GH2 Filming a Welding Arc

H

Heartfelt

Well-known member
It looks like my purchase is about to happen based on a specific application... a welding machine product introduction video.

In this video, one aspect will include the need to film someone welding. Is there are best way for this? Although I am great with PPE knowledge for my own safety, is the camera at risk and if so, how do I address it. This GH2 will be my baby and I need to take care of it.


Also, this is what I am speccing for purchase. There are three packages and I am shooting for the middle package. Have I missed anything?
View attachment Professional_Camera_Package.xls
 
I would recommend the Libec RS-250 tripod over the Manfroto. They currently cost about the same ( on sale at B&H Photo ), but the Libec has a better head.
 
If it was me, I'd make a box with glass front and say laminate wood top (and maybe sides) which is mountable on a stand or tripod. Obviously all specific BG filters apply, but this way I'd be sure my camera is safe from spark/flame.
 
Heartfelt, perhaps you should consider a Sachtler or Vinten tripod system in the same price range. I think you'll be more pleased with those.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/734609-REG/Vinten_VB_AP2M_VB_AP2M_Camera_Support_System.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/742560-REG/Sachtler_0353_System_Cine_DSLR_2MD.html

If you plan on hacking the GH2 (it's not hard, it's not dangerous if you don't get crazy with experimental stuff) I'd go with a better brand SD card.

I also see a focus whip in the list but no FF. Weird.
 
...I would be careful about the Manfrotto 509HD head, which appears to be a larger version of the 504HD head. ( I haven't been able to find any thorough review of the 509HD so far )

Nigel Cooper's Review of the Manfrotto 504HD head

The GH-2 is a fairly light camera, so you want to be sure that the video head you buy can properly balance over a large range of camera weights. I would look at Libec, Sachtler, Vinten.
 
Inprogress said:
If it was me, I'd make a box with glass front and say laminate wood top (and maybe sides) which is mountable on a stand or tripod. Obviously all specific BG filters apply, but this way I'd be sure my camera is safe from spark/flame.
Click to expand...

I appreciate your answer but I don't think I was specific enough. The camera won't be in physical danger from sparks. I just have a sneaking suspicion that the internal parts would be sensitive to THAT much light. Am I being silly? I think I saw something about not pointing a camera at the sun, directly.
 
Pietro Impagliazzo said:
Heartfelt, perhaps you should consider a Sachtler or Vinten tripod system in the same price range. I think you'll be more pleased with those.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/734609-REG/Vinten_VB_AP2M_VB_AP2M_Camera_Support_System.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/742560-REG/Sachtler_0353_System_Cine_DSLR_2MD.html

If you plan on hacking the GH2 (it's not hard, it's not dangerous if you don't get crazy with experimental stuff) I'd go with a better brand SD card.

I also see a focus whip in the list but no FF. Weird.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the reply. I am trying to choose one to handle the camera on a DSLR rig and also while in use with a jib. I am speccing the Indisystem Bulldog rig and Indigojib. I was trying not to get a head that would be overwhelmed by the weight. I come from a bad choice in a system that used the 501HD. Wasn't fun.

Is there a $1500ish tripod that can do both?
 
While I haven't done so with the GH2, I've filmed welding arcs with my HVX. I began the shot with no ND and then switched to 1/64ND at the moment the arc struck. It was a nice effect, but not sure how you'd duplicate it with the GH2 unless you had an exceptionally slick Vari-ND.

Another issue I've noticed with the GH2 and AF100 is sensor flare... sometimes there will be a flare spot created by an intense background light source regardless of the glass used. I couldn't pinpoint how, why, or when this happens, though.
 
Thanks for sharing that. I can deal with any relative quality issues and strike a balance between functionality and quality.

I was just concerned that exposing the innards of the camera to that much light, through the lens, might cause damage. Can you or anyone put me at ease on that issue or confirm the need for concern?
 
Consider that the camera sensor is less sensitive to light damage than your eye: use at least as much ND as you would if you were the welder watching the arc intently and you shouldn't have any problems.

FWIW, more than once I didn't have ND engaged in the HVX when shooting the arc; the camera still works fine, no weird spots or anything.


PS: just remembered a video online from one of my workshopmates from that very shoot - he used a 7D that, so far as I know, is still alive and kicking.

http://vimeo.com/16380237
 
I know I have access to a common 4x5 lens and can rig something. I can throw a #9 or #10 in front.

Many thanks!
 
Okay, since no one else has covered this, are you going to film _arc_ welding? Arc welding creates light levels that will harm your eyes and sensors. My shop teacher showed us that the UV from arc welding would give him a tan right thru his shirt.

When you look at how strong arc welding goggles are, you'll appreciate why you don't want to be filming arc welding without some optical protection, like a very strong ND filter.
 
TheDingo said:
...I would be careful about the Manfrotto 509HD head, which appears to be a larger version of the 504HD head. ( I haven't been able to find any thorough review of the 509HD so far )

Nigel Cooper's Review of the Manfrotto 504HD head

The GH-2 is a fairly light camera, so you want to be sure that the video head you buy can properly balance over a large range of camera weights. I would look at Libec, Sachtler, Vinten.
Click to expand...

I don't trust this guy's review. He couldn't even figure out the ratcheting knobs on the head.
 
Hey Heartfelt. You must've missed it. I did mention a BG filter (Black Glass). I would've played with ND filters of BG filter. A BG filter might give an interesting look. Do post some pics or a vid when you done, I am most interested :cheesy:
 
Pietro Impagliazzo said:
Heartfelt, perhaps you should consider a Sachtler or Vinten tripod system in the same price range. I think you'll be more pleased with those.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/734609-REG/Vinten_VB_AP2M_VB_AP2M_Camera_Support_System.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/742560-REG/Sachtler_0353_System_Cine_DSLR_2MD.html

If you plan on hacking the GH2 (it's not hard, it's not dangerous if you don't get crazy with experimental stuff) I'd go with a better brand SD card.

I also see a focus whip in the list but no FF. Weird.
Click to expand...

Sorry I didn't catch the other items in your post. Thanks for the tip on the card and the FF is in a package with the Bulldog, including a matte box.
 
Inprogress said:
Hey Heartfelt. You must've missed it. I did mention a BG filter (Black Glass). I would've played with ND filters of BG filter. A BG filter might give an interesting look. Do post some pics or a vid when you done, I am most interested :cheesy:
Click to expand...

The box stood out to me and I didn't catch your reference to a welding lens being Black Glass. Sorry. Terminology differs regionally.

Kin Lau said:
Okay, since no one else has covered this, are you going to film _arc_ welding? Arc welding creates light levels that will harm your eyes and sensors. My shop teacher showed us that the UV from arc welding would give him a tan right thru his shirt.

When you look at how strong arc welding goggles are, you'll appreciate why you don't want to be filming arc welding without some optical protection, like a very strong ND filter.
Click to expand...

Yes, I am aware and this is the reason for the thread. I am a 15yr vet in the welding supply industry but new at trying to film anything like this. I do understand now that everyone is essentially suggesting protecting the camera as I would my eyes. Thanks to all.

muntus said:
I don't trust this guy's review. He couldn't even figure out the ratcheting knobs on the head.
Click to expand...
Thanks!
 
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