Official Automotive Rigs - DIY Thread

[illuzioo]

I love this day... I test the rig... The flex is not too much if i see the photo, but I work on this...
The second photo, but the first that i think its not bad.
Nikon 28mm F2.8 The 28mm too narrow...http://www.illuzioo.extra.hu/rigseat1.jpg

[illuzioo]

Second test at night. The rig is okay, but still too much bounce, and the magnets are isnt eough power. Difficult to build to the car. But If you find a right place, seems OK.
With Sigma 18-55
http://www.illuzioo.extra.hu/rigcivic1.jpg

[quickster]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v467/qksLvrintegra/IMG_81051WPa.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v467/qksLvrintegra/IMG_81081WPa.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v467/qksLvrintegra/IMG_80471WPa.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v467/qksLvrintegra/IMG_80651WPa.jpg

[n1nj4 m0d3]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/2914649766_2bce7f9a9c_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/2914564067_d23b3c6808_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3143/2914564229_d73542c2a0_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2915408022_c02aa8f645_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/2914564629_5266418d4e_o.jpg

[ChadAndreo]

you guys should definitely post pics of your rigs.

[n1nj4 m0d3]

my rig is posted on the first page of this thread

[corpcrim]

I still need more practice.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v398/corpcrim/Car%20Portfolio/My%2071%20240z/z03copy.jpg

[n1nj4 m0d3]

^great composition, color, sharpness, and motion! perfect! i love seeing the driver in rig shots also :)

[ChadAndreo]

my rig is posted on the first page of this thread

Thanks. I found the pics and I was wondering if could you tell me about the components you used and where did you get them from?
Also, what lens are you using?
I love the way your pics come out.

[Semmonka]

I've been following this thread for some time and started to build my own rig.
Finally managed to do first test run with my rig. My only goal was to test how bouncy that rig is. First pic seem to be sharp even when I was actually driving the car.
But when the rig is extended to its max it bounces a bit too much as can be seen on second shot. Have to find a solution to it. I did all that in hurry as it was almost
raining so I forgot to take a shot of my rig :oops: Well, will do it some day if somebody is interested in seeing my rig. Shots taken with 30D + 16-35 combo.
Well enough talking, here are the pics :D

HTTP://www.vk-photography.net/images/IMG_7883.jpg

HTTP://www.vk-photography.net/images/IMG_7893.jpg

[illuzioo]

Semmonka, your rig is suction cup based? I like to see the setup. I built the automotive-rig.com version with 3 magnets. I like it, but has a many problems. I swap the magnets to the clamps, when the fabber finish with it. I'll go tomorrow for buy the pipes for the suction-cup based version. I have got 2 5" suction cup from BETA. I will use 60mm OD alu tube with 1.5mm wall. I think it enough rigid to minimalize the bounce. The 40mm OD alu tube with 2mm wall has a lot of flex. Too lot.

[Semmonka]

Semmonka, your rig is suction cup based? I like to see the setup.


Yes I use 8" woods powr grip vacuum cups. I will write more specs in few days when I have some setup pics to show

[discoduck]

http://rcphoto.net/photography/Sep2808/2.jpg

http://rcphoto.net/photography/Sep2808/12.jpg

[illuzioo]

Nice rig work, but ps work is not too good...

[RSebaF]

just bought 2 pipes (2m each), came home, connected them to a 4m pipe...damn, really heavy! put them on a scale that showed 4,7kg!! So I guess I have to return them? :D
I've been in 3-4 different stores and none of them have had any aluminum tubes... =/ so now I have everything I need, but no tubes.... =(

[RSebaF]

returned the pipes --^

and got a painters pole instead...140mm - 200mm adjustable

so now my beta version of the rig looks like this

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3072/2931014833_3ddf080e05_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3146/2931871582_289514da70.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3209/2931871522_063cb4b3ff.jpg

the view from the cam
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/2931871456_97b4fb94ce_o.jpg

I still have to get something to make it more stable... BTW, I cant seem to find a bolt that fits onto my Manfrotto head...neither M8 or M10 bolts fit...have to be M9? dont exist in our HW stores =( must I get one from a cam-shop?

[Semmonka]

Here are the promised pics and spec of my rig. Pretty much the same design as seen here before so nothing new :rolleyes:.
The rig is made of aluminium tubes 2m long, diameter of 50mm, wall thickness 2mm. The other tube is also 2m long,
diameter 45mm, wall thickness 3mm. Basically it can be adjusted between 2m-3.5m. The rig weights just under 4 kilos
but I dont find it as a problem as the 8" vacuum cups are really strong.
The only problem I´ve seen so far is that 50mm tube bends little bit too much as it is so thin. I have work around for
that in mind and have to try that in near future (if the weather allows :confused: )

Few pics of the setup

HTTP://www.vk-photography.net/images/mountedrig.jpg

HTTP://www.vk-photography.net/images/monopodmount.jpg

HTTP://www.vk-photography.net/images/polemount.jpg

HTTP://www.vk-photography.net/images/monomount1.jpg

HTTP://www.vk-photography.net/images/monomount2.jpg

[Semmonka]

returned the pipes --^

BTW, I cant seem to find a bolt that fits onto my Manfrotto head...neither M8 or M10 bolts fit...have to be M9? dont exist in our HW stores =( must I get one from a cam-shop?


Are you talking about the screw that fixes Manfrotto head to legs?
If so it is not a metric screw. It most propably is 3/8-16 screw and you should be able to find it in your local shop that is specialized in bolts and nuts. The bolt that fixes camera to the head is 1/4-20. Easy to find as well

[illuzioo]

Here is my first setup.
The magnets can be swapped for pinch-s.
http://www.illuzioo.extra.hu/rig.jpg

[RSebaF]

tried my rig out for the first time just now..think it turned out alright... still need to be more stable

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3159/2934264254_0bebe8fbf2_b.jpg

[Thameth]

Here is my first setup.
The magnets can be swapped for pinch-s.
http://www.illuzioo.extra.hu/rig.jpg

VERY well done! Would love to see a materials break down if you ever get a chance. That has to be one of the closest to the actual Automotive Rigs setup i've seen so far on here....

[RSebaF]

Are you talking about the screw that fixes Manfrotto head to legs?
If so it is not a metric screw. It most propably is 3/8-16 screw and you should be able to find it in your local shop that is specialized in bolts and nuts.

jupp, that's the one. thanks! have to ask my contact at Bauhaus :lol:
where did you get your aluminum pipes? looks alot better than my setup =P
and could you post a shot that shows how you fastened the unipod to the pipe end? Kiitos

[Semmonka]

could you post a shot that shows how you fastened the unipod to the pipe end? Kiitos

Added few pics above to show the end of the tube. Hope it helps

[illuzioo]

Hey guys! I found a hybrid setup on the YouTube. Undercarry, but suction cup based. Easy to retuch. Only problem, I cant imagine how I can shoot the car's front with this setup. I build a suction cup based rig similiar to Semmonka's setup, and the pipes will interchangeable for this type of rig. If I make this, take pictures... I hope the next week i finish the rig.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4XQwjOH_ik

[Ununknown]

Hi im new to this forum and photography (with slrs) itself. First thing i want to ask is if anyone can give me a link to a GOOD tutorial that will teach me how to use the clone stamp tool and you know, blend everything with each other, and acheive a blur and..you know...the WORKS. I watched many tutorials on how to use the clone stamp tool in photoshop but none of them help. I really need to figure this out because if i dont, then there wont be a reason to make a vehicle rig and then i wont be able to get photos like this:

http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/3397/wall800zm2.jpg

[ I am not the person who took this photo and dont know who to give credit to because i found it on a spanish forum, and if you were going to ask, then no, i am not spanish] Thanks!

[roger767]

Hello Guys,

Im looking to buy my rig, And I'm wondering if there is something to connect the superclamp to the Manfrotto 241. In the netherlands they only sell the M 241, not the avenger F1000 which I rather have.

super clamp
http://www.teamworkphoto.com/images/manfrotto/035.jpg

manfrotto 241
http://www.ars-imago.ch/images/241FB.jpg

[Xerox]

Hi im new to this forum and photography (with slrs) itself. First thing i want to ask is if anyone can give me a link to a GOOD tutorial that will teach me how to use the clone stamp tool and you know, blend everything with each other, and acheive a blur and..you know...the WORKS. I watched many tutorials on how to use the clone stamp tool in photoshop but none of them help. I really need to figure this out because if i dont, then there wont be a reason to make a vehicle rig and then i wont be able to get photos like this:

http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/3397/wall800zm2.jpg

[ I am not the person who took this photo and dont know who to give credit to because i found it on a spanish forum, and if you were going to ask, then no, i am not spanish] Thanks!

I believe that photo is by Jeff Creech. His handle is creechjs on POTN.

And in regards to your cloning question. There are different techniques but all require practice, practice, practice. Also placement of rig and background can make it easier.

[zeronine]

Hi all, total newbie when it comes to good photography. This thread inspired me so I built a rig and tried to get something worthwhile. Here is what I came up with.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3138/2935552293_cb3e777256_o.jpg

You can check the EXIF data on the shot to get the details, but it was a 1.6 sec exposure at f/22 using a 10/22mm lens at 12 mm focal length. This was the 2nd exposure, and the only one that turned out somewhat nice. Security ran us off so we only got 10 shots :(


The rig is made from:
2 - Harbor Freight suction cups ($5/ea)
1 - 10' stick of 3/4" EMT ($5)
1 - 12" piece of 3/8" all-thread
2 - 3/8" thread couplings
1 - 3/8 eyebolt
11' - 1/8" steel cable
2 - 3/16" eyebolts
1 - 4" flat T cabinetry brace
1 - turnbuckle
some misc nuts, washers and bolts

I used a Manfrotto 486 RC2 ballhead and a Manfrotto superclamp to mount the camera to the rig.

Here are pics of the main assemblies:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3227/2936593668_1524229275_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/2935737789_554d8b9b02_o.jpg


Please let me know what I could do to improve on the rig and the shot.

Thanks a lot!

[Ununknown]

There are different techniques for cloning? could you tell me some of them so i can search/read about them? Also, how do i do the motion blur like in the photo. Again, im fairly new to all of this and just recently got Photoshop CS3 Extended and im still playing around with it so...yeah. Thanks in advanced!

[jejeje]

There are different techniques for cloning? could you tell me some of them so i can search/read about them? Also, how do i do the motion blur like in the photo. Again, im fairly new to all of this and just recently got Photoshop CS3 Extended and im still playing around with it so...yeah. Thanks in advanced!

If you do a google for cloing phonoshop cs3 (http://www.google.com/search?client=opera&rls=en&q=cloning+photoshop+cs3&sourceid=opera&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8) you'll find lots of information on how to clone, even tutorial videos. :)

The motion blur isn't something you add in post production with Photoshop. When using long shutter speeds and the car, rig and camera moves relative to the background you get the motion blur when you take the shot. That's the whole point of using a rig. :)

[illuzioo]

zeronine: i think the main problem is the EMT pole. Too little diameter. This cause flexibility. if the dia' is bigger, the flexibility is smaller. Second problem is the mounting to the suction cups. Too high and too flex. See semmonka's setup. The pipe is ON the suction cup. But i know, this suction cups not the best four mounting. I have exactly the same type, and i know, not simple to mount the pipe for it. :S

[RSebaF]

small update on my rig. Got a 2m alu pipe today, 30mm thick with 2mm walls. Worked my existing painters pole into it so when it's all done you can chose from 2m to a few cm under 4m... this is the setup 80% done.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3195/2938269037_a3c55b90f2_o.jpg

as it is when attached
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/2938273711_3645857676_o.jpg

same distance, other angle (didnt have the energy to move it so i just measured with my eyes =)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3036/2939125850_ecba1c3ea8_o.jpg

[quickster]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v467/qksLvrintegra/IMG_78011.jpg

[n1nj4 m0d3]

i am seriously scared of the suction cups you guys are using. that's a lot of money to put in trust with a couple of $20 suction cup...

here's my latest set:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/2937609268_d8564755df_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3174/2930365149_f9c30ca671_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3180/2937609732_a117c86e2d_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/2937607776_4c1328eb2b_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3142/2936756575_9999d2e729_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3051/2936756677_cac2aa9482_o.jpg

the rest of the pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/n1nj4_m0d3/sets/72157607928626615/

white balance is off and i forgot to change my iso back to 100 after an earlier photoshoot...

[RSebaF]

i am seriously scared of the suction cups you guys are using. that's a lot of money to put in trust with a couple of $20 suction cup...

I'm not to comfortable with them if I'm honest =D but so far so good... I keep a pile of "pillows" under the cam just in case :o
the cups I use are MEANT to hold 60kg of weight (I've used the exact same cups for carrying around twenty 40kg windows with the exact cups, no problemo.) and as long as they are fastened correctly and the surface is clean, they should hold up...

edit: sweet pics & cars!

[zeronine]

The cups are rated to 80lbs, and I tested them with some material at the hardware store - they are very strong. I did cover the car with moving blankets when we first attached the rig though until we were confident they would hold. :)

So what about composition of the shot? Do you guys think the blur is too much? How else can I get the car sharper in the frame?

[Deanphoto]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3227/2936593668_1524229275_o.jpg


My god. I would never, and I mean never, use suction cups this small.

These are known for damaging cars! I wouldn't even stick it on my girlfriends 1996 Renault Clio poobox, their that un-reliable.

Seriously, do not put these on anyone else's car but your own...don't say I didn't warn you.

[zeronine]

My god. I would never, and I mean never, use suction cups this small.

Dean - you take some awesome shots. What would you use? (links please)

[goretro77]

here is mine:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y75/goretro77/1012_2008_ontherun/_D305206_rotated_11_done.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y75/goretro77/1012_2008_ontherun/_D305359_rotated_done.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y75/goretro77/1012_2008_ontherun/_D305245_rotated_11_done.jpg

[RSebaF]

anyone know how strong the Manfrotto 241FB cup is? thinking about ordering one for the back of my rig, and use the excisting low budget cup in the front (dont need as much grip as the rear). Is the FB any good?

[elysium]

I got lazy and ordered a kit to get me going and give me ideas for my own. Got delivered this morning but I am stuck at work. :(

[RSebaF]

got to try out my rig yesterday

http://sfurstenborg.1g.fi/kuvat/Mitsubishi%20Evo%205/IMG_0184%20copy%20copy%20copy.jpg/_medium.jpg

[elysium]

Quick test from today. Not as impressive at most of the work on here but it holds very well!

Just put it together outside a friends house.

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/9581/img1143ja7.jpg

[DavidPhoto]

Quick test from today. Not as impressive at most of the work on here but it holds very well!

Just put it together outside a friends house.




What kit did you buy? some shots of the rig?

[elysium]

What kit did you buy? some shots of the rig?
Its a Pro Mount SM8 via Fast Films (https://sslrelay.com/www.fastfilmsshop.co.uk/sess/utn;jsessionid=1548b98cd99ae37/shopdata/0002_Mounts+for+camcorders=2C+cameras+and+bullet+c ameras/0010_Suction+mounts/product_details.shopscript?article=0290_Pro%2Bmoun t%2B%3D28SM8%3D29)

Just after getting back in. Only thing not show is the extra collar

http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/8742/img1146mediumba2.jpg

[DavidPhoto]

cool! those rods look pretty nice. thx

[elysium]

Not had much time to review it but I will have a chance to do that on Sunday. Will feedback the results.

[goretro77]

Not had much time to review it but I will have a chance to do that on Sunday. Will feedback the results.

Thanks for posting elysium - please let us know how far you can get the camera from the car. Good luck with the rig.

I am having fun with mine. :)

[illuzioo]

elysium! looks great! I like this setup, but difficult to make full-car shot with this setup. Need very-wide angle, and a lot or retouching. Or not? What lens are used to take this photo?

[elysium]

elysium! looks great! I like this setup, but difficult to make full-car shot with this setup. Need very-wide angle, and a lot or retouching. Or not? What lens are used to take this photo?
Agreed! This rig will not be really suitable for a full car shot and would need to look at a longer arm/magnets for the underside for that.

My shot was taken with a 12-24 on a 5D so nearly the widest I could get. With that config, you can just about see the end of thoe pole and maybe make out the base of one of the mounts. Was a quick muck about so not too bothered about cloning but I can see me editing a bit when coming to PP.

This rig really does depend on all three arms for support and mounting so really, full car shots might not be suitable. It is stable as hell so chasing rig shots could possibly work pretty easy.

[elysium]

Thanks for posting elysium - please let us know how far you can get the camera from the car. Good luck with the rig.

I am having fun with mine. :)
Cool. I shall have photos of the whole setup for you guys by about Sunday evening.

[clean-car-shots]

i made a rig today.. it sucks because i still need to make something so it can attach to the bottom of the car or get suction cup for the roof.. i guess i should do both so i can take different shots.. i have spent 15 dollars so far on my rig :)

[elysium]

i made a rig today.. it sucks because i still need to make something so it can attach to the bottom of the car or get suction cup for the roof.. i guess i should do both so i can take different shots.. i have spent 15 dollars so far on my rig :)
I would recommend margets to start with. I can see they are easy to clone out plus it is easy to get in real low. From there, your support could be something to raise to get up high.

Ill have to build mine once I am used to this one.

[illuzioo]

For the undercarriage rig, ia find a little mod to use. Need a cheap suction cup, and steel cable. Mount the rig with the magnets. And support them by mounting a suction cup to the door or any flat panel, and attach to the rig with a steel cable. The magnets power just help to mount the rig, the suction cup with the steel cable is hold it. Not too bad for post process. If the rain stops, I try the modded version....
http://www.illuzioo.extra.hu/rigmod.jpg

[elysium]

I have up on editing and cloning. Realised just now that i would have removed one leg at a time, taken a shot and then merged in PS.

This was one set of shots prior to a suction cup coming off
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/5830/img1232oa8.jpg

Heres one showing my dirty sensor :lol: I think it needs a clean
http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/1225/smallxd8.jpg

Am I happy? Yes with the rig, no at having to now clean sensor. :lol:

[n1nj4 m0d3]

^way too much post processing, not enough car :(

[elysium]

^way too much post processing, not enough car :(
Ah, if you want more car, await tomorrow. Today was just merely another day to try it out on another car. Test the tolerances and to highlight that my ND grad is a must.

[elysium]

Here we go. Two M3's from the weekend.

http://www.clarity-rebirth.co.uk/Evo/9.jpg

http://www.clarity-rebirth.co.uk/Evo/10.jpg

[Deanphoto]

Here we go. Two M3's from the weekend.


Mitesh,

Don't take this the wrong way.

Here's my thoughts on the 2 pics, I might be pointing out the obvious here:

1 - Somebody in the background, too much vibration, break neck composition, shooting in a car park and I think you could do with another metre on the rig.

2 - Same as above but - Better comp, can see a lot of the rig in the reflection, halo around the front end from PP, window is half open.

They both need some levels adjustment/contrast, neither pop and they look a tad under?

Also, I can't see how a graduated ND will really help you out? You'll end up ender-exposing the top of the car?

[elysium]

Mitesh,

Don't take this the wrong way.

Here's my thoughts on the 2 pics, I might be pointing out the obvious here:

1 - Somebody in the background, too much vibration, break neck composition, shooting in a car park and I think you could do with another metre on the rig.

2 - Same as above but - Better comp, can see a lot of the rig in the reflection, halo around the front end from PP, window is half open.

They both need some levels adjustment/contrast, neither pop and they look a tad under?

Also, I can't see how a graduated ND will really help you out? You'll end up ender-exposing the top of the car?
All taken on board.

Only reason why I thought of using an ND was to save me at f22 everytime and give me a longer SS to work with. And that was me in the bg, I could not run fast enough. :(

These were more to see what I could do with the rig rather than paid work. What I need to do is find a method of keeping the camera static once the shot has been taken with the rig.

To remove the rig and keep the camera in exactly the same place was more the biggest challenge for the day. I have an idea, tripod with a ballhead connected to a hot shoe connection. It slides on the camera and keeps it in place while I move the rig off allowing me to clone and merge parts such as lights which are not viewable during the rig shot.

I still have a LOONGGG way before I live up to your standards or have something as good as your work. Still one of my greatest influences, even if you do shoot Noink. :lol:

[n1nj4 m0d3]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3023/2959764255_0fcd69766f_o.jpg

[civicseth]

That looks like a rolling shot instead of a rig shot.

[n1nj4 m0d3]

thanks! i'll take that as a compliment :)

[rnourse]

Guys I have a question on the parts list here...

For the car side of the rig I need 2 Avenger cups with baby swivels... and two super clamps to connect the pole to the cups... The Avenger cups (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=67896&is=REG)have a stud out the top that looks like it could snap right into the super clamp (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=546356&is=REG)system... am I right about that?

Then I need another super clamp for the camera end and a small adapater (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=546376&is=REG)to connect my 488RC ball head to the superclamp.

Does that look right to you guys?

[rnourse]

nevermind... finally got to the last 10 pages of the thread... looks like the superclamps will clamp right onto the post on the avengers. No other studs or hardware required!

[General Kratos]

Can I play?

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg227/TYCPhotography/Car%20Photography/Sneak%20Peek/Dennis1.jpg


http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg227/TYCPhotography/Car%20Photography/Sneak%20Peek/TrietBMW.jpg

[RSebaF]

Can I play?

yes you can =) and boy can you! nice shots. length of rig and lens type, asap.

[General Kratos]

yes you can =) and boy can you! nice shots. length of rig and lens type, asap.

12ft total in length using the Canon 10-22mm.

[elysium]

Wow, nice work! Managed to get a picture of the rig?

[General Kratos]

Wow, nice work! Managed to get a picture of the rig?

Ofcourse, it's just edited out. :lol:

This was a last minute rig that I built up on a trip to MN for a few photoshoots, using a buddies setup and my poles. They consisted of :

2 suction cups
3 Bungie cord
3 4' backdrop poles
1 funky arm(that looks kinda like the magic arm but more of a head)

There was way too much wobble but I did what I could, with what I had.

I have an underbody rig as well(magnet) but my new one will be just about the same setup consisting of :

3 suction cups
4 super clamps
4 2" T6 aluminum poles(different lengths)
1 magic arm

This latest setup should have NO movement issues at all hopefully! Best of all, it'll be compatible with the magnet and the suction cups too.

[elysium]

What my issue is is my rig works on a three suction cup config so im still trying to figure out the best way to get a stationary shot of the motor without the rig as some angles mean its impossible to clone.

I have an idea, just need to try it. Maybe this weekend.

[corpcrim]

Yeah I definitely need more practice and a longer rig.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v398/corpcrim/Car%20Portfolio/My%2071%20240z/z04.jpg

[Konstantinos]

Tried my extended setup the other day, approx 15 or 16 feet long =X

http://digitalremix.net/upload/uploads/1/z06_3280.jpg

edit: here's an unedited shot
http://digitalremix.net/upload/uploads/1/z06_orig_3293.jpg

[quickster]

dont run into the wall!!! lol.

[Konstantinos]

lol, this is why i didn't post it as part of his shoot =X

[quickster]

lol, this is why i didn't post it as part of his shoot =X

i was just playing..still a great shot tho.:p

[n1nj4 m0d3]

Yeah I definitely need more practice and a longer rig.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v398/corpcrim/Car%20Portfolio/My%2071%20240z/z04.jpg
i like this shot a lot. clean lines and the background compliments the car :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/n1nj4_m0d3/2963736592/
^ click link

am i the retarded one here? someone help me out! i thought i've done enough rigs to know what i'm doing...

[ep88]

some pics I took last sunday

http://luisbicol.smugmug.com/photos/399832651_BpbWR-L.jpg

http://luisbicol.smugmug.com/photos/398935862_2XRLG-L.jpg

http://luisbicol.smugmug.com/photos/398243522_5A5Ss-L.jpg

[n1nj4 m0d3]

http://luisbicol.smugmug.com/photos/398935862_2XRLG-L.jpg

DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANGbw!

[General Kratos]

Konstantinos, love that first shot. But I would invest in a magic arm if I was you. So that you can get away from editing out less of that rig. That top left corner looks like a pain in the ass to clone out.

[quickster]

some pics I took last sunday

http://luisbicol.smugmug.com/photos/399832651_BpbWR-L.jpg

http://luisbicol.smugmug.com/photos/398935862_2XRLG-L.jpg

http://luisbicol.smugmug.com/photos/398243522_5A5Ss-L.jpg

DAMMMNN

[Konstantinos]

Konstantinos, love that first shot. But I would invest in a magic arm if I was you. So that you can get away from editing out less of that rig. That top left corner looks like a pain in the ass to clone out.

Thanks, I have a magic arm already, it was just placed at a weird angle in that particular photo. Thankfully with smooth flowing backgrounds clone stamping is a breeze, it's the 1 or 2 second shutter speed backgrounds that are a pain to edit because they're not too blurry to start with.

[General Kratos]

Thanks, I have a magic arm already, it was just placed at a weird angle in that particular photo. Thankfully with smooth flowing backgrounds clone stamping is a breeze, it's the 1 or 2 second shutter speed backgrounds that are a pain to edit because they're not too blurry to start with.

You are in great shape then. You have the range and the stability. You only have one height(besides mounting it on the roof) for that rig then right?

[Konstantinos]

You are in great shape then. You have the range and the stability. You only have one height(besides mounting it on the roof) for that rig then right?

Yes sir, although for another $50 or so I can make the height adjustable as well, but lately I've spent too much money on misc camera parts lol. Need to take some more pics and use that money to buy more gear. It just never ends =X I just ordered a softbox tonight that I plan on using to light paint, hopefully I get some good results. I tried it with a fluorescent light strip on my s2000 (www.flickr.com/itscostas) but then I couldn't power it with a car's ac adapter, so I need something more portable. If I can pull off the light painting in combination with a rig shot, it should look pretty kewl.

[isam250]

newbie here.heres some of my rig shots. need a better one.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/2867672328_6910aa882c_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/2802737246_ef521336df_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3205/2832480292_6b15f9251c_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/2679669522_ccfc2a7e8c_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/2679669096_7723b1953a_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3080/2679668724_5455c97898_b.jpg

http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data//3376/javyrolling.jpg

http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data//3376/toerolling.jpg

[General Kratos]

Yes sir, although for another $50 or so I can make the height adjustable as well, but lately I've spent too much money on misc camera parts lol. Need to take some more pics and use that money to buy more gear. It just never ends =X I just ordered a softbox tonight that I plan on using to light paint, hopefully I get some good results. I tried it with a fluorescent light strip on my s2000 (www.flickr.com/itscostas (http://www.flickr.com/itscostas)) but then I couldn't power it with a car's ac adapter, so I need something more portable. If I can pull off the light painting in combination with a rig shot, it should look pretty kewl.

Beautiful. Love your work.

[General Kratos]

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg227/TYCPhotography/Car%20Photography/MN%20Photoshoot/Triet/T7.jpg

[Konstantinos]

here's one from 5 hours ago or so

http://digitalremix.net/upload/uploads/1/xB_3552_edit2.jpg

[jejeje]

here's one from 5 hours ago or so

Nice! I like it. How long is the pole of the rig?

[Konstantinos]

Thanks :) Pole is about 16 feet long, but this shot was rotated and cropped so it doesn't look nearly as far away as the original.

[illuzioo]

Thanks :) Pole is about 16 feet long, but this shot was rotated and cropped so it doesn't look nearly as far away as the original.


Rotated??? i cant imagine how looks the original... xD

16ft long pole? You don't have flexibility problems? I see the tensioner part of the rig, but the 16ft is very long.... :D
I wait for my wide-angle, and the suction cup based rig's some parts...

[hene-]

so i looked through about 30 different pages and didnt see any motorcycle shots. anyone ever rig a 2 wheeler? the only other vehicle i saw was the golf cart.

Here is one:
http://hene.daug.net/linkit/IMG_2942.jpg

[n1nj4 m0d3]

^wow that is sweet! where was the rig mounted?

[Konstantinos]

Rotated??? i cant imagine how looks the original... xD

16ft long pole? You don't have flexibility problems? I see the tensioner part of the rig, but the 16ft is very long.... :D
I wait for my wide-angle, and the suction cup based rig's some parts...

i used to, but the tensioner kind of fixed it a little. also, the further away the camera as (assuming you're using a wide angle) the less noticeable vibrations are. i physically grabbed the camera and shook it up and down with a 5 second shutter speed just out of curiosity, and the image still looked pretty nice. the further away the camera, the more bounce you get, but at the same time, the less visible it is in the pic, so it kind of cancels out.

Here is one:

gangsterrr!! i have no idea how to do bikes yet

[hene-]

^wow that is sweet! where was the rig mounted?

Thanks man!

Rig was mounted under the bike. It was selfmade rig, and main attachment was bolted to shock absorder bolt. I also had to make some anchors, to make rig stable.

[quickster]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3234/2981272208_27b57636fa_o.jpg

[MacDogg]

Konstantinos,
Are you anywhere near Austin? I would like to peak at your rig if you are.

[azncarbos]

Alright after looking at this thread for about month now, I want to build a rig, but can't really seeing me forking over $250 for DIY rig yet, so I trying to looking through this thread for a good starting point and not spend a lot of money too, any thoughts? plus I will be using this as project I'm shooting for school. Thanks

[DonNguyen]

long time lurker, first time posting...

i built my rig last night and here's a test shot.

http://blog.ndnguyen.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/rig_110608_002.jpg

[MacDogg]

Looks good for your first shot, Don!!

Alright after looking at this thread for about month now, I want to build a rig, but can't really seeing me forking over $250 for DIY rig yet, so I trying to looking through this thread for a good starting point and not spend a lot of money too, any thoughts? plus I will be using this as project I'm shooting for school. Thanks

Same here, although I just saw this thread a few days ago. I already have a parts list and thanks to aridan for answering one last question for me.
I'll drop that kinda cash for this, though, as I think I can charge my GTO club about $5 a piece and do shoots for a bunch of them. That will help get my money back and be able to get awesome pics like these (I hope!!).
This looks like what I will need. Still trying to figure out where to get the pole, though.

www.bhphotovideo.com or www.adorama.com
1 x 10' EMT pole - $8
2 x Avenger F1000 suction cups - $48.50 ($97)
3 x Manfrotto super clamps - $24.95 ($74.85)
1 x Manfrotto 484 Mini ball head - $45
1 x Manfrotto 037 Reversible Short Stud, with 3/8" & 1/4"-20 Threads $5.95

[DonNguyen]

does anyone have a materials list for the part of the rigging that would help stabilize it? I want to call it the flyer, but i'm not too sure on the name. Konstantinos has one in his shot.

[JDMist3hFastar]

Would my 17-85 be wide enough for most rig shots? I guess that all just depends on the length of the rig...

[DonNguyen]

took a few more tonight

http://blog.ndnguyen.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/rig_110708_014.jpg

[aCiD99]

Built mine the last few weeks, spent all last weekend working with it and working out the bugs, some of the highlights;

http://dl-client.getdropbox.com/u/2099/pics/rigtest.jpg

http://dl-client.getdropbox.com/u/2099/pics/rigtest5.jpg

http://dl-client.getdropbox.com/u/2099/pics/rigtest7.jpg

http://dl-client.getdropbox.com/u/2099/pics/laffs1.jpg

Already got plans to build an entirely new one from what I learned from this one, going bigger, longer, everything better!

Gonna shoot an F-250 super duty with it tomorrow out of boredom. :)

[azncarbos]

Looks good for your first shot, Don!!



Same here, although I just saw this thread a few days ago. I already have a parts list and thanks to aridan for answering one last question for me.
I'll drop that kinda cash for this, though, as I think I can charge my GTO club about $5 a piece and do shoots for a bunch of them. That will help get my money back and be able to get awesome pics like these (I hope!!).
This looks like what I will need. Still trying to figure out where to get the pole, though.

www.bhphotovideo.com (http://www.bhphotovideo.com) or www.adorama.com (http://www.adorama.com)
1 x 10' EMT pole - $8
2 x Avenger F1000 suction cups - $48.50 ($97)
3 x Manfrotto super clamps - $24.95 ($74.85)
1 x Manfrotto 484 Mini ball head - $45
1 x Manfrotto 037 Reversible Short Stud, with 3/8" & 1/4"-20 Threads $5.95

Thanks for the list of parts, but right now I'm not looking to spend that much yet.....

[azncarbos]

took a few more tonight

http://blog.ndnguyen.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/rig_110708_014.jpg


Very nice shot!!! what is rig looking if i may ask? Thanks

[DonNguyen]

its just the 2 suction rig...

i need to make it more stable, but need to figure out what parts i need

[azncarbos]

its just the 2 suction rig...

i need to make it more stable, but need to figure out what parts i need



did you the glass mover sustion? b/c I trying to figure out that best way to make it without breaking the bank. for more stable you can some kind of counterweight or add line to hold the camera down.

[EGD]

some of mine;

http://dfimages.smugmug.com/photos/407063714_sJnJt-L.jpg

http://dfimages.smugmug.com/photos/407063970_x42L2-L.jpg

http://dfimages.smugmug.com/photos/408887962_ShNVv-L.jpg

http://dfimages.smugmug.com/photos/408887807_efH7n-L.jpg

http://dfimages.smugmug.com/photos/407064109_RaoTv-L.jpg.

and something different;

http://dfimages.smugmug.com/photos/413157686_JqK9K-L.jpg

[aCiD99]

When rig shots go wrong?...

Ready to start rolling it out:
http://dl-client.getdropbox.com/u/2099/pics/meaclez1.jpg

Rolling it out, camera slams down so hard it can't even write to SSM...
http://dl-client.getdropbox.com/u/2099/pics/meaclez2.jpg

Oops, the last picture
http://dl-client.getdropbox.com/u/2099/pics/meaclez3.jpg

Right before he pulled the line lock:
http://dl-client.getdropbox.com/u/2099/pics/meaclez4.jpg

The culprit:
http://bradgoldring.com/temp_host/stang/windsor/gn4.jpg

Friend's 11s GN

And for some reason I didn't even freak out :)

[DonNguyen]

did you the glass mover sustion? b/c I trying to figure out that best way to make it without breaking the bank. for more stable you can some kind of counterweight or add line to hold the camera down.

i used the avengers...

here are some more shots

http://blog.ndnguyen.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/kenny_110908_0001.jpg

http://blog.ndnguyen.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/kenny_110908_0020.jpg

http://blog.ndnguyen.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/kenny_110908_0058.jpg

http://blog.ndnguyen.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/kenny_110908_0092.jpg

http://blog.ndnguyen.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/kenny_110908_0121.jpg

[azncarbos]

some of mine;

http://dfimages.smugmug.com/photos/407063714_sJnJt-L.jpg

http://dfimages.smugmug.com/photos/407063970_x42L2-L.jpg

http://dfimages.smugmug.com/photos/408887962_ShNVv-L.jpg

http://dfimages.smugmug.com/photos/408887807_efH7n-L.jpg

http://dfimages.smugmug.com/photos/407064109_RaoTv-L.jpg.





Nice GE8!!! is the rear the mugen one?

[azncarbos]

i used the avengers...

here are some more shots

http://blog.ndnguyen.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/kenny_110908_0001.jpg

http://blog.ndnguyen.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/kenny_110908_0020.jpg

http://blog.ndnguyen.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/kenny_110908_0058.jpg

http://blog.ndnguyen.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/kenny_110908_0092.jpg

http://blog.ndnguyen.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/kenny_110908_0121.jpg

Alright...Thanks

Very nice work!

[EGD]

azncabos: yes its a mugen rear bumper, its a sports model just been released here in new zealand. cheers

[azncarbos]

azncabos: yes its a mugen rear bumper, its a sports model just been released here in new zealand. cheers

That hot! I have the GD3, with the mugen body kit I'm starting to like the new Fit!

[Konstantinos]

Konstantinos,
Are you anywhere near Austin? I would like to peak at your rig if you are.

I'm in the Houston area =]

[TTE_2007]

What a great thread, I have to try this soon!

[DisrupTer911]

DonNguyen, were you driving the car or pushing it around slowly?

[DonNguyen]

car was rolling down a hill, engine off

[hene-]

some of mine;



Nice rig shots!

[MacDogg]

Sweet!! I think that is all the stuff I need for some shots tonight or tomorrow!
Package Status: Delivered
UPS has delivered the shipment.
Delivered On: 11/14/2008 11:53 A.M.

[mk-photography]

awesome thread i need to make one soon

[MacDogg]

Here is my very first shot. I am happy with it because the way I see it, I can only get better!

http://www.macdogg.com/hosted/ls1gto/Texas/IMG_8208a.jpg

[mellofelow]

Here is my very first shot. I am happy with it because the way I see it, I can only get better!

Yeah... good shot for your first trial. What's your rig setup? Post a demo pic if possible. Thx.

[MacDogg]

three super clamps, two avenger pumps, mini 484, 10 ft. EMT pole from Home Depot (electrical conduit) and I wrapped the pole with foam thinking in case it falls, it won't be metal on car damage.

[mellofelow]

three super clamps, two avenger pumps, mini 484, 10 ft. EMT pole from Home Depot (electrical conduit) and I wrapped the pole with foam thinking in case it falls, it won't be metal on car damage.
Cool... thanks again. Is it pretty sturdy on the camera end? I'm going to give this a try too.

[MacDogg]

Cool... thanks again. Is it pretty sturdy on the camera end? I'm going to give this a try too.
It was perfect when the car rolling. It was a little shaky with the LS2 rumbling but the car was not blurry in the pic I took.

[dougboy]

This thread has been quite helpful/inspirational when it comes to building my own rig. My rig is very simple. Just two of those cheap $10 suction cups, a painters pole and a tripod head with quick release.

At first, i only used one pole. Was a bit unpredictable

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/Dougboy/Automotive/RigUnedited.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/Dougboy/Automotive/RearRig2-1.jpg

Then i added another painters pole and binded it on with some of those all purpose tethers. Gave me much more stability

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/Dougboy/Automotive/DSC_0192.jpg

[mellofelow]

Wow... the last shot was 5 seconds??!! Now that's a steady rig! Thanks for sharing.

[elysium]

Heres one from me.

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/9562/img5552xi8.jpg

Edited

http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/5257/13hr0.jpg

[gscharton]

C&C please!!!!

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a203/akagmo/November/Copy1.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a203/akagmo/November/Copy2.jpg

[illuzioo]

gscharton: what type of rig you use to this pics?

[MacDogg]

I took some pictures last night and I am not too happy with the color. There is a lot of yellow in two of these. I think the black one can be made a little 'flash'ier somehow.
Anyone care to show me what can be done to make these better? I messed around in Lightroom and made a few adjustments but it still doesn't 'pop'. These are only edited to remove the rig, nothing more.

8500a.jpg (http://www.macdogg.com/hosted/POTN/IMG_8500a.jpg)
8507a.jpg (http://www.macdogg.com/hosted/POTN/IMG_8507a.jpg)
8540a.jpg (http://www.macdogg.com/hosted/POTN/IMG_8540a.jpg)

[rigshots]

I took some pictures last night and I am not too happy with the color. There is a lot of yellow in two of these. I think the black one can be made a little 'flash'ier somehow.
Anyone care to show me what can be done to make these better? I messed around in Lightroom and made a few adjustments but it still doesn't 'pop'. These are only edited to remove the rig, nothing more.

8500a.jpg (http://www.macdogg.com/hosted/POTN/IMG_8500a.jpg)
8507a.jpg (http://www.macdogg.com/hosted/POTN/IMG_8507a.jpg)
8540a.jpg (http://www.macdogg.com/hosted/POTN/IMG_8540a.jpg)

The orange light comes from Sodium Vapour lighting which is commonly used.

1/ Avoid shooting under Sodium Vapour unless you want the effects that you will get from it.
2/ Shoot RAW and make colour temp adjustments during conversion to Tiff/jpeg
3/ Do you understand colour temp and what it is? This might help (http://www.rigshots.com.au/howto3.htm#Colour_Temperature).

[MacDogg]

Thanks.


2/ Shoot RAW and make colour temp adjustments during conversion to Tiff/jpeg

I didn't shoot in RAW. Never even dawned on me. I Fail.

[MacDogg]

I didn't know Adobe Camera Raw could edit JPG files. I messed around and made some changes to make a few look a little better. I need to remember to change the settings to RAW for next time.

http://www.macdogg.com/hosted/POTN/IMG_8500a2.jpg
http://www.macdogg.com/hosted/POTN/IMG_8500ac2.jpg

[justincase724]

Look out, runaway car!!

Maybe take drop the saturation on the blues a little (if you can with ACR, I forget), that should give you a blacker night sky. That's the problem with those orange low pressure sodium lights they use in most parking structures, it kills the lighting for everything else around.

[quickster]

herbie is alive!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3017/3060266742_effb2fc69f_o.jpg

[couleur]

http://fc46.deviantart.com/fs38/f/2008/333/9/1/Two_Steps_by_couleur.jpg

not enough neutral density to cut down the light. :(

first rig

[Thameth]

Couleur,

That looks amazing! Thats Honda Brochure quality work right there, great job! Would you mind posting a pre-rig removal image??

[Xerox]

Couleur, that is a VERY nice pic.

I read your blog about this shot and for myself it sounds way too risky. A few things that came to mind.

Did you ever test fit your rig to these cars before you ventured 60km to the shoot location?
From reading your blog it doesn't sound like it...

What was the speed limit on this highway and how fast were you traveling for this shot?

The picture looks like something that could have been accomplished from a 3rd tracking car, which would have been much safer than using a rig, imo.

But still, like I said, very nice shot.

[couleur]

Couleur, that is a VERY nice pic.

I read your blog about this shot and for myself it sounds way too risky. A few things that came to mind.

Did you ever test fit your rig to these cars before you ventured 60km to the shoot location?
From reading your blog it doesn't sound like it...

What was the speed limit on this highway and how fast were you traveling for this shot?

The picture looks like something that could have been accomplished from a 3rd tracking car, which would have been much safer than using a rig, imo.

But still, like I said, very nice shot.

Thanks!

I haven't and I was pretty stupid that I thought the G clamps could clamp on 2.5 inch pipes while it couldn't... But thats okay, I switch down the 1.75 inch and made a few adapters for the swivel joint. Tomorrow i'll be shooting a Mercedes C200, which I am very worried because underneath is almost fully covered with plastic. Looks like i'll be forced to make a on the roof rig soon.

We were doing walking speed, or jogging. I was outside the car running with my remote, that is why it is risky because the on coming cars were traveling about 80-100km/h. But thankfully there were came one by one. In Malaysia, the good thing is you can always stop your car on the left lane although it is forbidden to do so, unless it depends like highways and so on is other issue. And also in Malaysia, the right lane is the fastest lane, so if the speed limit is 60, people can go up to 80-100... no big issue unless its on a highway with speed traps. What was most surprise was when the police bypass us and did not even pull us over.

I know, I was on F/22 and only had a cokin ND8 which I use masking tape to put it together onto the lens. I didn't have a circular polarizer because I didn't bought one after I had smash mine in Barcelona. But I just purchased 2x Hoya NDX8 77mm filters, it should be okay now to cut down the ambient. The shutter speed was 0.5 secs. If we used a 3rd car, we'll probably have to do this more then 20 rounds minimum. Which waste a lot of petrol, I know it isn't necessary but its a matter of luck because tracking isn't easy. But with the rig, I only did half the run which was worth it.

[couleur]

Couleur,

That looks amazing! Thats Honda Brochure quality work right there, great job! Would you mind posting a pre-rig removal image??

My rig design is exact as those at automotiverigs.com. But the magnets are much larger. I followed every detail as described and passed it to a fabricator specialist.

[brasher]

Some I did recently

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/5230/paks15rigrearyc0.jpg

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/328/paks15frontui9.jpg

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/2738/20081012img4823pi0.jpg

[couleur]

hey, how long is your rig in feet?

[Tom78]

Hi,

Here's my first shoots with a "home made" rig, took a few days ago :

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3243/3089746651_889e2bdd1b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3254/3089746123_fee1c8cf80.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3138/3083811607_5b54c6ea06.jpg

[Thameth]

Brasher,

Those shots are perfect! Very well done! What model grip/arm are you using for attaching your camera to the rig? I'm looking at buying one asap.

[brasher]

Manfrotto Magic Arm.

[DisrupTer911]

brasher, do you find you have stability issues with the length of your rig? from looking at your rig shots, I can't seem to find much bounce if any where as other ppl get a lot of bounce and then squiggly light trails.

[Thameth]

brasher, do you find you have stability issues with the length of your rig? from looking at your rig shots, I can't seem to find much bounce if any where as other ppl get a lot of bounce and then squiggly light trails.

We have the same problem Disrupter, the #1 way to see if you have any bounce in your rig is the squiggly light trails. We did a few shots last night where the car looked sharp but you could see bounce because of the light trails.