Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Medium Format / Film / Digital Backs – and Large Sensor Photography => Topic started by: marcwilson on October 02, 2010, 11:23:31 am
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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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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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http://www.iworkcase.com/
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I recently bought the Lowepro Magnum 650 AW, it incudes a laptop case that expands into a sunshade. It's a pretty nifty idea.
(http://products.lowepro.com//CatalogImages/18-2139-IMG8L.jpeg)
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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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I use an axiotron modbook....true mac tablet !
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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
(http://www.hasselblad.com.au/hb/uploads/models/large/IV11225.jpg)
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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
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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is the platform very heavy?
cheers paul
postal scale tells me its 2.7 pounds
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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 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554334-REG/Manfrotto_131DD_131DD_Tripod_Accessory_Arm.html).
Thanks
Evgeny
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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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I just oredered that iWorkCase along with their external battery, thanks for the link Kipling.
CB
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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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.....and my finger is 2 mm from the buy button as well for that kit :D
I can highly recommend the Iwork cases, a bit heavy but everything feels safe in there. the batteries are the same as the batterygeek
http://www.batterygeek.net/Default.asp (http://www.batterygeek.net/Default.asp)
UPDATE: BG is not the same, Bought 2 BG batteries and both are dead. I've now have the Hypermac and it work like a charm
best,
Bernhard Kristinn
http://www.bernhardkristinn.com (http://www.bernhardkristinn.com)
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Some nice options presented here. I just bought this from Bilila for $100. A big improvement over what I was using before (nothing!)
(there is a black cloth which attaches to the front via velcrose tabs which is not pictured, but useful on a sunny day)
(http://bilila.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/laptop_stand_with_shade_smaller.354132707_std.jpg)
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I bought the Tether Tools (http://www.tethertools.com/plugging-in/introducing-the-tether-table-aero-aero-black/) table for my 17" and it fits great, works on all my stands and tripods, also superclamps and magic arms. I think all of them will work with a 17" except for their Traveler which is for the 13". Products seemed to be geared to the pros but are really well built, sturdy and comes with a case. They also have a really cool tethering accessory called the JerkStopper Camera device (http://www.shop.tethertools.com/JerkStopper-Camera-Support-JS020.htm) which keeps your cable in place. Works great.
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Just spent my first day on location with the iWorkCase. Totally dig that setup. Instead of mounting it on a tripod, I put a superclamp on the handle of my magliner and attached it to that. I keep two Rollaboards on the magliner (1 Pelican, 1 Phase Branded) so the cart keeps my laptop, the R system, the M2 and the 5d2 all close at hand. I also got the external battery pack with that case and we shot for 11 hours today without ever plugging in the laptop. Very cool.
Unrelated, I was shooting in studio all last week and decided to tether to the new tower instead of the laptop. Man, shooting tethered has never been so beautiful! File transfer was quicker, previews rendered WAY faster and connectivity was substantially more stable. I almost wanna drag the tower out to every shoot now.
Almost.
CB
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Just spent my first day on location with the iWorkCase. Totally dig that setup. Instead of mounting it on a tripod, I put a superclamp on the handle of my magliner and attached it to that. I keep two Rollaboards on the magliner (1 Pelican, 1 Phase Branded) so the cart keeps my laptop, the R system, the M2 and the 5d2 all close at hand. I also got the external battery pack with that case and we shot for 11 hours today without ever plugging in the laptop. Very cool.
:o that's like 50k on wheels...you got an alarm system hooked up to it or just two bodyguards superclamped to the magliner as well?
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also been out the first day with the iWorkCase with 2 battery packs.... I'm a fan!! ;D
/adam
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Stay FAR away from batterygeek.
I ordered and paid something there over a year ago and have ever since been trying to contact them.
Sometimes I get contact by letting them know I want to buy something, as soon as I start about that order the contact stops.
This is a TERRIBLE company, paypal can't get my money back because they pushed the order date forward to 40 days (should have never accepted that but at that time communication was fast and good).
I still hope for a good solution from them but I know better I'm afraid.
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The people from iWorkCase was helpfull, fast and have a great product! I will buy from them if I'm going to need more HyperMac cells.
/adam
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FWIW, the iWork case looks to be a customized Pelican 1490 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/200310-REG/Pelican_1490_003_110_1490CC1_Computer_Case_with.html). You can get pretty close to this on your own by re-jiggering the innards that come with the 1490CC1 version of the case. It's not as refined but it will allow you to have batteries, ext. hard drives, etc., sit below the laptop and still function via FW or power cables you loop under and around to the ports. A card reader fits on the side as well.
The CC1 comes with a lid case organizer. It is helpful for holding tethering cables, remotes, the power brick, but you can ditch it and rig up a hood. I tried a Hoodman Eclipse Hood initially ('04) but it is kind of cheesy, never sits well, so I don't use it. I haven't done it but I suspect that adding a tripod mount to the bottom wouldn't be too hard. Maybe attach a RRS bar to the bottom so it can quick release(?)
It looks like iWork will sell you their case inlay for a 1490 (http://www.iworkcase.com/epages/62303355.sf/secZiit6832WlY/?ObjectPath=/Shops/62303355/Categories/iWorkCase_Inlays) if you want something more refined. This leaves you still needing a hood and having to make the tripod mount but a plain Jane 1490 is only $100 @ B&H, get the iWork inlay, and you are still ahead of the curve...
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The DigiPlate is probably the best solution. The most versatile and robust: http://kck.st/Jn8ZUD
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Also check out Tethertools they have a very nice series of tether tools :D
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The DigiPlate is probably the best solution. The most versatile and robust: http://kck.st/Jn8ZUD
Just a copy of what's commonly known as a cheeseplate. Pro videographers and cinematographers have used them for years as a central support for attaching a framework of components to build out their rig.
The Chinese will be knocking that one off before the end of the year.
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Also check out Tethertools they have a very nice series of tether tools :D
Nice but very pricey.
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Depends, I know their products very well and find them cheap to be honest.
Only the tables are higher priced but worth it, very light weight and great options that can be added.
Jerkstoppers for example are a must I think, especially for DSLR and they are very cheap.
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The Tethertools stuff doesn't seem very pro material. The Digiplate on the other hand seems to fit in with Redrock and RRS type gear. It's more robust and well thought out. The TT plate uses a velcro strap to hold down the computer—really?
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Having used a number of different solutions I can highly recommend the Iwork case. I'm not a fan of the seaport at all.
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Not a Velcro strap.
It's a secure strap, it's mounted over the laptop and fastened (clicked) on the table. Actually it's rock solid when it's secured, and it makes sure all laptops fit, MacBook air is also no problem, a MacBook with spec case also works.
The "fun" thing about tethertools is that they keep coming up with new additions to the line up, I fell in love with the jerkstoppers and think that's a must have when shooting tethered. I also use the table and some accessories and like that a lot, but the digi one with the holes (kickstarter project) also looks nice, although I don't really like the fact that my laptop would be clamped down on the table on the corners, I'm always afraid something will "break" when using that kind of connection, plus when the MacBook pro goes more towards the MacBook air you have a problem.
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I still think the DigiPlate looks the most solid and expandable. In fact, they just came out with tripod bracket that lets you mount your computer to your tripod legs. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ninevolt/digiplate/posts/237894
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Update: so I've had the DigiPlate for about a month now and it's pretty sweet. I never tried the other options but I don't really see how they can compare. This one seems to be so expandable and rugged. The tripod mount is awesome when by myself shooting landscapes. I highly recommended checking it out:
http://www.nine-volt.com/main/digiplate-features.php