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Hi FosterHi Phil,
This solution depends a bit on the weight of your laptop, but I see you made another post about a Mac book Air, so that should be fine. It also appears you don't want to haul a second tripod along and are trying to minimize the amount of equipment you bring. In that case, one option is to look at the manfrotto Flex Arm. There is a normal and heavy duty option. You can pair this with a super clamp to attach to your tripod. Then just bend and adjust the flex arm to a suitable viewing position. Also, you need to have a laptop deck/support which can attach to the 5/8" stud on the arm. There are many of these laptop decks available, at various sizes, and some specifically for Macs, so you shouldn't have a hard time finding one to suit you.
I've read some of your other posts where you are shooting with an AS 6x9 M Line, which I also use. Are you planning on taking this out into the "wild" of Shanghai?
Foster
Hi Phil,
This solution depends a bit on the weight of your laptop, but I see you made another post about a Mac book Air, so that should be fine. It also appears you don't want to haul a second tripod along and are trying to minimize the amount of equipment you bring. In that case, one option is to look at the manfrotto Flex Arm. There is a normal and heavy duty option. You can pair this with a super clamp to attach to your tripod. Then just bend and adjust the flex arm to a suitable viewing position. Also, you need to have a laptop deck/support which can attach to the 5/8" stud on the arm. There are many of these laptop decks available, at various sizes, and some specifically for Macs, so you shouldn't have a hard time finding one to suit you.
I've read some of your other posts where you are shooting with an AS 6x9 M Line, which I also use. Are you planning on taking this out into the "wild" of Shanghai?
Foster
Hi FosterHi Phil,
Have you seen the Aero, by tether tools? It weighs in at 2.5 pounds. I'm not sure that I have seen a lighter deck than this on the market.
I also forgot to mention the Manfrotto Magic Arm, yet, it is a lot heaver than the flexible arm (2.5 pounds versus 0.85 pounds).
I'm glad that you are having fun taking it outside. I actually shoot a lot of landscapes with mine. I bought it from a photographer who shot landscapes with it as well, and I remember being really pleased to have found someone who was as "crazy" as I am.... Most others gave me a funny look when I said I wanted to use a 6x9 M Line in the field. But I love it!
Since I know well the weight you are dealing with, I do think that the flexible arm is a viable way to go. The camera on a tripod will already be enough weight to counter-balance a light laptop extended on the flexible arm.
If you are really trying to save every ounce possible and will be dedicating your laptop to mainly field work, you could forget the deck and simply buy a "Baby Wall Plate" mount with 5/8" locking receiver and attach it directly to the bottom of your laptop. It's lighter.... but it seems like it would have to be permanently attached.
In a past life, I lived in Shanghai. It was a good time. In my mind's eye I can see you standing somewhere with all that gear, and having all the curious locals crowding around and checking you out. How do you manage to get shots??
Foster
Anyone using the digi plate?
N i n e - V o l t
Hi I just ordered the lite version, I'll let everyone know in about two weeks. ThanksHi,
I had looked at that, but saw it was about 5 pounds... Though I just checked out their site again, and it appears there is a new "light" version at 1.5 pounds. That seems like it could work.
Foster
Thanks Foster. I have tried various shades with PC portables without being really happy with any of them. Reminds me of handling an 8x10 in gusty conditions. Sure you can do it, but you don't really want too. So there I am squinting at my IQ screen and trying to evaluate tilts with that.Hi Phil,
As for shading the laptop screen, well, there are several collapsible shades out there, and again, some made specifically for the MacBook Air.
Foster
I use RMBP13 with my P45 without any problems. Cables/adapter: TB -> FW800 -> FW400I know this is a bit of a side-issue, but are there any problems with tethering the FireWire 400 backs, P65+ for instance, to the later MacBook Airs or Pros? Just having the cords doesn't always mean things work as they should.
Thanks,
Bill
No problems, I was tethering today with a P45+ and a Mac Book Air running OS X 10.8.4 - same set up as JaeI know this is a bit of a side-issue, but are there any problems with tethering the FireWire 400 backs, P65+ for instance, to the later MacBook Airs or Pros? Just having the cords doesn't always mean things work as they should.
Thanks,
Bill
No issues.I know this is a bit of a side-issue, but are there any problems with tethering the FireWire 400 backs, P65+ for instance, to the later MacBook Airs or Pros? Just having the cords doesn't always mean things work as they should.
Phil:Hi I just ordered the lite version, I'll let everyone know in about two weeks. Thanks
so much for all the input. Lets see, how it is - I'll share the results
Thanks again
Phil