LouDiamond (D 25931)
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Sep 8, 2007, 12:59 PM
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Bonehead Mantle
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I have had several people asking me about my Bonehead Mantle after seeing it in the "Really Right Stuff" thread or at boogies so here are a few pictures of it without cameras on top. For additional pictures of how cameras can be configured on top of the Mantle click HERE. The Mantle is based off of the Optik Illusion that I used quite extensively. However, I needed to be able to mount 2 cameras on top and I found that for what I wanted to do, I needed more space. I spoke to Chris from BH at PIA about this and the Mantle as pictured was born.
Aside from the added space up top, the interior is different in that it has a suspension system of sorts under the padding that has preshaped audible slots over each ear, so that the outside of the helmet remains flat and you don't have an audible poking you in the side of the head.
NOTE: This is a prototype model and the latch mechanism pictured may be different on the production model. Likewise, the production model should have the cutaway hinge available as it is pictured in the new Para-Gear catalog. The Mantle isn't up on the Bonehead web site yet so you will have to call/e-mail Bonhead and ask to get further details and pricing on it.
From looking at the pictures in your other thread, it looks like a pretty tight fit with both cameras mounted horizontally. Actually having it in your hands how do you think that works out?
I don't like the idea of having a HDV widescreen camera and a Digital still where the aspect ratios are rotated 90 degress from one another. It would seem like I could only fly for one or the other in that case.
I don't like the idea of having a HDV widescreen camera and a Digital still where the aspect ratios are rotated 90 degress from one another. It would seem like I could only fly for one or the other in that case.
I've wrestled with this issue a lot in my mind and I really can't decide which is better. However I've only flown so far with horizontal video and vertical still.
As far as mounting goes, vertical still is certainly more compact, although it also puts a greater cantilever on your neck... and mounting a 5D like Scott has vertically would be pretty obscene. My XT vertical isn't too bad.
As far as the photography aspect, I agree that having them both landscape would make it easier to frame both cameras simultaneously. However, I think portrait photos often are more striking than landscape photos... add to that the fact that MAGAZINES are portrait (except for centerfolds, of course). Sure cropped images of any aspect ratio can be placed in an article, but protrait photos are needed for large, full-page prints or of course cover photos. I just sold a photo outside the sport that will be on the cover of a college textbook, and it is portrait. Add to this that I shoot wingsuits 99% of the time and the image usually turns out 45 degrees crooked anyway (unless it's a boring straight on shot), it sort of becomes a moot point. I aim to frame my video perfectly since losing resolution is more costly there, and then I intentionally fly my SLR lens a bit wider than needed, since I have pixels to spare I can crop and rotate inside that frame afterwards.
Sometimes I think a perfectly square sensor with 15MP or so would be the optimal SLR.
(This post was edited by The111 on Sep 10, 2007, 9:11 AM)
LouDiamond (D 25931)
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Sep 10, 2007, 3:31 PM
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From looking at the pictures in your other thread, it looks like a pretty tight fit with both cameras mounted horizontally. Actually having it in your hands how do you think that works out?
I am happy with it. Neither camera hangs over the edge to be a concern when they are both mounted horizontaly and the weight is centered so it isn't lopsided feeling at all. For those using smaller cameras (video/still) there will be even more room uptop to work with.
Quote:
I don't like the idea of having a HDV widescreen camera and a Digital still where the aspect ratios are rotated 90 degress from one another. It would seem like I could only fly for one or the other in that case.
Depends on what your focus is on that dive. Fortunately, I have lenses for both my video and still camera that afford me views that I can match up to one another fairly close be it wide or tight in even when 90 from one another. The full frame sensor on the 5D affords me a lot of latitude and allows me to get away with using small prime lenses without losing a wide FOV and the ability to crop down past the point where most DSLRs start pixilating. This also translates into less weight due to the small size of my prime lens(es).
LouDiamond (D 25931)
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Jun 27, 2008, 3:07 PM
Post #11 of 104
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Here's some updates to the Mantle. This is a prototype and I'm calling it the mantle II at the moment but that is subject to change. Changes from the original are the rear entry and dog bone,cutaway and the solid chin. The top platform length and width remain the same.
Is it just me, a trick of the light/angles or is the flat top a bit lopsided?
Not sure what you mean but it's not lopsided. It's square and it's uniformly flat on top. There is a CF piece that has a weird weave pattern to it. I assume that is what you are talking about.
Looks a lot better than it did when I saw it a few weeks ago, but that weave sure is a strange mate to the other side. Looking forward to seeing the next version of the helmet; it looks like a sweet setup. I sure like the one you've been jumping.
LouDiamond (D 25931)
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Jun 27, 2008, 10:47 PM
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So, are they back on-line with this helmet, or are you just being a tease?
ltdiver
LOOK, over there, something shiny!! .....It's a proto and like anything proto it could eventually mature or it can die on the vine. But I think this one has hope.
Is it just me, a trick of the light/angles or is the flat top a bit lopsided?
Not sure what you mean but it's not lopsided. It's square and it's uniformly flat on top. There is a CF piece that has a weird weave pattern to it. I assume that is what you are talking about.
A trick of the light, then... in the first pic, it seems lower on the LH side.
LouDiamond (D 25931)
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Jun 28, 2008, 5:11 PM
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Looks good - any problems mounting the RRS plates?
None, I used the earlier model helmet holes to make a paper template. I then taped it on the new helmet, marked it and then drilled it. From there it was a simple socket wrench to install the bolts.
web-IMG_2701.jpg
.....It's a proto and like anything proto it could eventually mature or it can die on the vine. But I think this one has hope. 
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