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Facial stabilisation - DIY !
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Aug 17, 2014 17:29:21   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
Since none of my longer lenses have IS/OS/VC, and since I regularly shoot at 600mm, I have been on a quest for maximum stabilisation techniques for some time now. Having adequate support for the lens/camera is a big part of the equation. But beyond that, there are still other things you could/should do. On longer lenses, having a firm grip towards the front of the lens works well for me. Pushing the camera against your face at the moment of exposure is another sharpness technique with high merits from my experience.
So, my first thought was to install an extended eyepice on my Canon's - and that was better. Then I thought, I really need broader contact areas for even better stabilisation properties and comfort. I searched the net and found nothing of what I was looking for. So, I decided to make it. I went to Ace and got a "T brace" that had some holes already drilled in it and bent the "T" part at 90 degree angle in a vice and installed a piece of self stick insulating foam to the "T" part. I then ordered off ebay some metal feet that fit in the accessory shoe on the top of the camera with a 1/4-20 stud - for the forehead brace. the bottom chin brace is held by a screw in the tripod socket. This results in exceptional stability and comfort ! - and makes me wonder why I have never seen this or thought of it before in my 40 + years in photography ! See below........
I now consider this hardware/technique to be indispensable in obtaining maximum sharpness at 300-600mm focal lengths. You will also find this keeps sweat from getting into your navigation wheels and other switches on the back of your camera. It also affords you a little more room to use BBF if you are left eyed like me.
If anyone knows of the commercial availability of similar hardware, please let us know !



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Aug 17, 2014 19:02:38   #
Rongnongno Loc: FL
 
Really interesting process and product.

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Aug 17, 2014 19:13:51   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
Rongnongno wrote:
Really interesting process and product.


Thanks Rongnongno ! Maybe I should also add the camera shown above is a Canon 50D with battery pack. I have also installed this system on my Sony A3000.

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Aug 17, 2014 19:14:36   #
rwdaley Loc: Hilton Head Island
 
I have tried mono pod, tripod, beanbag, a friends shoulder but there are times your invention would be the best answer! You get an "A" for solving the problem! Have you tried it on macro photography?

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Aug 17, 2014 19:19:43   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
rwdaley wrote:
I have tried mono pod, tripod, beanbag, a friends shoulder but there are times your invention would be the best answer! You get an "A" for solving the problem! Have you tried it on macro photography?


Yes, certainly ! It will help with all forms of high magnification work ......especially hand held.

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Aug 17, 2014 19:26:01   #
Racmanaz Loc: Sunny Tucson!
 
Nice project imagemeister, It reminds me of getting an eye exam and getting that puff of air shot into my eye ;)

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Aug 17, 2014 19:39:22   #
A-PeeR Loc: Houston, Texas
 
Very clever Larry. I can see how this will help stabilize the camera. My first thought was this would be great for macro. Have to think of a way other than the hot shoe though, as macro shooters are often cabled up for flash/diffuser rigs. Perhaps a pc flash cable is in order.

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Aug 17, 2014 20:00:21   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
Racmanaz wrote:
Nice project imagemeister, It reminds me of getting an eye exam and getting that puff of air shot into my eye ;)


Thanks Racmanaz :-)

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Aug 17, 2014 20:01:36   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
A-PeeR wrote:
Very clever Larry. I can see how this will help stabilize the camera. My first thought was this would be great for macro. Have to think of a way other than the hot shoe though, as macro shooters are often cabled up for flash/diffuser rigs. Perhaps a pc flash cable is in order.


Yes, that is a down side as it ties up the flash shoe ........

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Aug 18, 2014 01:05:45   #
BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA
 
imagemeister wrote:
Since none of my longer lenses have IS/OS/VC, and since I regularly shoot at 600mm, I have been on a quest for maximum stabilisation techniques for some time now. Having adequate support for the lens/camera is a big part of the equation. But beyond that, there are still other things you could/should do. On longer lenses, having a firm grip towards the front of the lens works well for me. Pushing the camera against your face at the moment of exposure is another sharpness technique with high merits from my experience.
So, my first thought was to install an extended eyepice on my Canon's - and that was better. Then I thought, I really need broader contact areas for even better stabilisation properties and comfort. I searched the net and found nothing of what I was looking for. So, I decided to make it. I went to Ace and got a "T brace" that had some holes already drilled in it and bent the "T" part at 90 degree angle in a vice and installed a piece of self stick insulating foam to the "T" part. I then ordered off ebay some metal feet that fit in the accessory shoe on the top of the camera with a 1/4-20 stud - for the forehead brace. the bottom chin brace is held by a screw in the tripod socket. This results in exceptional stability and comfort ! - and makes me wonder why I have never seen this or thought of it before in my 40 + years in photography ! See below........
I now consider this hardware/technique to be indispensable in obtaining maximum sharpness at 300-600mm focal lengths. You will also find this keeps sweat from getting into your navigation wheels and other switches on the back of your camera. It also affords you a little more room to use BBF if you are left eyed like me.
If anyone knows of the commercial availability of similar hardware, please let us know !
Since none of my longer lenses have IS/OS/VC, and ... (show quote)

Have you considered a Bushhawk or SharpShooter (http://www.sharpshooterindustries.com/Stock2.html ) shoulder brace?

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Aug 18, 2014 08:06:42   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
Mogul wrote:
Have you considered a Bushhawk or SharpShooter (http://www.sharpshooterindustries.com/Stock2.html ) shoulder brace?


Yes, in fact I made my own version of it from a crutch. It is an option, but IMHO is more suited for smaller lighter weight rigs as it adds it's own bulk and weight to the rigging. However, it can also benefit from the facial stabilisaton.



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Aug 18, 2014 16:03:33   #
BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA
 
imagemeister wrote:
Yes, in fact I made my own version of it from a crutch. It is an option, but IMHO is more suited for smaller lighter weight rigs as it adds it's own bulk and weight to the rigging. However, it can also benefit from the facial stabilisaton.

Could you use your device in conjunction with a monopod?

Or consider this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554100-REG/Manfrotto_361_361_Shoulder_Brace_for.html

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Aug 18, 2014 16:30:22   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
Mogul wrote:
Could you use your device in conjunction with a monopod?

Or consider this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554100-REG/Manfrotto_361_361_Shoulder_Brace_for.html


Yes, the last photo shows it being used on a monopod ... - I have seen the Manfro shoulder brace......I am not discounting it.

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Aug 18, 2014 22:25:56   #
St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet
 
imagemeister wrote:
...
I now consider this hardware/technique to be indispensable in obtaining maximum sharpness at 300-600mm focal lengths. You will also find this keeps sweat from getting into your navigation wheels and other switches on the back of your camera. It also affords you a little more room to use BBF if you are left eyed like me.
...

How to patent a product http://www.google.com/#q=how+to+patent+a+product

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Aug 18, 2014 22:30:43   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
imagemeister wrote:
Yes, the last photo shows it being used on a monopod ... - I have seen the Manfro shoulder brace......I am not discounting it.


This facial stabilisation is particularly effective when used in conjunction with the "bodypod" which is particularly useful for BIF's or other action requiring fast mobility.

bodypod
bodypod...

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