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Author Topic: Tethering laptop tables, supports, etc on location  (Read 21640 times)

marcwilson

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Tethering laptop tables, supports, etc on location
« on: October 02, 2010, 11:23:31 am »

Hi guys,

Although of course the camera could be a dslr as well as a medium format, large format etc the solution should be the same so this seems to be the best forum to ask it in, as much medium format digital work is tethered.

When working on location and shooting tethered to my macbook pro and with the camera tripod mounted, I'm looking for a support that provides both a secure platform for the laptop but one that is easily moved along with my tripod to get to the next shot angle.
It also needs to be one that is easy to transport both in terms of space it takes up and carrying to site. (Sometimes with these jobs everything needs to be taken from car to location in one go)

This is more important for shoots when say I'm using only available lights and so can move around a space quicker, such as various large office spaces, indoor shopping centres, etc that I have shot in.

Any real world recomendations?

Thanks,

Marc
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robert zimmerman

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Re: Tethering laptop tables, supports, etc on location
« Reply #1 on: October 02, 2010, 11:44:08 am »

i always rent laptop stands, but the best solutions i've seen are hard shell laptop cases with a quick release plate fitted to the bottom of the case.
the case itself is padded and the laptop fits securely in the case. they usually come with a shade for better viewing.
you just attach it the the tripod and tripod head of choice.
the advantage is that you can always pick the appropriate tripod for the situation (light, small, sturdy, tall, etc.).
the tripod head isn't really important, should just be small, strong and adjustable.

that's the most flexible solution i've seen and you can make it yourself, to your own specifications and needs.

best, kipling
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amsp

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Re: Tethering laptop tables, supports, etc on location
« Reply #3 on: October 02, 2010, 02:24:12 pm »

I recently bought the Lowepro Magnum 650 AW, it incudes a laptop case that expands into a sunshade. It's a pretty nifty idea.



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wolfnowl

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Re: Tethering laptop tables, supports, etc on location
« Reply #4 on: October 02, 2010, 05:18:37 pm »

This isn't the type of work I do so the following may be useless, but as I was reading your request I got to wondering about the Tanos Systainer system: http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=64664&cat=1,43326 or http://tanosus.com/default.asp?lid=En&oid=100 for some examples.  It would hold cameras, light heads, cables, computer... depending on how you configure it.  Different sizes, a dolly base, cut to fit foam, stackable, lockable or you can disassemble the unit into individual containers.

Mike.
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Dennis Carbo

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Re: Tethering laptop tables, supports, etc on location
« Reply #5 on: October 02, 2010, 06:08:11 pm »

I use an axiotron modbook....true mac tablet !

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paul_jones

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Re: Tethering laptop tables, supports, etc on location
« Reply #6 on: October 02, 2010, 06:58:07 pm »

ive had all sorts of pelican type converted cases, but ive just bought this-

http://www.seaportdigital.com/ivisor-pro-ls-p-36.html

it seems very good so far. its lighter with my 17 inch laptop in it than my pelican without a laptop in it. a big deal if you are carrying it on flights

« Last Edit: October 02, 2010, 07:00:42 pm by paul_jones »
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marcwilson

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Re: Tethering laptop tables, supports, etc on location
« Reply #7 on: October 03, 2010, 08:02:37 am »

Thanks guys,
Some interesting solutions appearing here.

Paul, with your seaport set up is the case really secure once attached to the tripod platform with the built in loops?

Also can I ask the outer dimensions of the ivisor pro ls you use...so I can see if it will fit in the front laptop pocket of my think tank airport takeoff bag...I doubt it but you never know.

The seaport solution is available here in the UK from calumet so that's a good start.

Thanks,

Marc
« Last Edit: October 03, 2010, 08:17:37 am by marcwilson »
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paul_jones

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Re: Tethering laptop tables, supports, etc on location
« Reply #8 on: October 03, 2010, 10:21:04 am »

Thanks guys,
Some interesting solutions appearing here.

Paul, with your seaport set up is the case really secure once attached to the tripod platform with the built in loops?

Also can I ask the outer dimensions of the ivisor pro ls you use...so I can see if it will fit in the front laptop pocket of my think tank airport takeoff bag...I doubt it but you never know.

The seaport solution is available here in the UK from calumet so that's a good start.

Thanks,

Marc

hi marc,

the case is quite large width wise as its designed to fit up to a 17inch laptop, which fits nicely.
i bought this to save weight for carry on, and most airlines let a carry bag and a separate laptop case, so i didnt consider putting it into another bag.

theres a laptop plate that is very secure when strapped on with the two velcro straps underweight. this is because the laptop case is very rigid, and the so is the laptop tray- this attaches to a headless tripod, and that makes even a lightweight tripod very secure.
my pelican type laptop case has a large alloy plate screwed inside under the laptop, but because the plastic bends, it still wobbles.

there are three problems with the case-
1 / the very strong laptop tray- that velcros well under the case , is also quite heavy. it fits into a pocket of the case well, but a little over engineered.
2/ there is no way of holding the laptop itself in the case when open and propped up level when in use. another "safety" velcro strap would have fixed this.
3/ on my 17 macbookpro, the FW cord doesnt have a hole that lines up exactly where it is on the laptop. the fw has to line up perfectly as the plug itself is a crap design and needs to go in square. but a knife can fix that easily. there are plenty of well thought out plug holes for the rest of stuff.

but i still think its the best case ive found out there so far.

cheers paul


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Jeffreytotaro

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Re: Tethering laptop tables, supports, etc on location
« Reply #9 on: October 03, 2010, 04:17:21 pm »

While not cheap, light, or small, I love this cart.  You have to consider that you not only need a comfortable support for the laptop, but with this cart you do not have to close up all of your cases in order to move to the next shot.  Everything just stays on the cart and you roll it along.  It even goes off-road pretty well too.  Certainly in smaller locations it can be tough, but wide open areas like you mentioned, like office, shopping areas, this is great.  It folds up pretty flat too.

If you're into video, you can get a steady-cam mount for it too, so it becomes a camera dolly.

Add an umbrella and some dirty water and you can sell hotdogs at lunch time too.

http://www.filmtools.com/filmtools-converted-junior-cart.html
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Weldon Brewster

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Re: Tethering laptop tables, supports, etc on location
« Reply #10 on: October 04, 2010, 09:09:08 am »

I never thought I'd say Gitzo was a cheaper solution but check this out too.  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/73163-REG/Gitzo_G065.html   Still need velcro strap to hold the laptop on though.
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JonathanBenoit

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Re: Tethering laptop tables, supports, etc on location
« Reply #11 on: October 04, 2010, 10:26:02 am »

While not cheap, light, or small, I love this cart.  You have to consider that you not only need a comfortable support for the laptop, but with this cart you do not have to close up all of your cases in order to move to the next shot.  Everything just stays on the cart and you roll it along.  It even goes off-road pretty well too.  Certainly in smaller locations it can be tough, but wide open areas like you mentioned, like office, shopping areas, this is great.  It folds up pretty flat too.

If you're into video, you can get a steady-cam mount for it too, so it becomes a camera dolly.

Add an umbrella and some dirty water and you can sell hotdogs at lunch time too.

http://www.filmtools.com/filmtools-converted-junior-cart.html

I'm using a Roland laptop stand, but I don't like it because it isn't very portable.
Jeffrey's solution, although expensive, seems to be the best. One of the products made by Anthro might be a good option also.
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GregShapps

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Re: Tethering laptop tables, supports, etc on location
« Reply #12 on: October 04, 2010, 11:33:50 am »

I never thought I'd say Gitzo was a cheaper solution but check this out too.  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/73163-REG/Gitzo_G065.html   Still need velcro strap to hold the laptop on though.

I have this Gitzo Platform that I no longer use if anyone is interested (send me a PM)  - I got it originally cause it was the only platform on the market that held a 17" MBP
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fredjeang

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Re: Tethering laptop tables, supports, etc on location
« Reply #13 on: October 04, 2010, 12:18:47 pm »

I also find by far the most reliable solution, but did not mentionned it because the O.P was talking about light weight and difficult access location transport.

But maybe considering going heavier but trully efficient is a good choice in the end because, those, you are going to keep it year after year.

I've never been happy with too much light-weight because it generally ends with troubles at one point or another.
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paul_jones

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Re: Tethering laptop tables, supports, etc on location
« Reply #14 on: October 05, 2010, 06:18:35 am »

I have this Gitzo Platform that I no longer use if anyone is interested (send me a PM)  - I got it originally cause it was the only platform on the market that held a 17" MBP

is the platform very heavy?

cheers paul
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GregShapps

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Re: Tethering laptop tables, supports, etc on location
« Reply #15 on: October 05, 2010, 01:55:57 pm »

is the platform very heavy?

cheers paul

postal scale tells me its 2.7 pounds
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evgeny

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Re: Tethering laptop tables, supports, etc on location
« Reply #16 on: October 07, 2010, 04:55:00 am »

Some people wrote in the reviews of the Gitzo G-065 Monitor Platform that 17" laptops can't fit.

Please recommend a stable platform to safely support a Mackbook Pro 17". The platform will be attached to the Manfrotto 131DD Tripod Accessory Arm.

Thanks
Evgeny
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adammork

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Re: Tethering laptop tables, supports, etc on location
« Reply #17 on: October 07, 2010, 06:50:34 am »

Some people wrote in the reviews of the Gitzo G-065 Monitor Platform that 17" laptops can't fit.

Thanks
Evgeny

and they are right, if we are talking about the generation before the unibody - it lacks a few millimeters... I don't know about the 17" unibody, I'm using a 15" now.

have anybody tried the iWorkcase in real life?

/adammork
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ChristopherBarrett

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Re: Tethering laptop tables, supports, etc on location
« Reply #18 on: October 07, 2010, 06:59:33 am »

I just oredered that iWorkCase along with their external battery, thanks for the link Kipling.

CB
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adammork

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Re: Tethering laptop tables, supports, etc on location
« Reply #19 on: October 07, 2010, 07:04:26 am »

I just oredered that iWorkCase along with their external battery, thanks for the link Kipling.

CB

.....and my finger is 2 mm from the buy button as well for that kit  :D
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