Camera Mount

The following describes a simple camera mount that I came up with using RAM and Manfrotto components.

I don't like tank bags and even if I did, it takes time to unzip and zip up a tank bag or the chest pocket of an Aerostich suit countless times a day...not to mention the wear and tear on the zipper over time. I'm talking about those quick stops while seated on the motorcycle to snap a pic along the way.

I liked the RAM ball that I mounted on the left side handguard of my GS Adventure for my GPS so much, I decided to install another one on the right side for camera mounting purposes. Of course, the two are interchangeable depending on preference.

[IMG]http://edelweiss.smugmug.com/photos/393390675_nwgtB-L-1.jpg[/IMG]


I also wanted a Quick Release so that any camera can be locked in place and released in a snap.


A Manfrotto Quick Release base mounted to a modified RAM-B-236 ball...
[IMG]http://edelweiss.smugmug.com/photos/393395282_PVf5A-L-1.jpg[/IMG]


A close-up view of a Manfrotto Quick Release base mounted to a modified RAM-B-236 ball...
[IMG]http://edelweiss.smugmug.com/photos/393399834_7SR66-L-1.jpg[/IMG]


A Manfrotto Quick Release base mounted to a modified RAM-B-236 ball with the camera mount in place...
[IMG]http://edelweiss.smugmug.com/photos/393399795_PpUDu-L-1.jpg[/IMG]


The finished product with a camera mounted out of harms way behind the windscreen...
[IMG]http://edelweiss.smugmug.com/photos/393426174_VBz3U-L.jpg[/IMG]


For those times when an unobstructed view of the road is desired, a RAM double ball and extra extension are installed...
[IMG]http://edelweiss.smugmug.com/photos/393426194_rn4CM-L.jpg[/IMG]

I can't comment on how vibration or shake-free the set-up in the above photo is. My mount is primarily for storing my camera and having it ready at a snap and not so much for on-bike videoing. This is just a possible option.

For details: [URL="http://edelweiss.smugmug.com/gallery/6232466_hj9cz#393390675_nwgtB"][B][COLOR="Blue"]R1150 GS Adventure RAM Ball & Manfrotto Camera Mount [/COLOR][/B][/URL]

I am using Manfrotto 3299 quick change adapters on gadget guy mounts for my GPS, V1, and camera. The 3299 has an additional locking latch.

Rock solid.

[QUOTE=boofer;381859]I am using Manfrotto 3299 quick change adapters. The 3299 has an additional locking latch.[/QUOTE]

I ordered the Quick Release off a [URL="http://www.manfrotto.com/webdav/site/manfrotto/shared/manfrotto_nord/pdf/7/715SHB_20060102.pdf"][B][COLOR="Blue"]Manfrotto 715SHB[/COLOR][/B][/URL] which happens to be the same as my 714SHB Digi Micro Tripod, but with the Quick Release. A great tripod BTW, that is compact and solid for what it is.

I couldn't track down anything on those 3299 adapters on the Manfrotto site. Link or pic?