Car Rig - Under (Floorpan) or over (suction mount)?

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rob200sx

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Hi all,

So I've decided to resume my rig building project but I've now had some doubts.

I'm unsure which is the recommended way to go with the style of mounting.

Pretty much two choices, mounted from a pole fixed under the cars floorpan or suction mounted to the bodywork.

Pros & Cons

Undercar Rig

Pros
Less PP to do (less to get in way of shot)
No chance of damage to bodywork

Cons
Can't find a UK supplier of the magnets or pinch rails I need to hold the pole in place

Suction Mount

Pros
Better availability of parts
More versatility

Cons
Suction mounts on new (and most likely expensive) paintwork


Out of you all here who do automotive photography, what's your preference? Or do you use both types? Do you have problems persuading that Proud car owner that it's ok to suction mount 4kg's worth of Equipment to their bodywork?

If you went for the under car rig, did you buy a complete rig or build one up?

I'd also be interested in finding some UK suppliers for rigs (I may buy rather than build)

Thanks!
 
just bin reading up on this myself as the last on body 'rig' i made was rubbish but i blame the flimsy monopod, but the suction cups never seemed to stick properly for me, they kept coming undone, so i would like to try a undercar on next and looking at the pictures of the automotive one it doesnt look 'too hard' to make your own aslong as you have the bits and knowledge (like everything i suppose :lol: ).

another con for the undercar one is if the vehicle is too low/has sideskirts that obstuct the bits being attached, but undercar ones do look a bit safer imo.
 
Search for 'Kryptix's posts, he made a car rig and put up shots of its construction etc, might help you out a bit! I think the majority of people use suction cups, add on a pole, then hang the camera on the underside of the pole, meaning the pole doesn't get in the way of the car, only the sky a little, which is much easier to clone out!
 
Matt L said:
just bin reading up on this myself as the last on body 'rig' i made was rubbish but i blame the flimsy monopod, but the suction cups never seemed to stick properly for me, they kept coming undone, so i would like to try a undercar on next and looking at the pictures of the automotive one it doesnt look 'too hard' to make your own aslong as you have the bits and knowledge (like everything i suppose :lol: ).

another con for the undercar one is if the vehicle is too low/has sideskirts that obstuct the bits being attached, but undercar ones do look a bit safer imo.
Click to expand...

Sounds like you have just done it all wrong - there is no reason why suction cups should not hold and a monopod should never be used for a car rig...

George
 
BTW, Where can you get the Avenger F1000 suction cups from? Warehouse Express & Digital Depot don't do them, Bogen have 1 at around £51 and I can't find any where else who sell them, are these like gold dust in the UK?
 
Matt L said:
not avenger f1000
but not sure if this is any use to you suction cups from screw fix

edit: byker i used the dual ones as found in my link. considering getting the 4 one :lol: and trying again.
Click to expand...

Yeah I've got those ones already but they actually need a fair bit of pressure applied before you can flick the switches up and they'll stick so I'm looking for more of a pump cup really.
 
Ok, Have ordered the following from Warehouse Express, should get them tomorrow!

2x Manfrotto 241 Pump Cup with 16mm Swivel Socket
1x Manfrotto 155RC Double Ball Tilt Head
3x Manfrotto 035 Super Clamp

I have a pole already (although will be getting some longer ones)

btw, this was my previous 'project' :)

DSCN0758.jpg
 
rob200sx said:
Yeah I've got those ones already but they actually need a fair bit of pressure applied before you can flick the switches up and they'll stick so I'm looking for more of a pump cup really.
Click to expand...

The only problem I have with these is that they are a defined pressure for pulling the lever up, which may damage bodywork. I think I'd have more control with the pumps.

There's no doubting their sticking power though. I've climbed up 5 pairs as a ladder :D
 
Cheapest place for avengers is KARLU They have the manfrotto clamps on special at the mo.
Dean:)
 
In the end I opted for 2 Manfrotto 241 suction mounts, 3 superclamps, 155RC Head & approx 4m of 1.5" 10swg aluminium tubing.

It's nice and solid. Here's the result.

IMG_0750.jpg


IMG_0830.jpg


Not exactly an exciting car but I do have some others lined up.
 
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