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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Securing Magic arm with safety cables?
Luke Johnson, Photographer, Student/Intern
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St.Petersburg | FL | USA | Posted: 12:35 AM on 05.27.11 |
| ->> I got my magic arms in today and after taking a look at the magic arm I cannot seem to find any way of securing it with a safety cable. Anyone know of a way to secure a magic arm? |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 12:48 AM on 05.27.11 |
| ->> I use HEAVY DUTY flexible nylon cable ties. Available at any good hardware or expendable store. |
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Mark J. Terrill, Photographer
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Simi Valley | CA | USA | Posted: 2:14 AM on 05.27.11 |
| ->> What works pretty well is one of those rubber hose clamps with a small d-ring fed onto it. You can tighten that down on the arm and then, clip the safety cable to the d-ring. |
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Kevin Krows, Photographer
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Forsyth | IL | USA | Posted: 5:06 AM on 05.27.11 |
| ->> I use a solid closed steel 2 1/2" ring. Remove the knob, slip the ring on, and replace the knob. Now you can thread your safety cable through the ring. |
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Mark Sutton, Photographer
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Herndon | VA | USA | Posted: 6:18 AM on 05.27.11 |
->> Since I shoot mainly college sports the baskets vary in most arenas. I use a combo of the safety cable along with the heavy duty cable ties Bert was referring to and I changed my camera's neck strap to the ones that have the release clips on the end. Since I've started putting my MK IIn's up instead of the 50d's I have to clamp those TANKS down more securely because of the weight.
At the Greensboro Coliseum last year I had one mounted on the base of the expansion part of the basket. Basically waist level and as time was running out a Maryland player tried a half court shot that went short but creamed my camera. The method I mentioned above saved my camera from smashing to the floor.
Don't forget that after you focus your camera, take the lens out of auto focus and then put some duck or gaffers tape on the focus ring on your lens. Then if something hits the camera you don't have to re-focus it during the game. Just re-point it... |
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Brian Blanco, Photographer
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Tampa / Sarasota | FL | USA | Posted: 7:47 AM on 05.27.11 |
->> Luke,
I saw your ad looking to buy remote gear and now this thread. I'm assuming that you are going to try to hang a remote at a Rays' game.
You know man, you don't have to figure it all out on your own. Remotes can be tricky. We'll help you. Just let one of us know what day you're going to try this and we'll get there a little earlier and give you a hand.
-Brian
Note: I may not be your first choice as a remote hanging tutor as I still fumble a bit with them at times, but James, Chris, Mike and Scott can hang them in their sleep. |
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Walt Middleton, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 8:37 AM on 05.27.11 |
| ->> I'll second the Nylon Cable Ties... |
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Luke Johnson, Photographer, Student/Intern
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St.Petersburg | FL | USA | Posted: 9:47 AM on 05.27.11 |
| ->> Thanks everyone, I like that cable tie idea... Thanks Brian, once I get everything I need and figure out when I'll be giving it a try, I will give you a call. |
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Tim Vizer, Photographer
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Belleville | IL | USA | Posted: 10:24 AM on 05.27.11 |
| ->> Ditto what everyone says here, and what Mark says about taping down the focus. Additionally, check your focus during the game (at least at halftime, but if you can, at timeouts too). Vibrations of balls (and players) hitting the basket over and over might cause your entire rig to slip or move slightly. Gives you a chance to make sure your camera is framed and firing properly and since you probably need to swap out cards (and maybe batteries) at some point anyhow, you may as well check everything throughout the game. |
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Eric Canha, Photographer
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Brockton | MA | United States | Posted: 10:32 AM on 05.27.11 |
| ->> I get my cable ties at home depot in the electrical section. They have ties all the way up to monster 4 footers that are probably rated to 500#. |
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Luke Johnson, Photographer, Student/Intern
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St.Petersburg | FL | USA | Posted: 10:48 AM on 05.27.11 |
| ->> I just fitted my magic arms with some cable ties. I put two heavy duty ties on each part of the arm in case one tie happens to fail. |
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Svein Ove Ekornesvaag, Photographer
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