Low mode bracket necessary?

[Ben Chiu]

Greetings!

I built the low mode bracket and have used it. But thinking about the configuration changes required to switch between low and normal mode isn't very pleasant (you have to flip the gimbal--requiring removing and replacing the video send signal wire(s), add the bracket, flip the monitor, and so on). I saw on another board that one solution is fly the sled inverted with the camera inverted and then flipping the picture electronically.

It sounds practical for Cody's rig (except for the gimbal--it seems "safer" to keep it upright), but I wanted to see if anyone knows of or sees any disadvantages to flying the camera upside down (camcorder of course) rather than moving to the low mode bracket.

Thanks for any insights.

Ben

[redphotoman]

Hi Ben,

I think I'm correct in saying if you just invert the sled you run a very real risk of the tube in the main bearing pulling out - after all other than being a tight "push fit" it's only gravity that holds the assembly in place. I have'nt bothered with the low mode bracket myself yet. Anyone else looked at this aspect of Cody's design?

Jon.

P.S Ben can you drop me a mail - lost your address during a hard drive "revamp"

[Ben Chiu]

> if you just invert the sled you run a very real risk of

> the tube in the main bearing pulling out - after all

> other than being a tight "push fit" it's only gravity

> that holds the assembly in place.



Hi Jon:



Yes, agreed. My thoughts are that the low mode bracket itself isn't really necessary. Aside from the gimbal issue, I really don't see a downside to capturing upside down and inverting the picture in post. I'm just throwing the concept out to everyone just in case I may have missed something that would sway me from doing what I propose.



Best!

Ben

[Cody Deegan]

I too have rarely used the bracket.  Going to low mode was a big effort because of the gimbal removal and I only did it when I had to.  And because of the great flexibility of video, I have shot often with the camera upside-down rather than using the bracket and flipped in post.  Works fine.





Cody

[Ben Chiu]

> And because of the great flexibility of video, I have

> shot often with the camera upside-down rather than using

> the bracket and flipped in post. Works fine.



Thanks for the confirmation, Cody!



Looking forward to your new book. Can you tell us a little about the new arm design? How much does it weigh in comparison to the old arm? What about size and performance wise? Do you have pictures of it on your site or here at HBS?



Thanks!

Ben

[Cody Deegan]

Let's move up to Cody's Arm for this one, Ben.