Re: [photo-3d] For Philip Steinman

["C. Pflanze" <troggy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Thu, 6 Apr 2000, David W. Kesner wrote:

>Besides, it may be useful to others on the list.

Well, I'm always interested ....

>Philip says:
 
>> I'd like to set myself up with a Vivitar flash system 
>> that I could use caving this summer.  I have a 
>> Realist and I just got a Vivitar 285.  What other
>> and how many flash units/accessories (Vivitar 283s?) should
>> I get to compliment the 285?

>It all depends on what you are planning to shoot. If you will 
>just be doing small passages, formations, and cavers, then 
>what you have will do just fine. If you want to get some 
>dramatic lighting effects, then another flash and slave will be 
>needed.

Yes, often the formations will look better in the photo if you have
light coming in from different angles.  Shadows are also reduced
this way.  Crystals also benefit from multiple light sources, you'll
get lots more "glitter" effect.  

>If you want to do big rooms and such, there is no 
>limit on flashes and slaves.

I've done large rooms with a crew armed with cheap generic strobes
purchased at thrift stores and yard sales.  Everybody fans out all
over the room and the crew keeps pressing the test buttons on the strobes.
If  somebody drops one in a hole or in the water, it's no big deal.

>In my humble opinion, three flashes and slaves will do just 
>about everything you need. To that end I would suggest two 
>283's to compliment your 285.

I've set up a rig that works well for me.  It's a Sunpak 511, which
is very similar to the 285 as far as power and controls, but the 511
has a camera bracket and a nice handle with it.  That makes the
Realist easy to hold and has good balance.  My 283 mounted on top
of the Realist had a clunky and top heavy feel to it, so I changed
over to the Sunpak 511.  I got the idea from Reel3D's catalogue
where they recommend and sell a similar and more powerful Nissin 5200G.
If I need even more power, I use press 25B flashbulbs.  The flashbulbs
give a much more realistic effect for shots with moving water, rapids,
waterfalls, etc.  

> > I also have a new RBT S1.  I'm a bit hessitant to take
> > it caving, but I was wondering if you use the Vivitar and
> > Firefly II system with this also?
> 
> Just get a good Pelican (or similar - I like Tundra as they 
> are much less expensive - also from B&H) case. It will protect 
> that S1 just fine. Of course after you take it out it is all 
> up to you to protect it *{;-)

It's difficult to protect a delicate camera in the cave environment.
Dust and dirt is everywhere, even in the air around you as it falls
off your clothes and helmet.  Changing film in a modern camera is
difficult in the cave, and water and moisture can eventually trash
the camera's electronics.  The Realist seems tough enough to keep
up.  The military ammo boxes work very well for camera gear, and
they cost very little, just line the boxes inside with a layer of
neoprene and pad things so they can't rattle around in there too
much.    

> When do you think you will have enough images to start 
> participating in the 3D Underground Folio? It only takes five 
> images and only comes around every 6-9 monthns.

6-9 months?  I'm on my second round already in just 2 months ...



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