AP Landing - Digital Photography Community Buy GoPro HERO Camera at GoPro.com

Go Back   AP Landing - Digital Photography Community > Aerial Photography > Elevated Photography

Sponsors

Elevated Photography Masts, KAP, LTA

» APL Sponsors

» Advertisers

Order HD Helmet HERO at GoPro.com


Once You Know, You Newegg


Nikon D300 $490 Off.


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 01-19-2010, 08:48 PM
OTAS-USA OTAS-USA is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 82
Default Time to upgrade your mast system?

Selling one (1) used Will-Burt 7-30 Pneumatic Mast Assembly. This mast is 30' tall and is in good condition, perfect for those seeking to upgrade their mast systems to full pneumatic. This is a heavy duty "non-locking" model, which can be easily modified to accommodate two or more manual stages, for those requiring 45' or more in elevation. This is a six stage mast, measuring 6.750" dia. at the base, and 3.000" dia. at final stage. All mast sections are "dual keyed" for zero rotation. So, if you're looking to step into full "broadcast quality" pneumatic mast system, this is it.

$4,500.00 O.B.O. (almost half price)


Click the image to open in full size.

Click the image to open in full size.

Contact: jmartin91355@aol.com


Addition factory information and specifications can be found here:

http://www.willburt.com/vmHDNLM.asp
Reply With Quote

  #2  
Old 01-20-2010, 01:14 AM
Overviews's Avatar
Overviews Overviews is online now
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Kaiwaka New Zealand
Posts: 379
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by OTAS-USA View Post
Selling one (1) used Will-Burt 7-30 Pneumatic Mast Assembly. This mast is 30' tall and is in good condition, perfect for those seeking to upgrade their mast systems to full pneumatic. This is a heavy duty "non-locking" model, which can be easily modified to accommodate two or more manual stages, for those requiring 45' or more in elevation. This is a six stage mast, measuring 6.750" dia. at the base, and 3.000" dia. at final stage. All mast sections are "dual keyed" for zero rotation. So, if you're looking to step into full "broadcast quality" pneumatic mast system, this is it.

$4,500.00 O.B.O. (almost half price)


Click the image to open in full size.

Click the image to open in full size.

Contact: jmartin91355@aol.com


Addition factory information and specifications can be found here:

http://www.willburt.com/vmHDNLM.asp
I'm not sure if that mast and mount is sturdy enough for a Canon G10

Steve
__________________
If there's a better way, find it. Thomas Alva Edison.

http://overviewsnz.com

Link to me with this html

<a href="http://www.overviewsnz.com/">New Zealand Aerial Photography</a>

You can use this small pic as a thumbnail

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...mallCustom.jpg
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 01-20-2010, 04:37 AM
tonystott tonystott is online now
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Forster, NSW, Australia
Posts: 791
Send a message via Skype™ to tonystott
Default

Wow! If you have invested $75k in masts can you show us some of the others, if this one is so cheap.
__________________
Tony Stott
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 01-20-2010, 04:42 AM
OTAS-USA OTAS-USA is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 82
Default

Steve:

I think your Canon G10 would be safe, even at wind speeds of 75 mph. The picture of the Honda Element platform was in it's prototype stages, where the Will-Burt 7-30 mast was used as a visual reference only.

This system holds both Will-Burt 7-42 and 8.5-48 pneumatic mast assemblies, and is in it's final stages. Once the mast platform is complete, it will be painted to match the vehicle. I hope this clarifies things.


Click the image to open in full size.

Click the image to open in full size.

Last edited by OTAS-USA; 01-20-2010 at 06:05 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 01-20-2010, 05:44 AM
OTAS-USA OTAS-USA is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 82
Default

Tony,

How many pneumatic mast systems would you like to see?

I own two (2) Will-Burt 8.5-48's, two (2) Will-Burt 7-42's, two (2) Will-Burt 7-30's, two (2) Will-Burt "Hurry Up" manual masts, and one (1) 50' Canadian "Quad Pod" manual mast. And, I'm also currently working on a deal to acquire six (6) more Will-Burt 7-42's. So, I think if you do the math, 75k was a kind figure, not to mention all the other gear needed to operate pneumatic mast systems.

A Will-Burt 7-30 costs between $8,000.00 to $9,000.00 new, unrigged, depending what dealer you choose to go with. A Will-Burt 7-42 is over double that. And, a Will-Burt 8.5-48. Well, I think you get the picture. The only reason I'm selling off one of the 7-30 masts, is to help fund for a new Will-Burt 8.5-52 or 9.5-56. I'm also considering purchasing a 10.8-76 as well.

How many mast systems do you own? What type? I'm curious. I would love to see what you have in your AP arsenal.

I think you should spend less time criticizing others, and more time building your own business. Based on your posts, you have a long way to go my friend. Good luck.

Last edited by OTAS-USA; 01-20-2010 at 06:04 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 01-20-2010, 06:19 AM
theslayer theslayer is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 134
Default

Why all this "my cojones are bigger then yours" mast-showing off?

Why you need that many masts if you don't have 10 teams going around with them is the next question.

Good thing you have a mast to sell, but showing off with the rest isn't quite my idea of conversation.

But i must admit, i am envious

Daniel
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 01-20-2010, 07:12 AM
OTAS-USA OTAS-USA is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 82
Default

Daniel,

That's just the way Tony is. He's always calling any new Member to the carpet, as if he's all that. If you look at his post, he first questions my business investment, and then trys to downplay the cost of the mast assembly. I merely pointed out what I own as far as pneumatic and manual mast systems, which are primarily used in the AP film industry, and are supported by a full time crew.

In any event, you can't change someone like him. Just because I have succeeded in a business I love doing, obviously upsets him to the extent where he feels compelled to lash out towards others. Obviously, his business is not doing well. And, with an attitude like his, I can see why.

However, I wish him all the Best!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 01-20-2010, 07:22 AM
tonystott tonystott is online now
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Forster, NSW, Australia
Posts: 791
Send a message via Skype™ to tonystott
Default

I simply asked a question
Quote:
Wow! If you have invested $75k in masts can you show us some of the others, if this one is so cheap.
and you launched into a very revealing demonstration of your personality. I have no comment to make as you said it all. I only have one mast, which is entirely satisfactory to me, as it repays its cost every 3-4 jobs.
__________________
Tony Stott
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 01-20-2010, 07:38 AM
OTAS-USA OTAS-USA is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 82
Default

Tony,

Look at your post. The only one who "launched into a very revealing demonstration of your personality", is you. Your childish gabs are nothing more than a reflection of who you really are. From day one, you've been a complete A.H., thinking you're all that. So, run along little boy with the glorified painter's pole. Or, better yet, put your money where your mouth is.

If APL is supposed to be a friendly site, then you need to stop with the negative attitude. My response will be based on what you post.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 01-20-2010, 07:45 AM
Envision Envision is offline
Super Moderator
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Marion, MI USA
Posts: 2,600
Send a message via Skype™ to Envision
Default

I think you both need a time out.

This is a friendly place, where ego's must be set aside. Back on topic please.

Troy
__________________
Even if the Voices aren’t real they still have some pretty good ideas.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 01-20-2010, 08:15 AM
OTAS-USA OTAS-USA is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 82
Default

Troy,

No ego problem here. All I did was place a simple pneumatic mast system for sale, giving APL members a shot at a great mobile mast platform.

Unfortunately, "Mr. Attitude" jumped in and started popping off about my mast investments. I have nothing to prove to anyone, especially Tony. It is what it is. I've worked hard for what I have, and some people like Tony Stott just have a hard time accepting that. Just because I own a number of pneumatic mast systems, doesn't mean I'm better than anyone else. Because I'm not! I simply listed my inventory when "Mr. Attitude" questioned my inventory and investment.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 01-20-2010, 08:22 AM
Envision Envision is offline
Super Moderator
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Marion, MI USA
Posts: 2,600
Send a message via Skype™ to Envision
Default

Jim, please review http://www.aplanding.com/forums/?pageid=rules

Troy
__________________
Even if the Voices aren’t real they still have some pretty good ideas.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 01-20-2010, 09:11 AM
OTAS-USA OTAS-USA is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 82
Default

Troy,

As soon as the "Senior Members" of APL start adhering to these very policies, I will reciprocate. But, as long as Members like Tony Stott agravate the situation every time I submit a simple post, I will respond accordingly. After all, respect is earned. A response is deserved.

I suggest you take it up with Tony, because he is the instigator of the current situation, not me.

Last edited by OTAS-USA; 01-20-2010 at 09:20 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 01-20-2010, 09:44 AM
Concretin Nik's Avatar
Concretin Nik Concretin Nik is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 293
Default

Careful. There are lots of us here with "glorified painters poles."

I personally didn't see any mal-intent in Tony's post at all.

However, yours... Your reaction is extremely surprising.


Sorry Troy. Back on topic...

Wow... 'tis a cheap price. That's a lot of masts. And that's a helluva mount.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 01-20-2010, 09:52 AM
OTAS-USA OTAS-USA is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 82
Default

Nik,

I did not mean to offend you with the "painters pole" thing. Tony Stott was just out of line with his comments. You would need to go back to other posts to understand what he was trying to imply. His arrogant attitude prompted the response.

On a side note: I was wanting to speak with you about the "skate board" events. What's the scoop? Are you wanting to do AP of the events you attend? Please advise

Last edited by OTAS-USA; 01-20-2010 at 09:55 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 01-20-2010, 10:23 AM
Concretin Nik's Avatar
Concretin Nik Concretin Nik is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 293
Default

The skateboard event was back in October. I simple wasn't able to bring my gear to shoot elevated photos at the parks in Cali.

And I have since reviewed other recent posts... while it didn't change my opinion, it certainly did help me understand your reaction...
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 02-01-2010, 09:41 AM
eagle eagle is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 33
Default

Hi guys,

I was intrigued by the WilBurt pneumatic masts posted on trail hitch thread and was wondering how much they cost. The WilBurt site lacks pricing info.

Jim's post here just clarified it for me. Yikes!

I guess manual it will be for me.

I'm trying to learn as much as I can right now.

I'm looking for a complete setup/ready to go vs. diy kit.

Pinpoint Technologies and Telescopoing Mast Canada appear to be good candidates.

I'll continue reading through the site.

Any other possibilities would be appreciated.

r,
eagle

Last edited by eagle; 02-01-2010 at 10:07 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 02-01-2010, 10:05 AM
theslayer theslayer is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 134
Default

Spiderbeam and a PhotoshipOne mastmount would be my prefered Items!
Daniel
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 02-01-2010, 10:10 AM
tonystott tonystott is online now
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Forster, NSW, Australia
Posts: 791
Send a message via Skype™ to tonystott
Default

I would agree. It is also simple to set up a download link using a cheap 2.4Ghz "spy cam", replacing the camera with video out from your digital camera, down to a 7" LCD TV. Not plug-n-play, but not difficult.
__________________
Tony Stott
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 02-01-2010, 10:22 AM
eagle eagle is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 33
Default

Thanks guys.

I'm learning. It doesn't seem to be difficult to build one. We'll see.

I'm probably just missing the FAQ sticky on a "DIY" mast thread with recommended mast with quad base, pan/tilt mechanism (and associated mount to the top of the mast), video transmitter/receiver to see what the camera sees on top of the mast, and wireless camera shutter control.

I'm hoping I'll find it eventually.

Thanks,
eagle
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 02-01-2010, 01:39 PM
OTAS-USA OTAS-USA is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 82
Default

Eagle,

What it all boils down to is personal preference. You will find that many people on APL have great ideas and great systems. However, what works for one person might not always work or make sense to the other guy. That's what makes AP so great. Where else can you experiment with different types of equipment, and make money at the same time. Remember, your business will be what you make of it.

Here are a few photos taken from a very simple set up. These shots were taken from a Will-Burt "hurry up" mast, 3 axis R/C gimbal, JR 10X, Sony R-1, and i-glasses "video Pro" series HMD's. Any mast system between 30' and 50' would be a good place to start. All of the other high tech equipment and goodies can come later as you grow your business.

Good luck.

Click the image to open in full size.
Click the image to open in full size.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 02-01-2010, 05:15 PM
eagle eagle is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 33
Default

Thanks Jim. I love the walburt and all the gear you have. It just isn't financially feasible for me to get one right now.

I actually have been doing quite a bit of photography for several years, specifically 360 degree sphericals. I just want to add the ability to take elevated stills and sphericals. Cylindricals won't do.

A quick background on gear I want to adapt to elevated photography: I have a couple of Nikon D70 cameras that I have been using. One is used for stills so it has a regular lens and a wideangle lens. The other has the fisheye lens for panos. I have another camera with associated pano gear but will likely retire it.

Anyway, I'm actively in the process of whittling down my options.

I want to pursue a complete setup vs. DIY but after reading a number of threads here, I might consider putting one together.

In doing so, below are what I'm up against at the moment.

The selection for the mast/quadpod shouldn't be difficult. I'm still trying to make sense of what I need in terms of the gear I need for a still setup and gear for a spherical.

For stills, I think the Photoship 2X with mast mount will work. I read at the Photoship site that they have an adapter for sphericals. Just by looking at the photograph, I can't visualize though how it works.

I've seen threads about an Envision setup but I can't find a website that sells or provides more info about it. I'll keep searching.

For seeing what the camera sees on top of the mast, I know that Proview is a great product to do that. I like this a lot since it eliminates the need for a laptop. I've seen alternative examples using an inexpensive wireless baby camera monitor setup or a spycam which I thought is pretty resourceful.

As far as shutter release is concerned, I would prefer a wireless shutter release vs. wired. This is really the piece that has me stumped right now. I just don't know enough about what I need though to accomplish that. I've read about some devices that use RC transmitters and receivers. Still unclear about how that works and what pieces I need. I know I can go wired via USB extension but that would mean having to use a laptop with conflicts with my desire to use Proview or the like and also not having to lug a laptop.

Anyway, I'll continue reading and hopefully I'll make heads and tails of all this.

Thanks,
eagle

Last edited by eagle; 02-01-2010 at 05:19 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 02-01-2010, 05:56 PM
Envision Envision is offline
Super Moderator
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Marion, MI USA
Posts: 2,600
Send a message via Skype™ to Envision
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by eagle View Post
I've seen threads about an Envision setup but I can't find a website that sells or provides more info about it. I'll keep searching.

As far as shutter release is concerned, I would prefer a wireless shutter release vs. wired.
As far as the wireless shutter, it can be as simple as your normal wireless trigger if you have one, or use something like a Phottix wireless trigger that you can use off the mast too.

EnvisionGear is my products. The website is shut down until I get all the products in kit form, which is most likely within a month or so. I'm working on some new designs too. HERE is a hidden gallery of the original design that did not allow portrait without an adapter.

EDIT: This thread has gone a bit off topic.

Troy
__________________
Even if the Voices aren’t real they still have some pretty good ideas.

Last edited by Envision; 02-01-2010 at 06:07 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 02-01-2010, 06:12 PM
tonystott tonystott is online now
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Forster, NSW, Australia
Posts: 791
Send a message via Skype™ to tonystott
Default

Eagle, it can help to break down your requirements into items, to eventually arrive at the right package. Let's start with masts.

First decision point is portability. If you desire the capability to take the mast away from a road, the weight and wieldliness (?) of the mast and base becomes prominent, compared to available options if using a vehicle or trailer. Having the ability to carry the mast rig through narrow paths can provide versatility of the angles you can cover.

Within this choice comes method of raising the mast. A portable mast is less likely to have mechanical means of raising due to weight considerations. If buying a manual raising mast, consider the length of each section, which will determine the maximum height you can put the camera. As soon as you aim for a mast height of more than about 45 feet, you will then probably need some form of steps or ladder to get you high enough to comfortably raise the sections manually.

Obviously, a mounted mast can be by definition more robust and have mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic means of raising it, and maximum heighrt is likely to be less restricted.

Regarding maximum height, I believe that the vast majority of jobs your mast will be called upon to do can be satisfied by a height or around 40 feet. Once you decide on a taller mast, you then find some of the above alternatives are no longer viable. Your choice really

In terms of materials, aluminium generally offers more rigidity than glass fibre for a given height, and the wind strength where using guys become desirable will be higher (the need for guys can seriously restrict viable locations for using the mast). The weight of the payload (camera, mount & actuation/downlink equipment), combined with the rigidity of the mast and the "footprint" of the base will determine what ballast if any will be required. Recent posts have suggested alternatives such as sandbags and water bottles, apart from the obvious alternative of driving pegs into the ground, which is not always an option. As regards ballast, here is a suggestion which could be useful. hanging ballast weight directly under the mast has the advantage that the weight helps no matter which direction any sideways pressure comes from, and I suspect that the total weight required would be less than weighing down each leg.

Well, that is just some stuff about masts to get you thinking!

Good luck in your search.
__________________
Tony Stott

Last edited by tonystott; 02-01-2010 at 06:32 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 02-01-2010, 09:00 PM
eagle eagle is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 33
Default

Jim, I apologize for getting the thread offtrack.

Thanks Troy for the info on Phottix. I actually found a similar product made by Micnova/Uputure in Italy, but I think this Phottix will do just fine. Good range with good price to boot.

Thanks Tony for the tips on the mast. I'll definitely keep those considerations in mind. I guess an "accessory" will be a weight/exercise bench for me to get myself fit to raise/lower the segments if I get a manual mast. My target shooting height will be no more than 50ft. I've read that some suggest getting a taller mast than needed but not extending the last segment to reach the desired height but prevent deflection.

Thanks again.

Sorry again Jim. If I have add'l questions or comments, I'll start a new thread.

r,
eagle
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 02-01-2010, 09:26 PM
tonystott tonystott is online now
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Forster, NSW, Australia
Posts: 791
Send a message via Skype™ to tonystott
Default

Eagle, if you do go for a portable mast around 40 feet, you won't need that workout bench. My mast weighs about 10.5kg, and I don't raise a sweat lifting it section by section. Sure the lift gets heavier with each section, but the leverage when the join is only 59 inches high makes it easy (The join on the 49 foot mast is 79 inches high).

I bought my Spiderbeam from the supplier in Germany, and it was no hassle but you have a US distributor www.spiderbeam.us
__________________
Tony Stott
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 02-01-2010, 09:28 PM
OTAS-USA OTAS-USA is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 82
Default

Eagle,

Tony offered some sound advice, and has done his homework on this issue. Obviously, price is always a big factor when considering your mast options. However, don't cut yourself short on this issue. Aluminum mast systems are far superior to fiberglass masts, capable of supporting heavier "head loads", where rigidity is needed. Most of the "quad-pod" masts out there utilize some of the same features. The 50' models are probably all you will need to get started. But, some people prefer the 60' models over the 50's. However, the 60' models tend to sway, especially if head loads exceeds 10 lbs.

The Will-Burt "hurry up" mast runs around $1,800. new, with the optional "drive on" plate. But, is limited to vehicle deployment only, given the fact that it is not a "quad-pod" type mast. Quad-Pod masts are great for their overall versatility. In fact, I own a 50' Canadian model myself. It's a great portable mast system.

As for your camera "trigger" dilemma. No worries. There are several companies out there offering options in this area. Here's one if you're considering R/C route.
http://www.rcdude.com/servlet/the-13...Control/Detail

As for the monitor vs HMD viewing issue. I prefer HMD's over a small monitor or LCD display. But, that's just me. The primary reason I went with the i-glasses "Pro" series, is because of the display size, resolution, and most importantly, contrast ratio. You just can't beat a display size of 76" big screen.

In addition, the i-glasses "Pro" series, offered a contrast ratio of 100:1, over today's 75:1. This makes all the difference in the world. It's like comparing an older CRT set, to today's Plasma. Simply put, there is no camparison. But, there are a lot of HMD's out there offering 922,00 pixels or better, which also deliver decent picture quality.

Remember, the higher the pixel number, the better quality picture. Contrast ratio is also a big factor. Anything with a contrast ratio of 50:1, will have a "grainy" image. Whereas, those HMD's offering 75:1 or better, picture quality is improved tremendously.

You can also go with a single eye (mono) HMD. I use the Micro-Optical CV-3 viewer, given it's size and "see through" feature. But, they're not cheap, and very hard to find. The "eyetop" HMD is another inexpensive option, that in my opinon, deliver good results for the price. You can pick up a new set on eBay for around $150.00 to $200.00, which includes battery, charger, AC adaptor, and portable DVD player. Dave would be the guy to see if you're interested.

Good luck with your decision.

P.S. Eagle, but worry about getting off topic. It's all about sharing knowledge and experience in the world of AP. Right?

Click the image to open in full size.
Click the image to open in full size.
Click the image to open in full size.
Click the image to open in full size.

Last edited by OTAS-USA; 02-01-2010 at 09:38 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 02-01-2010, 10:47 PM
eagle eagle is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 33
Default

Thanks Tony. I've got spiderbeam bookmarked already. I like their mast specs, the optional knobs, and the quadpods. I appreciate the assurance on not needing the workout accessory. I probably still need it anyway irrespective of the mast.

Jim, I appreciate the add'l info on the mast, options for the trigger, and the suggestion on the viewer. That CV-3 looks awesome and so is the price.
I read some threads about the inexpensive Eyetop at an RC site. It's funny that they seem to marvel at the gadget but don't particulary like the glasses. I'll weigh the HMD against the other options.

Thanks again.

Now, I need to contact PhotoShip to get a better understanding of how the 3rd axis mount for pano shot work.

r,
eagle
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

» B&H Photo

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.0.1

All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:17 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.2
Copyright ©2000 - 2010, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

APLanding.com.com - Aerial and Commercial Photography Forums
Helicopter - Airplane - Mast - Kite - Lighter-Than-Air - Full Scale - Radio Control - Event - Sports - Real Estate - Commercial
General Discussions - Aerial Photography - Photos - Cameras Lighting and Equipment - RSS