p.1 #1 · Need help finding a Tripod for Handicapped.
I am presently stuck in a wheelchair, I still like to get out and shoot and have plenty of friends willing to help me get there. Problem is I need a tripod that I can use from the wheelchair, I do not need nor wish to pay for a tripod that extends to 65 inches. 36 inches would be ideal. It also must be able to hold my gimbal head and somewhere between 15 and 20 pounds, anyone knowing of such an item please pm me.
p.1 #2 · Need help finding a Tripod for Handicapped.
Hopefully someone with more specific experience will chime in, but here's my initial thought:
You won't find many tripods specifically limited to 36" or thereabouts. Some of the tiny 0-series Gitzos are that size, but they'd be totally inappropriate. They also did short series 2 basalts in that size range, which would be better, but still has the drawback of being fairly rare and specialized, and not as flexible for other uses or resale.
That leaves the option of using a standard tripod and not fully extending the legs, which should work fine. Because you're not extending fully, you may be able to go with a slightly smaller leg set -- something comparable to Gitzo series 2 (28mm upper legs) might work, while generally a series 3 (32mm legs) is much more appropriate for long lenses and gimbals. Then again, a series 3 is still more stable, even partially collapsed.
Another option is wood -- a midsized Berlebach is really a pleasure to use, and if light weight isn't super high on your list of priorities, they are very stable and quite affordable.
Mostly, I'd suggest trying a few types in person, so that you can get a sense of which sort of controls will be easiest to manage. You might prefer the Gitzo rotating locks, Manfrotto flip locks, or the Berlebach system -- hard to say without trying.
p.1 #3 · Need help finding a Tripod for Handicapped.
A normal tripod set up to match the eye height you want may be too restrictive to A normal tripod set up to match the eye height you want may be too restrictive to allow you to easily get your eye to the camera, because the legs will get in the way. So you clearly should experiment with a tripod to see if it will work out before you get one for your self.
Have you considered using a monopod with no gimbal head, or even with the gimbal head? That may help a lot for stability while at the same time being easier to use between your legs and down to the ground.
You may also want to consider attaching something to your wheel chair to support your camera. There is a thing made by Manfrotto called the 131TC table mount column that you might be able to use, or find a way to do something similar attached to one side of your wheel chair. A way to quick release the gimbal head on and off of one side of your wheel chair might just work out great.
And an unusual approach might be to set up a big tripod with a reversible column, and put your gimbal head on the bottom under the apex of the tripod. That configuration just may have room for your wheel chair to "drive in" under two of the legs, and for you to then use the gimbal mount with the platform hanging down. A gimbal head works just as well upside down as it does right side up, even though it is a very unusual configuration. The tripod leg in front of you would be in the way sometimes, but you would still have a lot of range for the lens with no blockage.
All the best in your search for a solution, and let us all know what works out.
p.1 #4 · Need help finding a Tripod for Handicapped.
I believe RRS (and probably others) have introduced camera mounts for Safari shooters which attach to rails on the vehicles. There are also mounts for automobiles which might be adaptable. Perhaps something like that could be attached to the wheel chair and be easily used by the occupant. This would assume that the wheel chair itself is a steady enough platform when sitting in it to satisfy your needs.
Good luck with your search ... and be sure to post your solution!
Jan 08, 2012 at 06:52 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #5 · Need help finding a Tripod for Handicapped.
One of the shorter Gitzo Systematic tripods would be good. It have to be a strong tripod without center-column.
p.1 #6 · Need help finding a Tripod for Handicapped.
I think Gitzo released some compact versions of the series 3 Systematic in basalt, though I think they'd ultimately be a mediocre choice. Their only real benefit is collapsed length -- they fold up smaller. In exchange, you get a tripod that is harder to find, harder to resell if you decide to, and (most important) more frustrating to use, since you have to extend four short sections, rather than only one or two longer ones. With a three-section Gitzo series 3, you're probably well beyond 36" by only extending one joint; you might get pretty close to that even with a four-section 3541LS. If you don't want to carry around the extra unused sections, the newest Gitzos allow you to buy (overpriced) leg adapters that eliminate lower sections and replace them with feet. For a cheaper and simpler solution, you could go with an older series 3, remove the bottom sections, and stick on some rubber feet from the hardware store. Simple, reasonable weight, and only one section to extend.
The idea of mounting something on your chair sounds like it's worth exploring, too.
Good luck!
Jan 08, 2012 at 11:51 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #7 · Need help finding a Tripod for Handicapped.
Smiert Spionam wrote:
I think Gitzo released some compact versions of the series 3 Systematic in basalt, though I think they'd ultimately be a mediocre choice. Their only real benefit is collapsed length -- they fold up smaller. In exchange, you get a tripod that is harder to find, harder to resell if you decide to, and (most important) more frustrating to use, since you have to extend four short sections, rather than only one or two longer ones. With a three-section Gitzo series 3, you're probably well beyond 36" by only extending one joint; you might get pretty close to that even with a four-section 3541LS. If you don't want to carry around the extra unused sections, the newest Gitzos allow you to buy (overpriced) leg adapters that eliminate lower sections and replace them with feet. For a cheaper and simpler solution, you could go with an older series 3, remove the bottom sections, and stick on some rubber feet from the hardware store. Simple, reasonable weight, and only one section to extend.
The idea of mounting something on your chair sounds like it's worth exploring, too.
It's a series 3 mountaineer, not systematic. It exists, but I doubt very many have ever been purchased -- one of Gitzo's oddballs that appeals only to a very small niche (those who must have series 3 legs, but with a 17" collapsed size).
p.1 #9 · Need help finding a Tripod for Handicapped.
Are you using a motorized wheelchair? If so, there are ways to attach a modified bracket to your wheelchair so that you can shoot without having to use a tripod. I just Googled "wheelchair-mounted camera bracket", which yielded a number of ideas.
A motorized wheelchair is generally heavy, and could provide a measure of stability.
I have worked with persons with disabilities for 17 years and have seen a number of clever add-on devices that various persons have created. You may have an independent living center in your town (there are over 400 throughout the U.S.). If so, there may be a specialist who could connect you with someone that could design and fabricate such a device. Good luck.
p.1 #10 · Need help finding a Tripod for Handicapped.
Why not cobble a platform to bolt onto the arms (or one arm) of your chair, to hold a ball head? C-clamps, Vise-Grips and welding clamps are not very expensive, generally, and will hold a truck, if they are big enough. Have fun!!
Larry
Jan 09, 2012 at 12:42 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #11 · Need help finding a Tripod for Handicapped.
44lefty wrote:
Why not cobble a platform to bolt onto the arms (or one arm) of your chair, to hold a ball head? C-clamps, Vise-Grips and welding clamps are not very expensive, generally, and will hold a truck, if they are big enough. Have fun!!
Larry
He like to use a Gimbal head. And I suppose long & heavy lenses with that
p.1 #13 · Need help finding a Tripod for Handicapped.
Even better. If weight is an issue, you can use either PVC or CPVC pipe. Sinc the chair is a leased item, just make sure that whatever you do is undoable i.e nothing that is permanent.
p.1 #14 · Need help finding a Tripod for Handicapped.
Even better. If weight is an issue, you can use either PVC or CPVC pipe. Sinc the chair is a leased item, just make sure that whatever you do is undoable i.e nothing that is permanent.
p.1 #15 · Need help finding a Tripod for Handicapped.
Sitting in my powered wheelchair places my eye level at 48~49 inches. Theoretically, you could take the three-section RRS TVC-23 with only one section extended plus the BH-40 ball-head and that would bring the base to approximately 40”. Add another 3” for the optional leveling base (wheelchair use necessity in my view) and that brings it to about 44”. Add their gimbal base and that adds ‘about’ another <3” and boom, we’re there!
Please know that I don’t have this set-up yet but that’s what I’m considering. For more accurate measurements I would call the folks at RRS and run these numbers against their in-house measurements. They are very helpful and may well test measure everything for you. They are small enough a company and expensive enough to do that.
The only downside is that everything I just rattled off plus the L-bracket for your specific camera may run close to $2k.
p.1 #17 · Need help finding a Tripod for Handicapped.
Mabe a Manfrotto super clamp and an articulating arm (or Avenger D301 - longer)?
Removable and solid (use craft foam sheet to protect where clamp holds). good luck...Bill
In the abstract, that gizmo looks pretty cool although I question the stability of that arrangement. Meaning: the double pivot arm with all the weight of the camera and lens hangs on the apex. I suppose its worth a shot if its returnable.
good luck...Bill