skydiveguy

I had someone else at my DZ that recommended taping up the connection points also to keep air/dirt/mositure out. I will try them all and pray! SG

No problem... it is after all a matter of preferance also. I have always been a Nikon Guy. The skydiving industry for some reason likes to favor Canon and Sony as the systems of choice. (probably due to the price and availability of their products) Good luck! SG

The arguement is going to be Cannon vs. Nikon like people argue about Ford vs. Chevy (or Javelin vs. Racer, etc) I would have to recommend going with descent quality as compared to cheap price. I use a Nikon N90s (which is more expensive and heavier weight, but better metering system) as opposed to the majority using a Cannon (cheaper price and all plastic) but I find it is a huge trade off in the quality of the photo's. The tandem client might never make another jump as long as they live and this is the only chance you will have to record it for them. It is extremely heartbreaking to have to tell them the stills didnt come out. Remember, you get what you pay for! Cheaper is not nessisarily going to perform the same. SG

I had a problem with a tounge switch this weekend and also this past weekend. I am using a Nikon N90s with a Nikon MC-30 remote switch. The switch was working fine on the ground and the early part of the ride to altitude, but once on the camera step and in freefall it didnt work at all. It then resumed working when back on the ground after landing. I have used this switch for about 1.5 years with no problems other than having to replace the mouth switch (Radio Shack Part Number 275-016) every 6 months or so due to normal wear and tear. Here is the kicker.... there was another jumper this weekend that has a completely different camera and a blow switch and had the EXACT same problem. Is this something that could be created by atmospheric pressure or weather or something? I would like to know if anyone else has had a similar problem like this and how to remedy it, PLEASE!

I went through the same thought process when setting my helmet up. I have to agree that the ease of removal is well worth the price of the mount. Then again I shoot between 5-10 rolls a day and have to also change batteries sometimes on the ride to altitude. Plus it is the lowest profile if that is also a concern. I got mine from B & H becasue it was the cheaspest at the time. ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bh2.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=ProductActivator__Aproductlist_html___52735___STQRC___REG___CatID=0___SID=F4A4437AE50) SG

Wasn't it a Racer... that should be all the explination you need. SG

My only problem is that the writer/director/producer makes all skydivers look like freaking drug smugglers in EVERY movie he makes. Great PR for our sport. SG

it could also be a virus. Funny how viruses spread through email attachments, but no one EVER opens attachments. MS Windows works great as long as you dont install any other software on it. SG

The glue doesnt really have any taste at all. It is not as soft, but it is soft enough to do the job. SG

This is a problem that has plagued freefall photographers for years.... why is it that the switches fail so often when modified??? I am using my NIKON shutter release cable soldered to a Radio Shack switch that is then encased in hot glue for biting into. I have used this for quite some time and cannot figure out why my switch is not failing as often as many (almost all others) do fail. I know that the switch is not designed to be subjected to saliva and such, but I consistantly wipe the switch clean after every jump. Could this be the reason for it lasting much longer than my friends? SG

I have been jumping this helmet for about 1.5 years now.... I LOVE it! I have a TRV-20 mounted dead center (this seems to be the most comfortable for me with opening shock) on the flat-top and a Nikon N90s mounted inverted on the front plate (although, this is a heavy option). I also have a Nikon SB-26 speedlight mounted on the flat-top next to the TRV's D-box. The only problems I tend to have with this setup is minor neck soreness from the weight of the Nikon and also due to the fact that I am a stubborn photographer that demands the quality that a Nikon will give me over any other camera. SG

Funny you mention that... I thought of that right after I posted the question (do'H!) Thanks!

I generally shoot at 250 and I just threw that in to give everyone an idea of what I will be using it at primarily. There is no "standard" setting after all and a friend of mine told me that his best pictures were when he "broke the rules" of exposure. I am sure I will be experimenting with different setting as I go. Thanks!

I am using a Nikon N90s with a 20mm Nikon D-Type lens set at 250/sec in SHUTTER PRIORITY mode. I plan to start shooting with a Nikon SB-26 Speedlight mounted flat (flash head in the 90 degree mode, straight up, if it were mounted on top of the camera's hotshoe) on top of my Flat Top Pro helmet with a Nikon SC-17 flash sync cable. My questionis this: Will I be able to achieve 3D-Multi-Sensor-Balanced Fill-Flash with the flash mounted in this configuration? I am under the impression that it will as long as I am using the Nikon SC-17 sync cord. I cannot find any information about this except for this... The manual for the speedlight states : "with the flash head tilted or rotated, the SB-26 does not fire Moniter Preflash(es), even for 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash operation." It does not state that it will not work, just that it will not fire preflashes (which have nothing to do with the TTL (Through The Lens) light sensor in the camera. I would just like to know if anyone has experience with this type of camera setup and offer advice before I mount the flash in this configuration. Thanks in advance for any help! Brian

There are ways around that.

This place is so cool.... the police have a skydiver under canopy as their logo. This DZ is the home of the soon to be famous "Jumptown Vikings". Come out and jump with the gang and become a viking yourself! I'm hooked and feel this is my home away from home. Great people, great times, great jumping! Thanks jumptown!