stills camera advise

[freefalle 0]

before I get flamed: yes I only have 70 jumps no I dont intend to start jumping a camera until I have about 100 more jumps.

But Ive run in to a little extra cash so Im starting to put the pieces together Ive got a Hawkeye helmet that I got used and a PC 100 that I just picked up. I dont know a whole lot about 35mm still cameras so Im looking for some recommendations. The helmet I bought already has a remote switch so I can activate the shutter with a hand held button. Id like a good quality camera but I dont have a lot of money to spend, Im hoping to use it to photograpgh tandems and such eventually. thanks for your help

[AggieDave 6]

Quote

I dont intend to start jumping a camera until I have about 100 more jumps.

You might want to wait a bit longer then that.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[Deuce 1]

I put my gear together over almost a year and from about 100 jumps to 200.

Get a D-box for you PC100, and an cameye II. That button for your still camera should be activated by your mouth (bite, blow, or tongue) I know there's a radio controlled one out there, but I've heard mixed reviews about it. I've got a conceptus tongue switch I like, and the pros I know like that one too.

The simplest solution is an SLR with a 2.5mm jack for the remote shutter release. Check the other end of the switch you're talking about. Some cameras accept that conceptus jack without modification. If you aren't already brand loyal (I'm a Nikon guy) do that, it'll make your life easier. Pier media has a good site and Marcus Antebi there has always helpfully answered my newbie questions. Get an SLR with that accepts the stock conceptus jack, get a good lens, get 'em on EBAY and you should be good to go in about 130 jumps.

"Learn to do RW first, then freefly, then camera"-someone way smarter than me with thousands of jumps

(leaping behind asbestos wall)

[ltdiver 3]

Quote

(leaping behind asbestos wall)

Then this 'new moderator' quote from quade last march 8 seems a bit understated?
Nasty, Rable-Rousers Control

ltdiver [whisper]Fight, Fight! [/whisper]

Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon

[SniperCJ 0]

Ya, what they said!

I didnt start flying camera till I had almost 400 jumps and I had already had 2 cutaways by then. I think it helps to have had one before you start camera. Helps to have had a 'minor' emergency before you get a 'major' emergency with a camera.

At any rate, be careful that you dont assemble this camera gear, then it sits there tempting you and finally youll break down and start jumping it and get yourself bit.

A lot of guys use the Canon Rebel line of 35 mm. Theyre relatively lightweight and pretty easy to use. The accept the Conceptus switches with no re-wiring. I also use the tongue switch and have liked it except that I cant feel a 'click" from the switch when I depress it. Makes me wonder sometimes if Ive pushed it or not. However once you get used to that its not really a problem. Ive never come down from a jump where I 'knew' I was pushing the switch and found it not to have triggered the camera. (I HAVE unfortunately forgotten to take stills at all...)

JC