deegs123 0 #1 July 19, 2005 Just purchased a HC30. I want to side mount this camera. Can someone tell me the best side-mount,helmet,and wide angle lens to use to make this a good setup. My first camera. I know-case 'o' beer.............. Peace, DeegsCorvette Dude Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jmidgley 0 #2 July 19, 2005 Hi I've just started jumping a HC42 which I'm pretty sure is a similar format. There are a couple of issues with side-mounting this type of camera. The first is that the LANC socket is on the 'wrong' side for mounting the camera on the left - you can't push the camera flush against the mount because the plug will be in the way. The second issue (for me) is that the Royal Lens (Diamond 0.3) sticks out past the 'line' of the camera, inviting a riser to rip it off. I have a FF2 SideFX helmet and I made an aluminium box to contain the camera and protect it. If you haven't bought a helmet yet, you might consider top-mounting it. Regards John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
velvetjo 0 #3 July 20, 2005 Check out this post about how I set up my HC-40. I've got about 50 jumps on this setup with no problems. It solves the Diamond lens and CamEyeII problems mentioned in another post. Good luck with it! Lance Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skyblade 0 #4 July 22, 2005 I had the same problems with my HC-40 and the cameye plug. I ended up cutting a narrow slot in the d-box and the helmet, and used a little bit of gaffers tape on the cameye plug to make it easy to pull out (see pictures). It's not visible in the pic, but I used a narrow strip in a U shape around the bottom of the plug to reinforce the loose flap on the top of the plug. >Anything worth doing requires a helmet< Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dumpster 0 #5 July 29, 2005 QuoteCheck out this post about how I set up my HC-40. I've got about 50 jumps on this setup with no problems. It solves the Diamond lens and CamEyeII problems mentioned in another post. Good luck with it! I'll be using a .45 Kenko lens, CamEye, and plain tinted eyesight. Question for you - I just got an HC-30, Is there an easy way to remove the handstrap or what is common practice to stow it? I see what you mean about the LANC socket being in a less-than-ideal spot, too. I'll be mounting it on my old Pro-Tec first before hacking up a brand-new BoneHead. (My "beer" endeavour at building a camera from scratch) Easy Does It Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StevePhelps 0 #6 July 29, 2005 Most people do a strapectomy. Where the strap is sewn together, pull apart and cut the threads with an exacto knife, then you can simply pull the strap out without cutting the strap. Later if you desire to put it vack you could although it may be hard to to resew in that tight of a place, (but you could easily tack it) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dumpster 0 #7 July 29, 2005 Looks like a strapectomy is dooable! Thanks Man! Easy Does It Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dfbjumps 0 #8 August 1, 2005 Lance, Good info. However, which Bonehead D Box did you buy/use? Can you send me a picture of the camera sitting in the box? I want to see how much room there is in it. I have an HC20. Thanks, Doug dfbjumps@yahoo.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
velvetjo 0 #9 August 2, 2005 I cut my strap off too, like Steve mentioned. I did leave about 1/2" attached to the camera so that I can reattach the strap for handheld video. A safety pin works okay for this, but I'm thinking about putting a snap on instead. Most hobby stores have them, shouldn't be too hard. Don't forget to burn the ends of your cut with a flame if you try this - it'll unravel if you don't. No problems fitting the camera into the box with the strap stub hanging from it. It took me a while to decide to hack up my Optik and d-box too...but I got bored enough one rainy Saturday to give it a go. From what I've seen so far, camera gear needs some heavy customization in this sport. Be cautious & thoughtful, but don't be afraid to make something that will work for you. Lance Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
velvetjo 0 #10 August 2, 2005 Doug, the d-box is listed on this page about halfway down as a HC 20-40 Top Mount. No problem mounting it on the side - it's a little off-vertical because of the hinge at the top, but some extra padding on the right side at the bottom fixed that easily. The photos show both the empty box and the camera in the box. Lance Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dumpster 0 #11 August 2, 2005 I did the full strapectomy - All that's left if the little metal loop towards the front. Got everything mounted up to my old ProTec and took it for a jump. A chin cup will be on the way soon. I'll make another few jumps with it before drilling up my BoneHead. I've already started work on a new bracket to clear the LANC cord and the switch. (Just happened to have a big piece of aluminum sheet laying around the shop.) I might even fire up the heli-arc machine and try welding up something really cool! Easy Does It Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StevePhelps 0 #12 August 2, 2005 Quote I might even fire up the heli-arc machine and try welding up something really cool! On my first few camera mounts I "engineered" mounts, using aircraft aluminum and later modifying a D-box, built for a different camera that I purchased one Ebay ... cheap. However, While all the above saved me some $, I've never been as happy as I am now with my Bonehead D-box. The HC20 just slides in like a glove and looks a lot more professional as well. When you can afford it -- buy the D-box for the camera. You'll be glad yoiu did .. I was sure was! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dumpster 0 #13 August 2, 2005 Which d-box did you purchase? Edited to add - Oops ! I see it, had I scrolled up a little further - Nice looking installation! Easy Does It Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StevePhelps 0 #14 August 2, 2005 Bonehead's --retailed about $170 http://www.boneheadcomposites.com/cammount.htm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
