OT, but Related To ChromaKeying

mjroddy wrote on 6/27/2005, 3:00 PM

Ok... We've all heard about how to turn your camera 90degrees on its side to get a cooler, larger image to be keyed.
My question is; are there any tricks to do this with a claw-style tripod like the Vinton Vision or similar?
I knew one trick where you turn the plate sideways and then when you "tilted down" you were really rocking the camera. But with all newer/more expensive heads I've used in the recent past/present, there doesn't seem to be a way to do this.
Tricks? Suggestions? Ideas?
Also, Chroma Key Masters, please see my other thread about 4:2:2. Thank you.

Comments

mjroddy wrote on 6/28/2005, 9:04 AM

Is there really no advice as to how to turn a tripod head 90 degrees on the Z?
Are there any suggestions as to which forum I really SHOULD be asking this question to? I know it pretty OT here.
Thanks again.

JohnnyRoy wrote on 6/28/2005, 12:23 PM

Sorry, I’m not familiar with the Vinton Vision. You could always purchase a Bogen 3021Pro tripod for $150. The center column converts to a lateral arm allowing you to mount the column ninety degrees relative to the legs. With a 501 head its still less than $300. You could always just use it for chroma key if its insufficient for other work.

~jr

rs170a wrote on 6/28/2005, 5:26 PM

As you've discovered, there is no easy way of doing this. You could try extending only one tripod leg much higher than the rest (make sure the tripod is secure!!) and having the camera head at a right angle to the extended leg, similar to the crude diagram below. Adjusting the claw so that the camera "falls" over even more will help.

....x............ x
......x.........x
.........x....x
......camera >
............x
............x...<< extend this leg
............x
............x

** periods necessary for proper diagram display, otherwise ignore **

BTW, this shot is called a "dutch angle" and various manufacturers (maybe even yours??) do make specialty heads & mounting plates designed specifically for this purpose. B&H does list a few dutch heads.
Lastly, the newsgroup rec.video.production has some very helpful (and experienced) shooters who post regularly. Maybe a question to this group may help.

Mike

edit - fixed a few mistakes