I just made a new camera mount for the buggy out of something called a "mafer clamp". Anyone know why it is called a "mafer"? I looked up the
manufacturer, and these bad boys are 44 bucks apiece. They are powdercoated aluminum , and very strong. The jaws have some kind of plastic grip
material.
Which ranges in price from $25-27 depending on whether you get the stud (gold tone in the pic) which allows you to use it with a ballhead or screw it
directly into the tripod mount of the camera. I believe there are two versions of the stud.... one is for camera/lighting mount and one is camera but
each side has one of the two different tripod screw sizes.
I actually prefer the Manfrotto unit as it comes with an insert piece which simplifies clamping to square stock. Without the insert it is more suited
for clamping to round stock.
When not in use the insert just locks into a corner of the clamp using the smaller screw knob.
If you are on the East Coast B&H Photo or Adorama can get you one in a few days with fairly painless shipping. Anywhere else, you just need to
find a camera shop with a prosumer section or that can do drop-shipping for Manfrotto. Also available through Amazon for a slightly higher price but
qualifies for free shipping to Amazon Prime members, so it's a bit of a wash.
ATB,
SamWELDNGOD - 24-5-2010 at 03:59 PM
wow,o'blue one. I think you're right :tumble:indigo_wolf - 24-5-2010 at 04:48 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by WELDNGOD
wow,o'blue one. I think you're right
Has to happen.... once in a blue moon, at least
Apparently MSE is just another manufacturer.
The "mafer" part threw me..... apparently that's just a generic term for anything used to secure lights or rigging.
Oddly I originally got one of the Super Clamps because I used to take a fair amount of pics in venues that didn't always allow you to use flash.
Clamping a camera and ballhead to a table or rails was easier than trying to maneuver a tripod or even monopod around a room crammed with people.
They are a very nice piece of kit whose versatility is only limited by
your imagination.
ATB,
SamWELDNGOD - 24-5-2010 at 04:58 PM
a fishin buddy of mine is disabled and goes metal junkin' for extra cash. He got 3 of these from some store that gave him all the metal from a
display. He gave me 2 of them to make him a fishin rod holder out of the 3rd. I told him "no problem":saint:indigo_wolf - 24-5-2010 at 05:14 PM
It's always good to have friends that find unexpected treasures for you when you least expect it. :wee:
ATB,
SamWELDNGOD - 24-5-2010 at 05:21 PM
as soon as he pulled it out, I was thinkin "camera mount".:eureka:popeyethewelder - 25-5-2010 at 12:06 PM
I have been using those super clamps for about 2 years, they are brilliant and wil clamp on tight to anything from 12mm to 55mm...
I also made my own Bullet Cam Mount HEREindigo_wolf - 25-5-2010 at 12:44 PM
Are those rubber washers below the first plate on the Bullet Cam? For vibration dampening?
ATB,
Samarkay - 25-5-2010 at 06:39 PM
I would imagine that the Manfrotto or Bogen superclamps would suck up a lot of vibration. Aside from the orange plug, anyone have any good ways to
dampen high frequency shocks (that's not a hundred $ air cushion)?indigo_wolf - 25-5-2010 at 07:24 PM
The geeky answer would probably be sorbothane. Also can be found at high end audio shops as it is used to dampen audio. Depending on durometer, you might want to sandwich it between
something.
Another option is adapting some of the techniques used to dampen vibration in KAP (Kite Aerial Photorgraphay) and RC (heli) photography.
ATB,
Sampopeyethewelder - 26-5-2010 at 01:24 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by indigo_wolf
Are those rubber washers below the first plate on the Bullet Cam? For vibration dampening?
ATB,
Sam
That was part of the Cam mount, I used that to clamp onto the stainlesspopeyethewelder - 26-5-2010 at 01:25 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by arkay
I would imagine that the Manfrotto or Bogen superclamps would suck up a lot of vibration. Aside from the orange plug, anyone have any good ways to
dampen high frequency shocks (that's not a hundred $ air cushion)?
Run bigfoot with some air out..smooth as a babies bum thenarkay - 26-5-2010 at 07:36 PM
Ok, so I've looked all over and I can't seem to find out what type/size of booms/arms it takes or what the connector type is. Anyone know? Looks like
it might take any (correctly sized) pole and hold it with a set screw.indigo_wolf - 27-5-2010 at 07:23 AM
How much extension are you looking for?
The connector is called a 16mm hexagonal spigot. It generally has a small flange at the end that helps it lock in.
The problem with a generic pole is that it won't have the flange.
Depending on exactly which SKU you got the Clamp might come with a stud that has the spigot on one side and the screw on the other side.
If you are only looking for a couple inches of extension, your best bet is a very basic ballhead.
Your other option is something like a extension column. If the Super Clamp already comes with the Stud I mentioned in my earlier post, you would be all set at this point.
The extension would be fairly easy to make yourself. The only thing you need is the 3/8" or 1/4" screw on top (depending on your camera). And a
3/8" socket or spigot at the bottom. The lower portion would be easy enough to get parts and bits for seperately if you are going the DIY route.
Hope that helps.
ATB,
Samarkay - 27-5-2010 at 09:02 AM
I want to measure, but I'm thinking that I'd use this on the rear axle with the arm sticking out to 1'o and maybe up a 2ft. That is if the clamp can
hold that much torque while moving. if not some extra rubber should do the trick.
Maybe even a second arm that goes out 90deg over the wheel by a foot Seems a bit
freaky to put anything over the wheel that's not rock stable, but it would get a really cool angle!indigo_wolf - 27-5-2010 at 09:35 AM
Did you already have a camera in mind that you were thinking of using?
If it was something like the GoPro, I think you would be ok with the basic torque depending on what you were using for the extensions. As you go to
longer lengths, vibration might become a problem though.
I was already thinking about playing with some extensions and would be willing to try out some stuff, if you wanted.
Don't have a buggy, but I expect it would be fairly easy to get some test pilots.
ATB,
Sampopeyethewelder - 27-5-2010 at 12:52 PM
In my experience 200m is about the maximum to go for extensions, I made my own, I take the ball leveler off screw on the extension, then screw the
ball leveler to the end of that, its rock solid even with a normal weight camera.
lol typo 200mm or 10"arkay - 27-5-2010 at 09:45 PM
Yeah, I saw the mount on your bug. I'm thinking longer, up around shoulder height... humm guess I'll just have to experiment and see what happens
WELDNGOD - 28-5-2010 at 03:32 PM
remember ,the longer it gets the more it will vibrate. And it doesn't matter what it is made of.
@Todd, I am making you an arm for your clamp.I think anything over 12 inches is gonna be problamatic though. Or would you prefer the 4" stock arm?Todd - 28-5-2010 at 03:40 PM
I think that will be just fine Donnie, thanks for hooking me up!WELDNGOD - 28-5-2010 at 03:44 PM
uh... 4 or 12arkay - 28-5-2010 at 04:55 PM
yeah, I realize that. I'll just need to find a way to stabalize it. Like maybe a buggy in tow WELDNGOD - 28-5-2010 at 05:07 PM
now that might work
Or a tandem trailer. I happen to make those;-)Todd - 28-5-2010 at 05:10 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by WELDNGOD
uh... 4 or 12
Well you said anything over 12 would be problematic so yes 12 would be great!WELDNGOD - 28-5-2010 at 05:16 PM
done, my brother.WELDNGOD - 28-5-2010 at 05:17 PM
does the gopro have a standard screw typr socket on the bottom?Todd - 28-5-2010 at 05:44 PM
Just give me a flat plate 2.5 x 2.5 and I can glue a quick mount to it. You the MAN! I'll even mail you an early Christmas gift as well :evil:WELDNGOD - 28-5-2010 at 05:47 PM
doneTodd - 28-5-2010 at 05:50 PM
arkay - 29-5-2010 at 08:10 AM
1/4" 20 tpi - pretty standard size
Quote:
Originally posted by WELDNGOD
does the gopro have a standard screw typr socket on the bottom?
whose versatility is only limited by
your imagination. 
:saint:
Seems a bit
freaky to put anything over the wheel that's not rock stable, but it would get a really cool angle!