Anyone done this before? What solution worked for you? I once read about a clamp that attaches solidly to just about anything but I can't find information about it now. I'm not looking for a way to carry it while riding. I want a way to mount it such that I can get some unique angles/compositions while riding.
Here's an older video with Chase Jarvis that may give you a few ideas. You can also log into his website/blog and he breaks down a lot of different techniques. He uses a lot of Bogen super clamps and Pocket Wizards...
You might consider skipping the SLR and try something like this as an option. I have seen some great video and picture results from folks using this sucker on mountain bikes on MTBR forums. They have everything from helmet, surf board, handlebar, chest harness etc, for options. The HD video capability can't hurt either. =)
Thanks for the suggestions, Koveh and Jared. The Bogen Super Clamps are exactly what I'm looking for.
Koveh: The helmet cams are great for snapshots or video but I need hi-res still images for stock. I wish I could go that route as it would be much easier and a lot less nerve wracking than hangin' $4,000 worth of photo equipment off a bike only inches from hard asphalt or slickrock!
Thanks, Jeff. That looks somewhat interesting. Easy way to mount a camera to the handlebars of a mountain bike, for sure. Actually, it could probably mount to a seat post easily, too. Thanks for the link.
Definitely take a look at the RAM motorcycle mounts. I have one of their GPS mounts. They are solid and when tightened down the adjustments do not loosen over time or long distances.
I've thought about doing this too, but I was too afraid of the beating the camera would take from vibration. But maybe it wouldn't be an issue if done selectively and sparingly. Plan on using a cheap UV filter on your lens. I'm assuming you've taken a bee to the visor at 60 mph? You wouldn't want that mess on your expensive lens.
An inexpensive option is the Manfrotto Super Clamp with the 056 3-D Junior Head. It comes as a kit from B&H. The only problem is the camera is fairly close to the tube to which you are clamping, but it works great – see pics of me riding trough kitchen(!) and outside. Camera is mounted on seat post and head tube
A more stable, but much more expensive way is to use 2 or 3 Manfrotto Superclamps, 1xManfrotto 143BKT Camera Platform, 2xManfrotto 143N Magic Arms. Clamps go on front fork, attach arms, mount camera on platform, and the rig will shoot back at the rider. The third clamp attaches one arm to the other, if you cannot fit both arms directly into the plate. (I have a picture of this rig…but can’t seem to find it.)
Use a set of PocketWizards, or your favorite remote to trigger the camera.
Make sure you put a cheap UV filter in front of your lens, so rocks/dirt/mud doesn’t damage your lens.
Rene: Thanks for the suggestions. I really need to buy a couple Pocket Wizards for this and for off-camera flash. Love the photos, especially the one of you riding through the kitchen! Sorry I missed you at dinner the other night. Went to work and it got busy, as usual this time of year. I didn't get to eat dinner until 2:00 A.M. - at Denny's. Ugh!
Scott: I know the "bee to the visor" thing. It sucks! Thanks for reminding me that I need to clean my visor. It's a little buggy. I'll look into the RAM mounts, too. Thanks for the tip.
Discussion
10 repliesAs always, your help is greatly appreciated.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Kkd7fWQeSg
You might consider skipping the SLR and try something like this as an option. I have seen some great video and picture results from folks using this sucker on mountain bikes on MTBR forums. They have everything from helmet, surf board, handlebar, chest harness etc, for options. The HD video capability can't hurt either. =)
http://www.goprocamera.com/
Koveh: The helmet cams are great for snapshots or video but I need hi-res still images for stock. I wish I could go that route as it would be much easier and a lot less nerve wracking than hangin' $4,000 worth of photo equipment off a bike only inches from hard asphalt or slickrock!
I've thought about doing this too, but I was too afraid of the beating the camera would take from vibration. But maybe it wouldn't be an issue if done selectively and sparingly. Plan on using a cheap UV filter on your lens. I'm assuming you've taken a bee to the visor at 60 mph?
An inexpensive option is the Manfrotto Super Clamp with the 056 3-D Junior Head. It comes as a kit from B&H. The only problem is the camera is fairly close to the tube to which you are clamping, but it works great – see pics of me riding trough kitchen(!) and outside. Camera is mounted on seat post and head tube
A more stable, but much more expensive way is to use 2 or 3 Manfrotto Superclamps, 1xManfrotto 143BKT Camera Platform, 2xManfrotto 143N Magic Arms. Clamps go on front fork, attach arms, mount camera on platform, and the rig will shoot back at the rider. The third clamp attaches one arm to the other, if you cannot fit both arms directly into the plate. (I have a picture of this rig…but can’t seem to find it.)
Use a set of PocketWizards, or your favorite remote to trigger the camera.
Make sure you put a cheap UV filter in front of your lens, so rocks/dirt/mud doesn’t damage your lens.
Rene: Thanks for the suggestions. I really need to buy a couple Pocket Wizards for this and for off-camera flash. Love the photos, especially the one of you riding through the kitchen! Sorry I missed you at dinner the other night. Went to work and it got busy, as usual this time of year. I didn't get to eat dinner until 2:00 A.M. - at Denny's. Ugh!
Scott: I know the "bee to the visor" thing. It sucks! Thanks for reminding me that I need to clean my visor. It's a little buggy. I'll look into the RAM mounts, too. Thanks for the tip.