F3: Shooting this weekend with Sony F3.

S

sasvideo

New member
I have a shoot this weekend using a Sony F3 and shooting with a Steadicam.
We will need to get some low angle shots for the spot.
Our Steadicam operator has asked if we can invert the camera and flip the image for his monitor or SDI out for him to see the image right side up.
Has anyone done this with the F3 and how do you set in up in the menu if so?
The other option is to mount the handle of the F3 to the Steadicam rig, just know if I trust the ¼ 20 screws with the weight.

Thanks for any help.
Mark.
 
nsoltz said:
You cannot trust the F3 handle. Lots of horror stories
Click to expand...

There is an image invert function in the "Camera Set" menu, but I can't recall if it flips in both axis, which is what you need. I think there's a good chance it's only a horizontal flop, which will not help in poormans low mode.

Whatever you do, don't go to the handle. It's not only an issue of strength and possible breakage, but even if it doesn't break, it will flex enough that vibrations will make the shot likely unusable unless you are on a VERY wide lens. Trust me, I used to op steadicam, learned the hard way on BetaSP cameras by not seeing it while shooting and then seeing it a week later. The camera can not wiggle even a fraction of a millimeter if attached by handle. The operator probably knows this, which is why he asked about flipping image in-camera.

Just keep the camera attached at bottom, and if you the menu won't flip for you, just do it the way it was done in the old days, flip your monitor.
 
And this is one of the reasons my F3 is getting "Hulkanized" in a few days by 3ality Body Armor: so long to flimsy handle, crapy eye finder, zoom rocker and all that jazz (and plastic)... Instead, just metal and some threaded holes!...
 
Jason Davenport said:
You'll love it , buddy of mine did it. And that thing is a tank now. Well worth it.
Click to expand...

Yup, I could not pass a great disount directly form 3ality, and thinking since I am keeping f3 for long time I might as well do a "makeover"... And it will look and feel like a new "toy" (for far less money...). And it will look like it was suppose to look from the start from Sony...
 
Tata Steva said:
Yup, I could not pass a great disount directly form 3ality, and thinking since I am keeping f3 for long time I might as well do a "makeover"... And it will look and feel like a new "toy" (for far less money...). And it will look like it was suppose to look from the start from Sony...
Click to expand...
I have just seen this F3 boby armour for the first time - it looks amazing! Do you know if I can have this done to my F3 in the UK? And if you don't mind what sort of money are we looking at? Does that shoulder pad come with the kit as well? Thanks! Sparky
 
Sparky874 said:
I have just seen this F3 boby armour for the first time - it looks amazing! Do you know if I can have this done to my F3 in the UK? And if you don't mind what sort of money are we looking at? Does that shoulder pad come with the kit as well? Thanks! Sparky
Click to expand...

I don't want to hijack this tread, and I am sorry if I did already. I will make another tread once I have the parts and finish the conversion. Together with all the pix... Stay tuned.
 
Thanks everyone for the suggestions for getting the shot. I knew that this was the best place to get an answer for my question. I'll try the flip the camera and monitor trick or go on sticks.

Mark
 
Leave the camera mounted in the standard manner, move the gimbal about an inch and a half so it balances upside down. You don't even have to do monitor flip. Balance he rig as usual with proper drop time. If you have a low mode extension handle, use it. Finally, just operate the way you normally do with your hand below the gimbal; it will be snug and flip the image in post. It used to be called poor man's low mode. Now most everyone does it this way.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top