I Need a (Cheap) Crane Shot

[D-76]

Just a fixed camera position about 4-6 meters in elevation. I was thinking a step ladder would do for half a solution, but what's a good way to mount the camera?

I could put a tripod on top of the minivan, but I don't think I want to put myself up there.

No fancy remote viewing permitted (by the technology).

Thanks for your ideas.

Dan

 

[Vince Lupo]

How about a Manfrotto Super Clamp, brass stud with 1/4" threads? How big of a camera are you mounting? Do you need to be able to tilt the camera? If so, maybe you could mount a tripod head onto that 1/4" brass stud.

Something like this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Manfrotto-Super-Clamp-with-Stud-and-Tripod-Head-/400195289807

You could 'clamp' the Super Clamp onto the top step of the ladder, and then you can use the tripod head adjustments. Should be pretty sturdy.

 

[finguanzo]

Yes, super clamp and a magic arm.. Ive hung cameras from tree branches with that setup.. very sturdy, branch was not though.... 🙂

 

[D-76]

Slaps forehead! Oh yes, I didn't know what that piece was called, but I recall buying one in the early '90s from that place in Hollywood, and clamping a cheap motorized 35 onto the mountain bike handlebars. I didn't know they were commonly available. OG gopro.

Thanks guys for the label. Right in budget, too.

Almost forgot to add: it's a Mamiya Super 23, so it should be robust enough to secure the thing, but I can usually manage the image stabilization pretty well. (Proposed group shot of people and two-wheeled devices.)

 

[finguanzo]

Times Ive used it was with a Nikon D200 with either a 24-70, or a 70-200 .. Plenty heavy, and never had an issue..

 

[D-76]

I can't remember the thing flying off the handlebars ever, but that was a much lighter camera. This will be a static shot. Unless something goes wrong.

 

[MrFujicaman]

go to www.peterbaldwinarts.com and look at his tripod style apple picking ladders

 

[MrFujicaman]

Or just check google for apple picking ladders. I found one aluminum one that's 15" tall-just be ready to pay thru the nose for one.