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Aerial lens bugs
I’ve done aerials for many years with a Tyler nose mount and have had much bug free success. If the lens snagged a bug we just landed in a field, cleaned it off and continued. I just shot nearly eight hours along a pipeline and picked up more bug splat than I’d prefer. Since this was just to document the pipeline the client was okay with this. I’ve heard about something like a scrolling acetate over the lens that I believe NASCAR uses and was wondering if anyone has any experience with this,(if it’s for real),or some similar solution. Thanks!
Mark D’Agostino
http://www.synergeticproductions.com -
9 Replies
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Yep, that’s for real… although I don’t know what the system is called or who makes it. I think they are usually used on open-wheel cars (Indy cars) rather than NASCAR where the cams are more protected. The rig has a roll of clear material (kinda looks like a roll of cellophane tape) which moves in front of the lens.
However, I’ve only seen those on little cameras, like lipstick cameras. I’m assuming you’re using a much bigger camera with the Tyler, I’m not sure if there’s a similar system for those.
But yes, that does exist… you’re not imagining it.
T2
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Todd Terry
Creative Director
Fantastic Plastic Entertainment, Inc.
fantasticplastic.com
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Thanks Todd,
Yeah, I’m using an HDX900 and the Canon lens diameter is 105mm.Mark D’Agostino
http://www.synergeticproductions.com -
Dirt bike guys use them. They have a ratchet similar to advancing a roll of 35mm film in a still camera. Remember those?
Steve Wargo
Tempe, Arizona
It’s a dry heat!Sony HDCAM F-900 & HDW-2000/1 deck
5 Final Cut (not quite PRO) systems
Sony HVR-M25 HDV deck
2-Sony EX-1 HD .Ask me how to Market Yourself using Send Out Cards
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There is a device that spins a filter in gfront of the lens for when you’re shooting in the rain. I’m in Arizona so I’ve never seen one myself. We don’t have rain, at least not much rain.
Steve Wargo
Tempe, Arizona
It’s a dry heat!Sony HDCAM F-900 & HDW-2000/1 deck
5 Final Cut (not quite PRO) systems
Sony HVR-M25 HDV deck
2-Sony EX-1 HD .Ask me how to Market Yourself using Send Out Cards
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Hi Steve,
Do you by any chance know the name/maker of either of these, (the scrolling filter & spinning filter)? I’ve been trying to Google them but have come up empty. Thanks so much. I’m flying again for another company from Canada to NYC tomorrow so it’s too late for this job but I’d still like to investigate and test for future. Thanks so much!Mark D’Agostino
http://www.synergeticproductions.com -
I don’t know for sure about the scrolling thing (I’ve only heard about it, never actually seen in person or used one), but a couple of companies make the spinning rain deflectors.
One of them is the Spintec system…
https://www.innovision-optics.com/prod/spintec.shtml
T2
__________________________________
Todd Terry
Creative Director
Fantastic Plastic Entertainment, Inc.
fantasticplastic.com
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As soon as you get the helicopter down low where the interesting shots are, the bugs start to be a problem!
No offense, but I have to ask: Are you tilting the camera down when you’re not rolling?
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Paul,
No offense taken…I do tilt it down when possible and in fact tilt it so it’s pointing backwards in flight. Maybe I can rig up a remotely controlled can of bug spray;). I’ve been shooting with the Tyler for about 20 years and have gotten a lot of great, bug-free stuff. I just figured I throw the question out there. And yes, the best stuff is the low flying stuff. I’ll stick to the tried and true method of landing in a field to clean the lens when necessary. Thanks!Mark D’Agostino
http://www.synergeticproductions.com
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