flyingferret 0 #1 March 28, 2002 I am posting this in the freefly forum as well as the photography forum. But in general I am asking the freefliers, because we are kinda a little subset of camera fliers. You hear a lot of advice for a top mount camera for safety. However, to my knowledge (it could be incomplete) all the incidents that occured last year where with professionals flying top mounted cameras. So, I am wondering where are all the bad reports from the thousands of freefliers wearing side mount cameras?I just put together a Batrak with a side mounted PC, and I will be adding still cameras to the top later. So, I wanted to ask: Who has ever had any problems with side mounts? If so, to what degree? Equally important, how did you safeguard your gear from future problems? thanksMalachi Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rapper4mpi 0 #2 March 28, 2002 I jump a side mounted mini-DV and to date (knock-on-wood) have not had a problem. I filled the gap between the mount and the helmet to minimize any risk. I used expanding foam (which proved to be very moldable) then covered it with gaffers tape. I know that this can be a problem, some of the modern rigs fit a little snugger around the shoulders, thus bringing the risers a little closer, so on opening be sure to slightly tilf your head to the side, just a bit.-Rap Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveMonkey 0 #3 March 28, 2002 I guess there's more to snag on top. Most good camera mounts are really smooth, with maybe only the lens sticking out. I'm not crazy - I'm a Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Levin 0 #4 March 28, 2002 QuoteWho has ever had any problems with side mounts? If so, to what degree? Equally important, how did you safeguard your gear from future problems? thanksi've hung my side mount in my risers 3 times. all 3 times i had the chest strap to tight. loosening the chest strap resolved the problem all 3 times. since then i do not tighten my chest strap all the way anymore and have not had any problems since. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyingferret 0 #5 March 28, 2002 On a related note. I am using a PC-110 D-box for my PC-1, which so far (it has not left the ground yet, due to weather) looks awesome. It gives me access to the back of the camera, and security around my wide angle. However, the baseplate is bitter wider than I need and overlaps the Batrak. So I plan on modifying the d-box plate to fit better. Does anyone have any info on cutting carbon fiber? I am think maybe a Dremel with a cutting wheel?Malachi Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Levin 0 #6 March 28, 2002 a dremmel will work fine. be sure to go around the ruff edges with finger nail polish remover. rumor has it carbon fiber shavings short out electronics. truth is it actually takes alot of the stuff, more than just a few shavings. but just to be on the safe side, seal the edges Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skygeek 0 #7 March 28, 2002 If its carbon fiber make sure to seal it up when you are done cutting. This is to make sure that those pesky carbon fibers dont somehow make it in to your camera and cause havok. I would use some clear fingernail polish or something like that. As far as the tools go the dremel should work great.IItywybmab? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
