Safe car mount for AF-100?

Loganm187

Loganm187

Well-known member
I have a music video shoot coming up and it requires lots of "cool" car shots Including a chase scene with cops. I have never shot much with cars and I requested an extra few hundred in advance to spend on a car mount after expressing the need for the video to be the best it can be. I was looking at 2 systems from FilmTools and wondering which you would deem safer for an af-100 body without much added to the bodies weight. The first linked item kinda scares me and the second one which says supports 30 lbs should def do the job and I feel much safer with the bigger plate as well. Any experience with these guys? Or recommendations? Thanks!

http://www.filmtools.com/gripper-3025-suction-cup-camera-mount.html

http://www.filmtools.com/gripper-bh-30-camera-mount-kit.html
 
Speed rail and ratchet straps is how we do it here.
 

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Both those little flimsy sucker gadgets look like a recipe for VIBRATION.

We do it similar to what Paul showed you.
 
I use the Filmtools suction cups all the time. If they are fully pumped, there is no vibration. But the key is that you need a few of them, under the camera with a leveling plate and then at least two rods to the top of the camera to remove any movement. I fit the suction mounts with baby pins and then use grip heads and 5/8 rods to brace the top handle with cardellini clamps. It's worked well for me with cameras much larger than the AF100. I've also used them under speed rail rigs to minimize slipping on the car, or needing to tight the rachets too much. Be sure to use safety straps and keep a close eye on the safety marks on the suction cup plungers.
 
Thanks for the input guys! The suction cups with some safety straps seem much quicker set up and break down then the said above as I have to do many cars and many different angles in a set amount of time. Also, I weighed my AF100 with the lens I'll be using on the cars and it was below 5 lb's so I'm positive the cheaper 360 degree head that support 6.6 will be just fine.http://www.filmtools.com/filmtools-g...e-3025-ra.html

StephenM, Do you have any links to what tools you prefer to use that you mentioned above? I need to order said equipment ASAP. Thanks again guys this forum has been my film school for the past few years.
 
The parts I use all are available at Filmtools. I have 4 of the 6" cups, 3 of the 4.5" cups and 3 of the oval ones. All have baby pins attached to the studs on the cups. For the camera mount I use a leveler on a cheese plate with more baby pins attached to the cheese plate. I connect the cheese plate to the cups using 5/8 rods and stand 2.5" grip heads. While I don't have one of their 'kits', this one has some images that may help explain. http://www.filmtools.com/filmtools-4-leg-car-mount-w-mini-ball-leveler.html

To keep the top of the camera from vibrating, I run 2 or more rods from the top handle or plate (depending on the camera) to other suction cups. This is the important part that keeps everything solid. For the AF100, using Cardellini clamps to the top handle make an easy way to attach the upper grip heads and rods. There are many options here, but this one works well. http://www.filmtools.com/cardellini-end-jaw-clamp-2e.html

If you need to get the camera farther away from the car, then speed rail is the way to go. I use little ben's http://www.filmtools.com/bagrcllbencl.html for attaching the speed rail to grip heads/suction cups. This link shows some photos and a video that should give you some ideas. http://www.filmtools.com/mahomokicatn.html

Also important is to snug up the whole thing with standard rachet straps. These gutter straps are handy for attaching tie downs to the edge of a hood or trunk, or all sorts of places. http://www.filmtools.com/filmtools-gutter-hook-assembly.html

Good luck!
 
My 2 cents, if you plan on using 1-3 of those cups and some tiedown straps I'd borrow, buy, or rent a GH2 for that scene. It's almost as good as the AF100 and uses the same lenses. If you have 4 or more cups, a striped down AF100 would be ok.
 
FWIW to Loganm187

Sometimes you may want a degree of vibration in a car rig. eg to fire up the action and thrill for the viewer in a car chase. Total rigididty can be a bit boring.
(BTW- you can get vibration control in your rig as well as camera security)
 
I would recommend this.
http://www.gomediamonkey.com/cinetools-cine3045.htm
I have had a Red one on this and worked well . Cost $500 bucks and very versitile. you get 9 stainless steel rods that come in 3 different lengths. The vacuum cups are well made and the base plate is 1/4 inch aluminum. The Tightening grips work great. And you can level it well. I would also recommend saftey straps. I would not recommend putting all those blankets on your car it can create a air pocket and loosen you straps.
You can see it in this music video we did a while back. Hvx200 on the car.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKqzWXfkPeM

 
ARMAND GUERRERO said:
I would recommend this.
http://www.gomediamonkey.com/cinetools-cine3045.htm
I have had a Red one on this and worked well . Cost $500 bucks and very versitile. you get 9 stainless steel rods that come in 3 different lengths. The vacuum cups are well made and the base plate is 1/4 inch aluminum. The Tightening grips work great. And you can level it well. I would also recommend saftey straps. I would not recommend putting all those blankets on your car it can create a air pocket and loosen you straps.
You can see it in this music video we did a while back. Hvx200 on the car.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKqzWXfkPeM
Click to expand...

Really? You mounted a RED One on that? I would be more than a little nervous.
 
There is no way for me to get a hold of a GH2 where I live unless I buy one online which is sadly out of the question. The weight of the Af100 doesn't exceed the limit on the set up I'm going to try and I'm going to do plenty of tests on my car before the date of the shoot. I'll let you guys know how it goes.
 
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Shooter - I totally agree with you on that point. Shaky cam has a place in cinema and a car chase sure is one.
 
Keep in mind the wind can create force and potentially add to the weight, especially when going fast, around corners, and/or driving in heavy winds. Also make sure you use straps. I was on a set once while in film school where someone did not do this and a cup came loose and an Arri SRII fell off a moving car. From that point on my school would not allow car shots of any kind in student films.
 
From that point on my school would not allow car shots of any kind in student films.
Click to expand...

Film school huh!

They should have used that as a lesson in good grip technique and grip skills... instead of a punishment.
 
Absolutely with a aviation degree and common sense in vacuum lbs per square inch and 3 ratchet safety straps. I would mount a Arri or Epic on it pending the weight. The AF100 with lens and battery are around 15 lbs, The rig is rated at 33lbs and with ratchet safety straps will increase your weight payload to your vacuum cups X 3. But If your vehicle is dirty and has dents all over Just duck tape a good friend on your hood holding the camera.
 
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