WAY OT: A Couple Field Production Questions

mjroddy wrote on 5/14/2005, 2:12 PM

I recently purchased a Bogen 503 head and tripod for our Sony Z1u. It was all I could afford at the time. But using that tripod/head combo really bugs me. It's a throwback to the old days of leveling a tripod using the leg extensions. Yuk. I'm spoiled on my Vinton Vision with it's 100mm claw ball.
Is there any way (I haven't written to Bogen/Manfroto yet) to get my 503 to convert to a 100mm joint so I can use my EZ Jib and Vinton sticks?
Also, and even MORE Off Topic: When I was at NAB in Vegas, I was walking out of the hotel and looked up. About 20-30 feet up in the rafters were a bunch of fans pointing down at the public. From that far away, I was feeling their strong push. I couldn't read the manufacturer, but they seemed like GREAT fans to have in a studio/field environment when wind is needed (for sexy models, etc). HOW can I find these super-strong fans? Any suggestions for Google search words? The box fans I have here are pretty unimpressive and I'll be needing something "soon."

Comments

John_Cline wrote on 5/14/2005, 2:28 PM

Funny you should ask about fans... just yesterday I picked up a high-velocity blower fan from "Sam's Club" for about $45. It's a Lasko Model 4900, it's quite small and moves a TON of air. It has three speeds and even has a pair of AC power outlets on it. It would be perfect for those "sexy model" shoots.

Lasko 4900

It also looks like Lasko makes another version of the same thing for Stanley Tools. It's called the Model 655702.

Stanley 655702

John

farss wrote on 5/14/2005, 2:30 PM

I don't know what's available in the US in the way of fans but I've used plenty of the industrial fans that can blow a gale. Look for the pedestal fans with metal bases and BIG blades.
Sorry can't help with the tripod much. If the Bogan doesn't have a bowl I think you're out of luck. You can adapt 100mm bowls to take 75mm heads but not the other way around. Obvious reason, they're designed for a certain maximum weight.
Bob.

vitalforce2 wrote on 5/14/2005, 2:36 PM

I myself am one of Vegas' biggest fans. And something of a blowhard when conditions are right. :/

BrianStanding wrote on 5/14/2005, 3:07 PM

Is this what you're looking for?

>Bogen 3502 Ball Leveller

mjroddy wrote on 5/14/2005, 3:36 PM

Brian, HOOHOOOOOO!!!! I think that's it exactly! VERY awesome! I'll check it out more when I can get back to work (where that tripod/head is). That's fantastic!
John, thanks for those links. I was dismissing Lowes/Home Depot, thinking there was no way they'd have a powerful enough fan. I was wrong. Froogle.com has prices from $46 through $80.00.
Thanks again everyone!
And, again, Thanks to Sony for allowing us all to post such obscure OT messages.