So now let me explain what models C and M are.
Continuing the Home Studio situation for the long-term future of GCM Photographic, I have been inspired by the Platypod camera support system. As Colin and I have had to resort to photographing things at home on rare occasions, I decided to replicate this idea and build the model C compact for Colin and the model M major for Mark.
Colin has less space at home than I do, so he needed a smaller, more practical lightweight version for his home use. However, once the studio is complete, I will have a permanent space for mine, the major.
Model ‘M’
Model ‘C’
I decided to replicate and build my own versions for the two of us using some aluminium which was scrapped from an old Hi-Fi component. I used Araldite to glue the nuts onto the underneath of the base, making sure that the thread inside the nut was kept clear of any Araldite glue. I used two sizes of available bolts for the major.
Colin has been treated to a set of Platypod legs. For the model C, he has the choice of a rubber foot or a pointed metal spike for his photography. The rubber feet are a lot friendlier to any table surface, as well has his wife!
Since photographing models C and M in our professional studio, I have in fact painted the base of the major black, and have also purchased longer bolts. Sometimes I just need that little extra height, not only for taller and larger subjects, but also so that I don’t have to bend over or reach and stretch so far. This in theory puts less strain on my back.
Having seen the photographs, you will have seen that the major has in fact a larger ball and socket head fitted than the compact version. You may be wondering why? As I am a micro four thirds camera system user, I need to have a larger tripod head. There are two main reasons for this.
Firstly, it’s a lot easier to control, and secondly, if I’m using my Olympus camera in focus stacking mode with my 70 – 150 lens, I feel the system really needs a larger, heavier rated capacity of head. This combination of camera and lens is, by the way, absolutely stunning.
Go on, why not try this at home? Have some fun, and save some money at the same time, by creating your very own extremely useful, handy, adjustable, low level camera support system.
M