Camera gimbal?

[SConner]

Anybody have any idea if there is such as a product as a camera gimbal or overhead gantry like set up that could be used in place of copy stands? I'm sure all of us have felt the frustration of getting an item propped up just right and angled just so, only to find out that the area that you wanted to photograph is just out of frame. Then, when you go to move the item just a bit, the whole thing topples over and you have to start all over again, and again the area you want to photograph will be just out of frame. I don't know about you, but I'd rather move the camera than the item each time I need to photograph something. I've seen some heavy duty industrial sized set ups for use with movie cameras but there's got to be a smaller set up for use with the DSLRs that we rely on everyday, right? Some kind of gimbal that can be attached to the end of a boom like the snorkel hoods or exam lights? Anyone know of anything like this?

[George Reis]

Mideo Systems has a camera mount that is a vertical pole with an articulated arm that holds a camera. I haven't used this personally, but have seen it in the QD section at LASD - and I think it offers some versatility in camera positioning.

Manfrotto (Bogen) offers articulated arms with camera mounts that could probably be made to work for what you describe.

If I were looking, I'd also check with the large camera retailers, like Adorama, B & H, etc.

Please report back with what you find!

[Steve Everist]

When I was at the WVU/FSI program in Las Vegas, Ryan Rezzelle brought in one that he really liked - the Bogen Magic Arm. I've attached a PDF with some information that Ryan sent to me.

[SConner]

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll have to venture out to the local camera store and see if I can take a look at one of them in person.

[antonroland]

How about simply shooting free-hand?

[SConner]

Mmm, kind of difficult when you have a long exposure time while photographing dye stained CA prints using an ALS.

[ER]

Instead of the movie industry, what about dentistry? Some overhead arms to hold the camera like dentists use for lights?

[antonroland]

Mmm, kind of difficult when you have a long exposure time while photographing dye stained CA prints using an ALS.

What are your typical exposure settings for these prints?

I manage to shoot fluorescent prints free-hand without any quality issues or D.O.F. problems.