Car window support for HDV ?
 

Hi all,

I am looking for a nice and solid support system so I can shoot from the car - mostly wildlife. I can't find anything serious on the web - any information would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Ofer Levy
Wildlife photographer - http://www.oferlevyphotography.com

Something like this?
http://www.b-hague.co.uk/camera_suct...uum_mounts.htm

Ofer, posting this in the correct section of the forum might get you more replies.

Also, try searching the Support Your Local Camera bit. There is a section in there just for vehicle mounts and I bet lots of good advice/suggestions too.

Thanks Andy, had a look at "SUpport your Local camera" but nothing there for me. I am hoping to find a system that mounts on the door when the window is all the way down.
What is the correct forum for this qurstion?

Cheers,

Ofer

B Hague Car Camera Supports
 

Definitely that section is the correct one. I'm sure Chris or one of the Mods will move it soon anyway.

In the meantime, have a look at this site for something similar (but not exactly) what you want. I know they are a UK supplier (not sure where you are?) but they do ship all over the World and they are a reputable and reliable company.

http://www.b-hague.co.uk/Mounting%20Brackets.htm

http://www.b-hague.co.uk/camera_suct...uum_mounts.htm

Ofer.


This may not be a lot of use to you as it cannot be bought only built at home.

http://www.dvinfo.net/media/hart/Wes...20%20Mount.JPG

It was constructed in 1984 from several "West Coast" Mack truck mirrors which had been damaged and two new thicker fixed stays.

I either set up up with the camera outside looking in or inside looking outwards and it would fit side windows and the older style ranch wagon wind down tailgate with the operator sitting like a scruched up buddha on the rear floor or kneeling on the seat.

I imagine you are more likely after something which sits within the window frame and can carry a small fluid head for imaging wildlife from a parked vehicle.

If this is the setup you are after, it might be a good idea to have the camera mount stud offset well forward with a bridgeplate so that the pan and tilt centres are at the camera rear and do not move the back of the camera and block your view of the viewfinder due to creating an awkard operating position.

You may have to add weight at rear of the bridgeplate to balance this setup which will be very front-heavy.

Thanks Andy - that looks great. I have emailed them and see what do they have to offer.

Cheers,

Ofer Levy

Thanks Bob! This is excellent information. You understood exactly what I need. I might have to constract it myself following your advice - thanks!!

Ofer.


If you home-build your own and use telescoping hollow rods, likely you will want it shorter and closer to the window. I would favour also making up two lanyards of wire trace or yaght rigging wire to pull up short on the sldigin rods in case the rods slip out because shorter rods will have less friction if the locking bolts work loose.

Modern vehicles have sculptured window frames. My example was made for a Landcruiser or HQ Holden (GM Australia 1976) , so the upper mount frame may have to be offset and have a single shorter channel in centre rather than the two on my example.

Alternatively you could put pivots on the expanding spreader ends on the top to allow the top rail to skew without strainng the framework.

Good luck.

Things to consider
 

Hi Ofer,

A few things to consider, before struggling to construct your car window mount...
If you intend to put the camera with long lens, say 300mm and up the window will not be ideal.
For one, the car is by far less solid (surprise!) than your tripod, and the window is more prone to shake than the center of the car.
This is not so relevant if you use lenses up to 200mm.
Another thing to consider is levelling the camera or the head.
The only acceptable solution that I saw (on this same forum) is using a high hat attached
to the door by means of vacuum (suction cups), in that case the c.o.g of the camera was outside the window and if I recall correctly the camera in use was a Canon with 20X lens.
If the camera is outside the window it would be very difficult (impossible ?) to use the VF,
you will have to open it up and use your LCD (hard to get good focus on bright days).
Hope this will save you some time.

Would be glad to see what solution you came up with.

BTW great photografs!

Sassi