an UWA.. get more of the scenery to tell the story!

[DonNguyen]

yeah, i was playing with angles and shooting with a fisheye

my new poles should be arriving friday...same poles you're using

[rmodys]

It's not 100% done yet so I haven't gone out and shot with it yet but I put it on my car this afternoon to see what it'll look like (only did this position, none of the rear yet). The rig is only like 13' long at this point but I'll write this model off as a starter:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d46/rmodys/rig001.jpg

Hopefully I'll be shooting with it for the first time this weekend! And considering how big the car is, I'm pretty satisfied with how much it gets in the frame, haha.