damonsteele

Just jumped my HC7 this weekend. Same problem. I went through the hassle with the TRV900 as well and I'm going to try to return to B&H this week. I've only had the camera for a few weeks, hopefully I can exchange for an HC5. Very disappointed. The ground footage looked awesome on my 50" plasma! F%CK!

OK, so it looks as though the popular notion is to take off the Stofen Omnibounce and use the "little flippy thing " (thanks Lazlo).

That's exactly what I've done. I hired a noob cameraflyer to hold the reflector. They're so easy! But seriously, I have fitted a Sto-Fen OmniBounce over a 550EX. It will be interesting to see how this works. This weekend should provide ample opportunity to test it out. I will post pics as soon as I have some.

Has anyone used a diffuser on a Canon 550/580EX? If so, what are the pros/cons of using a diffuser versus not using one. Just getting in to flash photography and wanted to hear/read some success stories. Thanks Damon

DSE, Have you had any of these problems?

PM sent

Two things.... When I was looking for a QR system, I contacted Cookie Composites and was told that they do not recommend the FlatLock Systems for video cameras (unless you use their box as well (more $$$))....Scratch Cookie off the list. After reading Lou's post about RRS, I decided to check them out. After a little research and knowing that where I was putting the QR clamp (smack dab in the middle of a BH FTP), snag hazards would not be an issue. Plus, when was a clamp ever as much a snag hazard as the camera itself?! Every camera is snag-a-rific. As for low profile, the RRS is maybe a half inch higher than the Stroboframe QR that I was using before. I don't think half an inch is going to affect anything in my case. Bombproof?! YOU BET YOUR ASS! I bought the B26 video plate. It has the locator stub on the plate to prevent it from twisting (check), and the clamp locks it down TIGHTLY (check check)! There is no play in the system whatsoever. You could set off a grenade in this helmet and camera and RRS clamp would be the only thing left.

He doesn't make the Total T Plates anymore. I asked.

It would seem that in this day and age, of all the manufacturers out there (BoneHead Composites, Cookie Composites, etc...)(And yes, this is directed at THEM), that at least one of them would come up with a flash "box" or bracket. They each have a box for every video camera known to man (at least for Sony), but nothing for something as simple as a flash. We have been left to our own devices to try and create some sort of mount or cradle. Some that I've seen have been pretty good (vdschoor), and some look like it will end up in an incident report! Hopefully, one of these two FINE MANUFACTURERS will step up and keep us safe (at least those of us who want to use a flash). HINT HINT!

Ok, I have mounted the RRS QR system and holy crap that thing is secure! Much better that the Stroboframe QR. The system is bomb-proof. Now if only I could talk them into making a flash bracket for helmet mounting, I would be SET!

I was trying to find something like that for my setup, but I don't having any fabrication facilities near me that I can use. As for something from Right Stuff, I looked but didn't see anything that I thought might work. Did I miss something? I'm open to any suggestions!

It should arrive today. Drill a couple holes and I should be done. Although I am still stumped at how to mount my 550EX. I was hoping someone out there had something manufactured that i could use, but I haven't found anything yet. Any ideas (and yes, I've looked through the "post a pic of your setup" threads)

Thanks for the post. Based on your post, I have placed an order for the B2LLR II and the an extra video mount plate. Thanks for the info!

Has anyone used them for mounting a video camera?

I was 225 pounds. I have dropped some weight over the winter so I will be 200 when the season hits. As for the gear that I jump, I have a Velo 111 with a Smart 135 reserve. You are not in the category of needing a modified tandem rig, that's nonsense. Make sure that when ordering gear, be honest about your size. All rigs that are out there will fit you and keep you safe, just be conservative about sizing to start. And if you have questions, call the manufacturer. I'm sure they will give the real info instead of some one else's "opinion" on a forum like this. Good luck and don't sweat being 230lbs. You don't need anything "special".

I'll take credit for the first one! I setup just a little too far out. I got distracted by the helicopter right UNDER me! The second picture is of Luis (I know I didn't get the spelling right). BTW, he was MUCH further out than I was!

You KNOW I'm going to be there! So wil the rest of Skydive Delmarva! Let's see.... Damon and Erica Glenn and Tammy Dave and Suzanne Gregor and Christine Dave and Sara Lisa Bobby Ahmed Gary I know I'm missing a few..... We will be down there tomorrow afternoon. Then heading to Key West to get drunk. If you're going to be there, be sure to contact me and we can meet up! Damon

From Skydive Delmarva.... Damon and Erica Gregor and Christine Glenn and Tammy Lisa Eckman Dave Sara Gary Dave Suzanne so far

Lets see who going again this year. It seems as though Skydive Delmarva always has the largest contingent there (much to the dismay of our DZO). I'll start..... Damon and Erica Steele (3rd year)

Delmarva is a great place to jump. I started there 14 years ago. Ice Luge party on the 28th. Bring your favorite liquor. Should be a good time. You can go to http://www.skydivedelmarva.com to find out everything. See you there

When I was browsing the forum, I saw a person's flash setup that looked like the attached. Looked like a good one to me, but I can't find it anymore. If someone finds it, could you post a link? I would like to ask that person a few questions.

Having had my gear stolen from the DZ once (and thankfully recovered), my suggestion is this..... Take your stuff HOME WITH YOU!!! It may seem easy to just leave your gear at the DZ, but if for any reason it gets stolen or damaged, you're screwed. The DZ's hanger was locked and secure, but the person who stole the gear just broke the lock and stole a dozen or so rigs. Locks do not prevent a thief from taking you stuff. It just slows them down a little.

I have known Terry for many years from Skydive Delmarva. He was my rigger and friend. I am so surprised at his passing. I was just over at his place just a few weeks ago. In all the years I've known him, I never heard of any medical problems. This is truly a sad day.

I would highly recommend the Wings container. Not only do they give a great discount to military personnel, they also have the BEST customer service anywhere! Anke is simply the best!

Has anyone considered that with all these kids learning to "skydive" that a subculture could be created that would allow these kids to compete?! That would be awesome! You could split them up by age groups, then by type (vRW, RW). I have a 7 month old son that I plan on taking to the tunnel A LOT (when he's 3, of course)!