[Travis, stop it!!! Almost had myself convinced I don't need a new camera and then you go and do this. Not to say I can do that kind of job. Just know I don't stand a chance with out a new photo device ]
[My God! I believe they actually cleaned the glass before you came?! I was shooting some images at FP recently, and it was a real issue avoiding waterspots and algae growth!
[They are on Midway in Farmer's Branch. Probably about 2 miles north of 635. Kinda hard to see from the road; it's an older strip mall. (I seem to remember blue roofs ). Just south of beltline.]
[Not true Don. You guys just needed to clean the front of the tanks that day. I'm gonna have to bring a spray bottle and a few dry towels when I carry my camera apparently.
I have to clean mine all the time, because I drip water down the front when I tinker in the tanks or go Mushroom Hunting.]
[Travis, how would you like a way to secure the box to the camera so you don't have to worry as much?
If you can find the screw, I can make you a strip of acrylic that you can screw to the base of the camera, and then attach the strip to the top of the box with a nylon thumbscrew. I don't have the threaded tap yet, but I'm going to get one soon. I think that would make it easier to hold on to.]
[sounds very cool. I'm not sure I understand (first cup of coffee ) but I like the idea of attaching the camera. Would it screw into the base using the tripod mount?]
[Yes. Did you see the next one I built for my camera ( which needs to be altered btw)? The tripod mount is 1/4 threads which is the same as the nylon screws I had one hand. The problem with my unit is that the screw is right through the box and thus the potential to leak water in through that hole is great.
However, with a strip of acrylic, you could connect it to the camera like a long tongue (say 2" x 5", and the other end of the tongue would be screwed into the box near the part that is folded over way way out of the water.
I'm thinking by using the strip of acrylic, it would work with various cameras no matter where the tripod mount is located, because the strip can adjust to various heights and even some side to side motion. It just needs a groove or a few holes near the 'top' to make it adjustable.]
[Travis, I finally got a reasonably decent shot of my Coral Beauty yesterday. I've been attempting some flash photography to see if I can catch my fish on (digital) film a little better. I still haven't pursued a remote flash yet.
You stopped the motion really well, looks like the CB is a bit out of focus would be my only criticism. If you're using my "wait until it swims in front of the camera" method, try going to manual focus and focusing on the area you hope the CB will swim by. Thjat way when you're ready to shoot the AF won't lock onto something else.
The box modification sounds great, almost like a macro slider if you've ever seen one of those? That would be a HUGE help to me, since I have to have the camera on AF composing and getting the right distance is very difficult. Let me know when you're ready for a guinea pig! Lemme know if you want another print, we can do another trade out.
[I'd need some dimensions from you again, and also any suggestions on your current box. If you happen to have a great White Bellied Yellow Wrasse shot I'd probably like that one.
Yeah, the coral beauty was a tad out of focus, and it was a freehand shot. 400ISO and I believe Manual Focus, with a soft flash. I was actually aiming for the Six Line but the CB kept coming around that corner and finally I thought I'd give it a shot. :suspect:]
[LOL between a wrasse and your coral beauty, you were up for the high-difficulty shots eh? In those circumstances I'd try to shoot whoever swam into the frame and pray.
