Topic: Camera platform for car

[Mike]

what else does one do on the first day of annual leave besides housework?  Make oneself a camera platform for the pending storm season!

It's pretty 'crude' but in half an hour and less than $10 in materials and $28 for the mini tripod I've got the tool and safety aspect included.  I'm quite okay with standing out in the middle of nowhere shooting photographs, but with a couple of close bolts last year I decided to make this up so I can be safe from the mozzies and the lightning!

I was going to include a telescopic arm to move it up and down, but thought the mini tripod would do just fine thank you.  At least I have the same mobility in adjusting the camera up/down, sideways as if on a large tripod.

here's a few shots of my efforts.  With the lack of tools that I own it turned out a treat!

It sits within the window box of the door and there's padding to stop it scratching the window.  If i have the window up i can rest it between the door trim and window inside.

Mike

[Jimmy Deguara]

Mike,

Nice idea and design as it allows a person to remain in the vehicle during lightning strikes and I guess specifically usefuly when photographing lightning - keep the mosquitoes from getting to you:)

I wonder if there is a version that can somehow protect the camera with rain falling or in outflow dominant storms which most of the time is our problem in this country.

Regards,

Jimmy Deguara

[Mike]

I did think of that, Jimmy.  With the strong outflow that we get with the storms up here i hate it when you have to run for cover.  It's not so much the wind, it's the rain - lens' don't like it - you could make a shroud over the top to 'umbrella' the lens which i have thought about often.  You'd make it just like a half box with an extended roof so that any drops that fall would not interfere with the lens.  I guess like a hood type thing and it would not have to be metal either, nylon fabric would do fine.  Perhaps i should pinch the wife's 'net' for her outside dishes!

I'm confident my device will work as others have made, but the safety aspect is covered which is more important in this case.  The only question is; if my car gets a direct strike will the camera fry!

Mike