Camera Rack

[Marv]

I got a new vehicle and set out to find a way to organize my camera equipment. With a 4X5, 8X10, dlsr, and various made, and yet to be made pinhole cameras ,I quickly took up floor space. Throw into the mix when I'm shooting it is normally out of the Cruiser so the cameras are set up ready to mount on the tripod. I frequently travel with a friend who has the same gear and........well you get the picture.

So here is what I built, and how I got there.

The first image is the finished product. I'll go back wards and show how I set it up as we go. Attached files http://f295.f295.org/uploads/overview_3307.jpg (http://f295.f295.org/uploads/overview_3307.jpg)

[Marv]

This is the anchor that I fabricated to keep the rack in one place. Stability is enhanced when the gear and it's weight are added to the rack.

Attached files http://f295.f295.org/uploads/anchor_7444.jpg (http://f295.f295.org/uploads/anchor_7444.jpg)

[Marv]

This is how I attached the aluminum tube to the inside. I used an exsisting attachment for a cover that was in the trim panel. Basic wire ties, we call them zip ties, are used an can be removed with out damage to the trim.

Attached files http://f295.f295.org/uploads/anchor_set_3297.jpg (http://f295.f295.org/uploads/anchor_set_3297.jpg)

[Marv]

This is how I attached the anchor to the rack. Once again zip ties. Cut two ties and the rack lifts out if I need to haul something big.

Attached files http://f295.f295.org/uploads/anchor_attached_9888.jpg (http://f295.f295.org/uploads/anchor_attached_9888.jpg)

[Marv]

This is the basic rack set in ready to be attached. Note the front has no legs and the rear are short to accomidate the difference in height from front to back.

Attached files http://f295.f295.org/uploads/rack_loose_3501.jpg (http://f295.f295.org/uploads/rack_loose_3501.jpg)

[Marv]

Here is the rack attached with most of the gear in place. The tripod is held down with bungy cords. The gear is kept in place with a bungy cord wrapped around the rack. I plan on making half doors that will fold down to make the gear more secure. For now this gives me an idea of how things will ride and I can refine as I go. Call this V.02, yes I have already taken it apart and rebuilt it!

Attached files http://f295.f295.org/uploads/rack_complete_9448.jpg (http://f295.f295.org/uploads/rack_complete_9448.jpg)

[Marv]

This is a detail of the tripod restraint. There is a bungy on both ends, cuts down on rattles (there are none) and I cut a hole in the rack that a tripod leg knob drops into. The knob keeps the tripod from coming forward in case, God forbid, I was in an accident. Don't need a tripod sticking out the back of my head!

Attached files http://f295.f295.org/uploads/tripod_restraint_5701.jpg (http://f295.f295.org/uploads/tripod_restraint_5701.jpg)

[Marv]

And last but not least, although not officially sanctioned by f295, I do have a seal of approval attached anyway!

Hope this gives you some ideas on storage. This rack, it was a four shelf unit from Home Depot, can be easily removed and I still have over half the floor space available. Total cost was around $35.00. Not bad and I still have a shelf and some short legs left over! Attached files http://f295.f295.org/uploads/f295_certified_9015.jpg (http://f295.f295.org/uploads/f295_certified_9015.jpg)

[knut]

This rack, it was a four shelf unit from Home Depot, can be easily removed and I still have over half the floor space available.

... which means you can accumulate about twice the amount of equipment before you need a new vehicle. But of course if you need to speed things up a bit, you can always build a few 11x14 or 8x20 box cameras ;D

But seriously, nice consept, and much more space efficient than having a gazillion of bags and boxes floating around.

[staft]

the vehicle would make a nice camera, too.
as somebody who has retrofitted several vans for a tv news department, at much greater expense, i applaud your simple ingenuity. tripods were usually an ongoing problem, with each videographer wanting new techniques for grabbing the sticks on the run. i always thought a cannon/parachute deployment would be worth trying.

[Tom Persinger]

excellent work Marv.
this vehicle is now "officially" sanctioned by f295! (if i had some champagne i'd smash a bottle for you... )

Thanks for sharing-
tp

[stormy]

Don't need a tripod sticking out the back of my head!

Hmmm - now that is a potential project idea!

Seriously, though - nice rack!

Photography got a lot more enjoyable when I found the right bag - nothing fancy, just simple and does the job. I, too, admire your resourcefulness and practicality.