Ice Hockey "Net Cam" Protection

[Adama]

Hey guys,

I've been tasked with shooting university ice hockey this year and I've made it an objective to set up a goal cam for one of their games. My tools will be my trusty 1D Mark III, an EF 15mm fisheye, and a remote trigger.

The only thing I am missing is adequate protection for the equipment. I understand that there is no 100% guaranteed way to protect the camera since the lens element has to be exposed some way or another, but I was curious if anyone had any affordable solutions to get the camera protected to last at least a period of ice hockey?

I've tried to do some research on how the pros do it, but my search didn't end up returning many results. Any ideas?

[krb]

Make the box out of the thickest lexan you can find at your local hardware stores. You'll want to cover the front element and shoot through the glass because you can be sure that it's going to look like a bullseye to the players on the ice.


ETA: Here's a thread about a goal cam with a link to pics of the housing: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=584027&highlight=hockey+goal

[Adama]

Hoo-boy, looks like it would take a bit of time and effort.

I've heard of pre-made net cam shells being made as well. Any truth to this?

[krb]

I have no direct knowledge but you've piqued my interest.

Was doing some googling and found this:
http://www.sportsshooter.com/message_display.html?tid=13251#4

[Adama]

I found that as well. It seems that there is no real retail market for it and it's only available by directly contacting the maker. The only price I was able to find was $500 from 04.

So I get the idea it's either going to be a ton of money or a ton of effort.

[FIXXER04]

I just had one made by TAP Plastic in California. Customizeable to your specs. but a good starting point. I think it was around $200 shipped, your price may vary. Built quick and built well, stands up to LAX balls no problem, Hockey pucks should do fine as well.

http://www.tapplastics.com/applications/app_detail.php?aid=109&

Call Russ at the San Leandro store, they had built this for another photographer and I liked it so they built mine the same. They also gave me
additional Makrolon sheets for the front (velcro att.) so as they get abused they can be replaced.

[FIXXER04]

And if you can get an update on the official NHL policy it might have more universal appeal:

Net Cams – NHL Photography Policies Manual 2002-03

An in-net camera “Net Cam” is being installed in a League-regulated location, thus only the League’s Hockey Operations Department and NHLI have the authority to approve the placement of the Net Cam.

Net Cams may not exceed 8 1/2” wide by 6 3/4” deep and 6 3/4” in vertical length. All box corners must be rounded, beveled and padded. The entire box, with the exception of the front, must be white. The front of the Net Cam must be made of Lexan (glass). The remainder of the box must be constructed of shatter proof material as well. Wood or metal is prohibited in the construction of the box.

The Net Cam must be placed a minimum of 6” above the ice surface and to the left or right of the center bar. The clamp used for installation must also be padded and may not present any safety concerns, as determined in the sole judgment of the League’s Hockey Operations Department, NHLI or the Supervisor of Officials. Each photographer is required to meet with the goal judge in the end where the Net Cam is to be installed prior to the game to verify that the Net Cam, when positioned in the net, in no way impedes the goal judge’s ability to see the entire goal line.

When a still Net Cam and a low-positioned television Net Cam are being installed in the same net, the following applies:

A. The bottom of the television camera shall be 16” above the ice surface
B. The television camera shall be 7” to the right of the center of the back post.
C. The still camera box shall be 8” above the ice surface.
D. The still camera box shall be to the left of the center bar.
E. White padding shall cover al clamps and exposed areas of the camera box.
F. The post shall remain padded and white above, between and below all clamps for net cams.

[FIXXER04]

and see this blog, scroll down:
http://blog.gettyimages.com/tag/nhl/