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contraptions

99% [deleted] says:

show us your contraption
Originally posted at 3:37PM, 4 July 2006 PDT (permalink)
99% edited this topic 77 months ago.

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(1 to 100 of 845 replies in contraptions)
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TheOtherSimon says:



Heres one, if you think its qualifies, I picked up a duaflex and and duaflex 2 at flea market on sunday.. so theres a new contraption on its way, its in the beta stages at the moment. Trying to figure out if sticking a prism into the equation will reverse the image back to normal? Pictures soon.

(btw, way thanks for the request for a thumbnail img, that will come soon too)
Posted 84 months ago. (permalink)

99% [deleted] says:

magic..cheers
Posted 84 months ago. (permalink)

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harri b is a group administrator harri b  Pro User  says:

If I get time I may get round to souping up my bit of cardboard.
Posted 84 months ago. (permalink)

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harri b is a group administrator harri b  Pro User  says:

there you go.............
ttv tube thing
Posted 84 months ago. (permalink)

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Scout Seventeen says:

Ha! That's fantastic, harri b. It looks fresh off an episode of Pimp My Camera.
Posted 84 months ago. (permalink)

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harri b is a group administrator harri b  Pro User  says:

I can't afford the alloy trim till next month :(

blimey brenda....how bads the recoil?
Originally posted 84 months ago. (permalink)
harri b (a group admin) edited this topic 84 months ago.

99% [deleted] says:

look at that for a bloody little beauty....that needs a page for itself..well done
Posted 84 months ago. (permalink)

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brendadada says:

Gorgeous, eh?

You can blame [CK]'s camera trade group for that. And I'll bet you all know who made it, eh?
Posted 84 months ago. (permalink)

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rokou says:

ok. here is my high tech TTV contraption v1.0

TTV contraption v1.0
Posted 83 months ago. (permalink)

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br3w says:

Here's mine:

TTV contraption

(inspired by Rustman's much neater version)
Posted 83 months ago. (permalink)

tremo [deleted] says:

br3w, that looks great -- is that a sliding tube-within-a-tube? I was thinking of going that route with mine.

Here's what I came up with for a sort of single-unit tripod rig:

www.flickr.com/photos/tremo/191329426/
Posted 83 months ago. (permalink)

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br3w says:

@tremo - yep, it slides, after a fashion. I need a bigger tube when I use my 20-80mm, and a shorter tube when I use the 50mm with closeup fitted.

Wow - Mr. E. Conspicuous it is not!
Posted 83 months ago. (permalink)

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Scout Seventeen says:

Okay, Mr. E. . . now you're just showing off!

I kid; that thing is awesome!
:)
Posted 83 months ago. (permalink)

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Mid Century Graphic  Pro User  says:

Sorry I have not been able to share more with you guys. I see that you put all that great electricians tape to work Mr. E.
On my rig I'm using some close-up filters at the top end of my tube(blacked out), and a lensbaby on top of that. Does this make me sick? Will my peers turn away? Is there Hope?
Posted 83 months ago. (permalink)

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original_ann  Pro User  says:

Meet my filmflex

Filmflex
Originally posted 83 months ago. (permalink)
original_ann edited this topic 83 months ago.

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original_ann  Pro User  says:

And my digiflex...

Digiflex
Posted 83 months ago. (permalink)

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original_ann  Pro User  says:

They both allow for interchanging from my starflex to my duaflex (which I've not used yet). I think I need to work on their 'names' ;))
Originally posted 83 months ago. (permalink)
original_ann edited this topic 83 months ago.

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rustman is a group administrator rustman  Pro User  says:



Damn, Ann! Serious!

.
Posted 83 months ago. (permalink)

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original_ann  Pro User  says:

Well, thanks to inspiration garnered from ALL - particularly Grant and his Frankenflex for ideas how to attach my big honkin' EOS1N. ;)
Posted 83 months ago. (permalink)

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rustman is a group administrator rustman  Pro User  says:

re: names

Darth

Stealth

Cloak

Toobz

AnnieScope

Looking Glass
Posted 83 months ago. (permalink)

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[christina] says:

Has anyone built a contraption for a large format camera?
Posted 83 months ago. (permalink)

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the life of liza  Pro User  says:

No, but I know someone who will be trying to shortly. We'll post the results here, for sure, but you shouldn't wait to get started ;)

I can't believe how intricate and amazing these contraptions are - I use a paper towel tube, 1/2 of a shoe box, gaffers tape and a couple of straws, for some reason.

But I've made it so my small point and shoot can sit inside the shoe box without needing to be held and now I don't have to worry about blurriness. It isn't perfect, but it serves me well.
Posted 83 months ago. (permalink)

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harri b is a group administrator harri b  Pro User  says:

I guess the *mid range* contraptions will last a bit longer than our cardboard budget specials. anybody peering further down the time tunnel and spying a market? I think we may still be in *is this a fad* mode ;)

I love the DIY ethic of photography and root always for the lo-fi underdogs.....c'mon you underdogs!
Posted 83 months ago. (permalink)

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[christina] says:

I'm hoping to have something built for my 4x5 very soon - I'll share photos once I do. Unfortunately, I can't bear the thought of sticking electrical tape all over that camera - so I'll be going the lo-tech (removeable) cardboard route. Up, up, and away....
Posted 83 months ago. (permalink)

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iconomy vs flickr is a group administrator iconomy vs flickr says:

I made a contraption out of a bright yellow Cheerios cereal box. It's unbelievably ugly and lo-tech. Kind of embarrassing to be seen with, really. Gets a lot of funny looks. But it gets the job done.
Posted 83 months ago. (permalink)

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ndouvid  Pro User  says:

i sort of built a medium format field camera with a digital back:
The Ground Glass Locomotive
Posted 83 months ago. (permalink)

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ndouvid  Pro User  says:

i'm calling it the Ground Glass Locomotive, and i'm having so much fun with it that it is almost scary!
the third piece of frosted plastic that i have tried for a ground glass turned out to actually have craquelure of its own!
Originally posted 83 months ago. (permalink)
ndouvid edited this topic 83 months ago.

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iconomy vs flickr is a group administrator iconomy vs flickr says:

Choo Choo!

I'd like to hear the conversations that that locomotive starts...
Posted 83 months ago. (permalink)

99% [deleted] says:

ndouvid - i got the same effect using a plastic manila folder...

www.flickr.com/photos/paulpennell/200046561/
Posted 83 months ago. (permalink)

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Dabadoo  Pro User  says:

My first Contraption was made of pieces of white posterboard (that was all I had in the house) taped together in a rectangular shape, but it didn't really block enough light.

My current, incredibly complex, Contraption consists of a fourth of a 79-cent piece of black posterboard, rolled up and stapled together.

Then I staple an end of a rubber band on each side of the tube and pull the rubber band down, so as to make a jaunty chinstrap for the Duaflex, and save me the trouble of having to hold the tube on while juggling the two cameras.

It works okay, but I need to figure out something that will let me move the Duaflex around more when taking shots.

If only I had any engineering or mechanical talent. :)
Posted 83 months ago. (permalink)

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rustman is a group administrator rustman  Pro User  says:

... you could try this. It's working well for me... download the instructions/dimensions here!
Originally posted 83 months ago. (permalink)
rustman (a group admin) edited this topic 77 months ago.

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Dabadoo  Pro User  says:

Yeah, I printed your instructions out a few days ago, rustman. I just haven't had a chance to try making one.

It looks cool!
Posted 83 months ago. (permalink)

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underhund says:

cool to se all the "bazookas". Here is mine. Its a beta-model so it will be reworked soon :)


Originally posted 83 months ago. (permalink)
underhund edited this topic 83 months ago.

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Plutor says:

My rig for a Yashica Mat 124 and a Canon S230:


Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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underhund says:

Here's my v2-glass-mod. :D


Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

Carol Esther [deleted] says:

All I use is construction paper. haha you guys rock!
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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A. Gieske says:

My TTV Contraption
My TTV Contraption
Here's mine.
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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mike warren  Pro User  says:

mine keep falling apart, but I rebuild - heres the latest version, yet to be properly tested
-- from mike warren - (?)
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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iconomy vs flickr is a group administrator iconomy vs flickr says:

This is driving me nuts. A few weeks ago I saw a contraption that someone had made/sewn from what looked like neoprene and velcro. I need to make that! It was someone who's a member here, but they didn't post the contraption to the pool or mention it in this thread, I don't think, although I could be wrong. I saw it in their photostream. Male, I think. Does anyone know who made the contraption I'm talking about? It was royal blue, and very cool. My cardboard contraptions look like crap, and they only last a couple of hours before they fall apart.

I guess it was just a rectangle of cloth held together with velcro, but I'd like to look at it again before I head out to the fabric store. What I liked best about the idea of a fabric contraption is I can make it adjustable so it'll fit both my duaflex and my anscoflex.
Originally posted 82 months ago. (permalink)
iconomy vs flickr (a group admin) edited this topic 82 months ago.

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harri b is a group administrator harri b  Pro User  says:

was it ndouvid's snorkel-flex?

www.flickr.com/photos/old_ness/211903097/
Originally posted 82 months ago. (permalink)
harri b (a group admin) edited this topic 82 months ago.

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iconomy vs flickr is a group administrator iconomy vs flickr says:

Yes! Thanks, harri! I even had him pegged as one of the possibilities but I guess I didn't dig deep enough. Snorkel-flex....hehe.

The best part is you can pull it off and throw it in your kit and it hardly takes up any room. I see now that he didn't actually sew anything - it looks like he cut the sleeve or leg off of a wetsuit. I'm going to improvise. Toodles!
Originally posted 82 months ago. (permalink)
iconomy vs flickr (a group admin) edited this topic 82 months ago.

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bobtrancho  Pro User  says:

My DuaScope:

DuaScope 1

www.flickr.com/photos/bobtrancho/sets/72157594251585326/
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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the life of liza  Pro User  says:

That's amazing. Seriously crazy and amazing!
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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Pete Ashton  Pro User  says:

First draft:

TTV Contraption v1.0

More to come, particularly light-proofing the digital end (I'm not sure what camera I'll be using yet) and extra sturdiness but of note is the camera-strap holding it all together which allows for quick dismantling and one-handed operation.
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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[kren] says:

I want to cry. I just got a duaflex, but I can"t be bothered to build a contraption (because I know I won't be able). I think I just have to resell it :)
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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iconomy vs flickr is a group administrator iconomy vs flickr says:

Don't cry, and don't resell it! All the contraption does is block glare and give you something to rest your other camera on if you need it rest it on something. I took my contraption off yesterday, and now I just block the sun with my head ;) Or you could throw a black t-shirt over your head while taking the shot, or something. Because, you know, that wouldn't make you look strange, or suspicious, or anything. Not at all.

But anyway, just grab the duaflex and start taking pictures! Do a few inside at first, where there isn't much glare from that big round yellow thing in the sky.
Originally posted 82 months ago. (permalink)
iconomy vs flickr (a group admin) edited this topic 82 months ago.

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[kren] says:

Thanks. I just tried that, but it doesn't work either. I think the problem is with my compact digital camera. Either it doesn't focus or the focus will be on something else, I can't get the same results as in many other TTV pics on the pool. Oh well. I think I'd better take "real" photos :)
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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iconomy vs flickr is a group administrator iconomy vs flickr says:

I have the same problem. My digital camera has an autofocus, and 3/4 of the time, it focuses on the actual glass of the viewfinder, and not the image in it. And I can't override the focus. So I get nice big blobs of white light, or totally blurry photos. It's so damn frustrating. But the other 1/4 of the time I get nice photos! Make sure you have the output set to a larger size, and put the camera on macro setting. You might try zoom, too, although I don't use it.

I've used my holga to shoot through the viewfinder - those shots come out realllllly nice.
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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Dabadoo  Pro User  says:

[kren], does your camera have a spot metering option?

I've found that makes a big difference. I just have a non-dslr too (a Canon Powershot S2 IS), but it does okay using the spot metering.

Also, the contraption doesn't have to be complicated at all. The more involved ones might do a better job, but some of us (procrastinating me included) use a simpler method. For example, I sometimes just use a piece of black posterboard rolled into a tube and stuck on top of the viewfinder to block the light. It may not be the best, but it'll do for now, and I like some of the shots I've gotten with my somewhat rudimentary setup. :)

Your other photos are so good, I'd like to see what you could come with using the ttv method. :)
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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[kren] says:

I am procrastinator number 1, so no way for me to build anything. Yes, my camera does have spot metering (another Canon Powershot), but I don't seem to find the right angle, to begin with. When I see it with a naked eye, everything is ok, but whenever I point the camera, there is a distracting big ring.
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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A. Gieske says:

I found that a really tall contraption was best for me. Maybe that would work for you. All I used was some cardboard and packaging tape. It only took about an hour to make. Please give it a good try. I'd love to see your shots!
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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[kren] says:

An hour??? Oh my! :)

Ok, I'll do my best...

big sigh
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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rustman is a group administrator rustman  Pro User  says:

my first contraption was black construction paper wrapped around and held in place with tape. simple. focus, on the other hand is not so simple.
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

Mr. E. [deleted] says:

[kren] if you want, I'll build you one. Would work fine with all cameras, I believe.
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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[kren] says:

Mr. E: you're very kind! but I will feel so ashamed that I can't accept this, besides I live far away :)
Thanks.
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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xcygnus58 says:

kren, they started a coffee group in my area for procrastinators, and scheduled the first powow, but nobody showed up,
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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[kren] says:

To make contraptions together?
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

99% [deleted] says:

i think it's a play on words...mr kren
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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Dabadoo  Pro User  says:

Maybe you should make and sell contraptions as a sideline, Mr. E. :)
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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[kren] says:

"sigh"
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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original_ann  Pro User  says:

[kren], I just read your profile. Do you still have that Powershot G6? If so, you just need to use the supermacro setting. Your cam should then be able to focus on the image in your Duaflex's viewfinder. (I've used a G6 before - but you have to use the supermacro, not the macro, setting).

Good luck!
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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rustman is a group administrator rustman  Pro User  says:

She's back! Hi, Ann!
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

99% [deleted] says:

yeah Hi Ann from me too....
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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original_ann  Pro User  says:

Hi guys! I'm semi-back! Can you believe I left the power cord to my laptop (which houses all my vacation photos) in New England? Sheesh... I'm lost without my laptop. (It was sent next-day mail - I'll have it tomorrow). Then I can really be back!
I've missed you all - - truly. I see so many amazing images, I've read about some amazingly happy news about Mr. E - - oh so many people to catch up with! Bear with me as I begin to reappear... :) I have lots of visits to make to each of your streams!
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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debora smail  Pro User  says:

Hello!
Here is my sample!
Ghetto Fabulous and needing some tweaking - but I still love it!
BUT there has to be an easier way...
If you have any suggestions my ears and eyes are wide open!!!!!

contraption
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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*ivo*  Pro User  says:

I just got my duaflex in the mail yesterday. I will try to make a contraption with rustman's handy guide. (Thanks for that by the way Mr. Rustman!)

Can't wait to experiment! :)

kren: I feel the same I am also a procrastinator by tradition... But sometimes when i really want something I just do it. So just do it! :P
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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rustman is a group administrator rustman  Pro User  says:

Here's myContraption for the Kodak Brownie Starflex...

Kodak Brownie Starflex + Contraption Starflex + Contraption: Detail Back
Starflex + Contraption: Detail Front
Originally posted 82 months ago. (permalink)
rustman (a group admin) edited this topic 82 months ago.

Mr. E. [deleted] says:

Oh, that's SO much better than my Starflex set-up. I struggled with that one because the area around the viewfinder isn't that substantial.
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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rustman is a group administrator rustman  Pro User  says:

*bump*

... added detail shots of Starflex Contraption.
Originally posted 82 months ago. (permalink)
rustman (a group admin) edited this topic 82 months ago.

99% [deleted] says:

you are getting very good at these russ...u might have an empire on your hands......
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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Haiku Garry says:

o.k here's my first "real"attempt. if you go out in bright sun it will blind you = )

there is a semi detailed description if you click the pic.

my ttv rig
Originally posted 82 months ago. (permalink)
Haiku Garry edited this topic 82 months ago.

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traskb is a group administrator traskb  Pro User  says:

In progress...

my contraption (in the making)my contraption (in the making)
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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Haiku Garry says:

hey, has anyone else used thier rig as a periscope yet? i took some pics over a tall wall the other day using the ttv rig like a periscope. i felt like a kid spying on someone = )
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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traskb is a group administrator traskb  Pro User  says:

My new baby!!

The contraptionThe contraption
Posted 82 months ago. (permalink)

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Trina Baker Photography  Pro User  says:

Here is my contraption. It is not terribly neat, but I am happy with the final product. It took me about 1 hour and losta tape and trimmming:)
It was a fun project.

contraption

I want to thank you all for ideas and inspiration.
Posted 81 months ago. (permalink)

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underhund says:

traskblueribbon... u read my mind. Thats what I want :) A small, robust (using the tripod-mount) and flexible contraption. Nice work.
Posted 81 months ago. (permalink)

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traskb is a group administrator traskb  Pro User  says:

Thanks underhund.
I spent many hours and sleepless nights thinking about it and working the kinks out.

TtV is a harsh mistress, but she sure delivers the goods.
Posted 81 months ago. (permalink)

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Pete Ashton  Pro User  says:

Version 2.0:

TTV Contraption v2.0

I've plastered it with notes should you want the hows and whys.
Originally posted 81 months ago. (permalink)
Pete Ashton edited this topic 81 months ago.

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harri b is a group administrator harri b  Pro User  says:

If I had a penny for the amount of times someone mentions what you *could* see using a contraption.....

i'd have about 20p
Posted 81 months ago. (permalink)

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munsonbh  Pro User  says:

The digital silencer:



Originally posted 81 months ago. (permalink)
munsonbh edited this topic 81 months ago.

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Kiny McCarrick says:

(sorry for the blurry camera phone pics)




yashica with fuji top
09-15-06_1219.jpg

and then my other completely lowfi rigs are just toy cameras with the fuji help right up to it...
Originally posted 81 months ago. (permalink)
Kiny McCarrick edited this topic 81 months ago.

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ms_j says:

Since I am a minimalist at heart I wanted to come up with a contraption that was clean and simple and didn’t require covering my camera in tape. I also wanted something that was easily removable (for those moments when people are giving you those funny looks!), packs flat, and fits in my handbag. So I studied what everyone else had done (thanks!) and this is what’s working for me at the moment:
contraption for duaflex II

First I tape up the viewfinder cover of my Duaflex II with some handy gaffer tape:

duaflex II

Then I pop the contraption over the top. The triangles slide down the sides of the viewfinder cover so most of the time it stays on without any tape. (Though I do tend to have some pre-cut pieces of tape stuck to the bottom of my camera in case of wind gusts or if the tape on the viewfinder cover loses its stick).

duaflex and contraption
Posted 81 months ago. (permalink)

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devilinsidela says:

Very clean. Well done.
Posted 81 months ago. (permalink)

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iconomy vs flickr is a group administrator iconomy vs flickr says:

Very nice, ms j.
Posted 81 months ago. (permalink)

Carol Esther [deleted] says:

I just made a new one out of paper and I painted it all bright and funky.
Posted 81 months ago. (permalink)

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Kiny McCarrick says:

That is too funny... I made homemade lenses all day yesterday and papier mached the base of them(which is made out of black pvc tubing) so they wouldn't look so black and scary. Great minds think alike... :)
Posted 81 months ago. (permalink)

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head.zoo.keeper  Pro User  says:

Oi! Ruining perfectly good Duraflexes! :)
Posted 81 months ago. (permalink)

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munsonbh  Pro User  says:


Originally posted 81 months ago. (permalink)
munsonbh edited this topic 81 months ago.

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iconomy vs flickr is a group administrator iconomy vs flickr says:

Holy &^%$#!*...
Posted 81 months ago. (permalink)

Mr. E. [deleted] says:

No seriously, listen. WTF? You are seriously insane!!! PLEASE keep it up! You are freaking totally blowing my mind! Can anyone POSSIBLY top this guy???
Posted 81 months ago. (permalink)

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rustman is a group administrator rustman  Pro User  says:

where's the handle for this bazooka?
Posted 81 months ago. (permalink)

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devilinsidela says:

I've topped it in terms of functionality. Not in shock value though!
Originally posted 81 months ago. (permalink)
devilinsidela edited this topic 81 months ago.

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munsonbh  Pro User  says:

Thanks for the utter shock everybody. I'm going to join the circus. And I promise that it is super functional: adjustment for macro with crisp edges, ability to work with different cameras and lenses, easy cleaning, crisp shots. I hold it by its lower post pretty easily under or overhand. Of course, I wish I had a background in metal sculpture to make a Victorian base with short tripod legs and a brass trigger. Anybody out there? :)
Originally posted 81 months ago. (permalink)
munsonbh edited this topic 81 months ago.

Carol Esther [deleted] says:

Good Lord. You are blowing my mind!
Posted 81 months ago. (permalink)

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Kiny McCarrick says:

OMG!!!! Holy Crap! That is one lovely and kick ass contraption!
Posted 81 months ago. (permalink)

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[christina] says:

munsonbh....you've shamed my cardboard contraption.

absolutely amazing construction!
Posted 81 months ago. (permalink)

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traskb is a group administrator traskb  Pro User  says:

... My lord, thats amazing. well done sir, I love the use of the macro bellows!
Posted 81 months ago. (permalink)

Carol Esther [deleted] says:

heh I don't even want to post mine because of what munsonb just posted.

frontback

just painted paper.
Posted 81 months ago. (permalink)

atompeg [deleted] says:

Keeping it simple eh? Now you're talking ;0)
Posted 81 months ago. (permalink)

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rustman is a group administrator rustman  Pro User  says:

I like yours! I'll bet you had fun making it - it looks really cool.

I've been working on a variation of myContraption-v2. It's almost finished.
Posted 81 months ago. (permalink)

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