Cockpit Self Portraits

King_Boru · 28 Sep 2006 at 12:07

Hi guys,

Am looking for advise on the above. I need a clamp so I can attach the camera to the instrument panel. This is the only possible way it can be done as the FOD rule states it must be firmly attached. Is there a device I could buy which would help me achieve the shot I desire?
Also, as we will be going through basic manoeuvres it will need to withstand a small amount a G-force +3.5/4 to -3.5/4.

Any help will be much appreciated.

King.

danza · 28 Sep 2006 at 17:42

Manfrotto Magic Arm and Superclamp...

I have 2 and they can be incredibly useful. You can position them pretty much wherever you like, and the clamp will clamp onto most things, especially good on round bar/tube. Cost ~£120 ish new, but ~£50 on eBay.

The lever to the left locks/unlocks the movement of both ball joints at the ends and the pivot in the middle. I imagine it'd be easily enough for what you want.

/edit:

What camera/lens?

Flibster · 28 Sep 2006 at 19:51

Brian Shul *Ex-SR-71 pilot and author and photographer of Sled Driver* used velcro on the camera and on the cockpit surfaces to take his shots I believe.

However - that was in the SR-71 and there was virtually no G loading.

What are you doing to get G loading that low though? -4 is a large negative G load. Usually limits are around -3g

*Dammit - aerospace system emgineering coming back to haunt me...*

Simon/~Flibster

King_Boru · 28 Sep 2006 at 20:56

I was giving the extremes. Just in case. I know -4 is far fetched.

The velcro sounds like a good idea. Will pop to the shops and test it out in the car. I will be using a 18 - 70 mm DX lens. Probarbly set to f10/11 on Aperture Priority. ISO 400 to cover any loss of light.

Fingers cross it will be accepted. Would love a big picture of myself all geared up on the wall.

Gets to the drawing board,...

King.