I've been going through old posts trying to find info on how to set up a remote camera, either on a car or someplace else. However, some linked items are no longer available at B&H and I'm also not quite sure exactly which magic arm model I need for my setup.
I have a Canon 1V HS, and I plan on setting it up with a wideangle on cars, bikes or other places (like buildings). I think I need a Bogen Super Clamp, but I'm not sure which stud to get (I'm just mounting it on the bottom of the camera). Also, there seems to be different numbers for the Magic Arms. Does that indicate how much weight it can handle? What about wedges for the clamp, so I can mount it onto flat surfaces? I already have Pocket Wizards.
I've read many places that you've got to secure the camera with climbing wire or something, in case it falls down. How should I do that exactly? Can you post a picture with your set-up?
The Super Clamps come with wedges for mounting on flat surfaces - no need to worry about that. I like the reversible short stud (2907) - that will allow you to mount a camera directly on the clamp (1/4 side), or flip it over and mount a ball head on it.
I can't make a recommendation for the magic arm, but if I was going to be mounting my camera on a car, I'd be looking at pipes instead of magic arms anyway.
Look at web sites like Mathews studio equipment and Film Tools, lots of ideas there. While getting the links for you, I noticed Film Tools has a photo of a vehicle mount on it's main page. Call them up, very friendly folks. I shop there quite a bit, as they're local to me.
I recommend the variable friction magic arm ( 244N) rather than the standard ( 134N) magic arm. The lever release is all or nothing and very difficult to position for a camera (when released both ends and the middle go loose). The knob variable friction lets you loosen gradually and reposition, much more precise.
I wish I had the variable friction arm. I got mine way before they came out with that feature. It still works fine, nonetheless, but variable friction is much easier to use.
