Rigging Problems

S

SDub

Well-known member
Hello, all!

I have some small rigging problems in my studio that I would love some help on.
PXL_20230810_134517758.jpg
I film a lot of stuff at a desk over my left shoulder and I have a cage above me that I rig everything to. In order for my camera to get close to me, I use 2 grip arms. The problem is that it attaches to the cage with a super clamp. The grip arm is only screwed into the super clamp which causes a TON of side to side motion whenever I touch the camera, even slightly. Because the arm is so long, it can take a very long time for it to stop moving. Is there a fastening method (or a better rigging idea all-together) that would be more rigid?

PXL_20230810_134627775.MP.jpg
This is a top down camera that points at a table. It's currently attached to a ball head which is attached to a super clamp. Ideally, it would be VERY easy to guarantee that the camera was pointing straight down. At the moment, an easy change would be to replace the ballhead with a simple baby pin screwed right into the camera. My fear is that that would loosen over time and become a pain. What rigging method would guarantee (or come close to) that my camera was pointing straight down?

Thanks!
 
Wow that's some setup you got. One thought is if you get a wired or wireless remote to start and stop recording the camera that would fix the shaking problem. Another approach is to send the video out to a computer or video mixer if doing a multi camera shoot. This way recording is done on the computer not the camera. As far as unscrewing I use a thread locker.

The other thing you can look into is plate/receiver system that has locking pins or two screws. I bought some small Falcam quick release for my rig monitor, boom mic holder, and lcd boomed hair light. This allowed me to setup/break down easy and prevented these devices from spinning from the threads. This is a common problem with anything threaded that isn't vertical. The only issue you'll find is if you want an non spinning system what you're attaching to must have a hole for the pin to go into or two screws to prevent it from spinning.
 
Last edited:
Peter C. said:
One thought is if you get a wired or wireless remote to start and stop recording the camera that would fix the shaking problem.
Click to expand...
That is indeed a good idea. So good that it's one I currently implement! I use my phone and the panasonic app to change exposure and start and stop record. The problem persists as it's hard to not accidentally jostle the camera with your shoulder, the edge of your hoodie, etc.

Tossing a QR plate on a super clamp would work perfectly for my 2nd problem. Thank you!

Usually when mounting a camera one would try three points not a single arm.
Click to expand...
Do you have an example of this? Having a hard time imagining it.

While a 5/8 rod will enter a superclamp, super clamps have a hex hole that is 5/8 A/F

This product will properly lock into a superclamp
https://cvp.com/product/manfrotto_036mr_lighting_stud
Click to expand...

The grip arm I have inserted into super clamp has a hex-keyed ending. The problem isn't necessarily spinning with the first problem. The problem is more that because the arm is so long, the moment I so much as breath on the camera, it starts shaking and takes a decent while to fully stop. Another point of support would help/solve the problem, I'm just not sure I've seen a good option that still allows for some amount of articulation.
 
To make many triangulated rigs i follow this procedure..

use regular grip (eg 20in arms) to place the camera (get frame)

one the frame is agreed then 2 magic arms are used to lock off that position

or mount on a 100mm bowl (or arca ballhead) and once the frame is agreed a magic arm to hotshoe is locked in place

typically im agreeing the frame with a dop or director.. but if you are solo you will agree with yourself!
 
That sounds like what I want to do, Morgan. If I'm understanding correctly, once you've decided on framing and triangulate the rigging, you will have 2 arms going into 1 gobo head, correct?
 
I'm going to say something that is captain obvious, but to get it out of the way,

you've made sure that you have a strong secure lock on the equipment and that according to manufacturer your equipment can handle the weight distribution from said equipment right?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top