Using a Car Camera Mount (page 2)

Small camcorders weighing 6 pounds or less typically use single cup suction mounts. They attach to any non-porous surface, which makes them ideal for mounting to windshields, side windows and flat surfaces on the exterior of a vehicle.

Often comprised of a single industrial suction cup, a reversible camera plate and a ball bracket with a locking handle for securing the camera plate into place, section mounts allow the camera to be placed on almost any non-porous surface, at almost any angle.

The industrial suction cups are fastened to the vehicle surface by pumping a lever that creates a vacuum, thus holding the cup firmly in place. The strength of the vacuum releases only when air is reincorporated into the suctioned area by releasing the crank lever. Once firmly in place, it can take 200 or more pounds of force to pull the suction cup from its place.

For heavier cameras, there are a number of suction mounts available. These mounts are a bit more complex in their design and operation than their single suction cup cousins. However, their complexity only adds to their strength and versatility.

Fully mountable from a vertical or a horizontal position, these mounts sometimes rely on a three-cup mounting system, complete with adjustable brackets on the suction pads and on the camera's mounting plate. Use of the three arms allows for complex canted or "Dutch" angles and a more rugged use.

There are suction mounts that incorporate the use of even more than three cups for even greater stability. Multiple suction cups are fixed to steel or polymer triangle or rectangular plates. Those plates are, in turn, attached to adjustable legs and a standard fluid head. This type of system is ideal for mounting heavier cameras on the exterior of a moving vehicle. They're stable at high speeds and, because of their three-leg, multi-plate designs, can have plates fixed to surfaces on opposing angles.

Regardless of the type of suction mounting system you're using, following a few basic rules will ensure trouble-free use and system longevity.

• Before you mount the cups, ensure the surface is clean. Any sort of ammonia-based glass cleaner will work well for removing dust and debris. Just make sure the surface you clean is completely dry before applying your suction mount.
• Never wet your suction cups. These aren't like the plastic suction darts you used to shoot from your toy gun. Industrial suction cups will not adhere well to wet surfaces. Therefore, in addition to being free from dust and debris, your surface must be free from moisture due to rain, frost, or even fog.
• Temperature is everything! Extreme temperatures will make proper suction more difficult. If your surface is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, you can use a hot blow dryer to warm the area. If the area is too hot, placing an ice pack on the area and then wiping away any excess moisture will result in better suctioning.
• Despite the number of suction cups you're working with, it is imperative that you make sure all cups are mounted firmly on the vehicle surface. Once the mount suctioned in place, you can jiggle it or even take a drive along your intended route prior to fixing the camera into place.
• Proper storage of your mounting unit will help to insure your investment. Never store the unit on a surface where the suction cups can be warped, and be sure they're stored in a moisture-free, temperate area.

This article, while informative, is in no way comprehensive. Moving vehicle shots are tricky, thus they require the proper equipment to accomplish. They also require a lot of skill to use the equipment and an understanding of the motivation for a moving shot. Before purchasing your vehicle mount, do your research. Find the model that best suits your camera and your creative needs. While getting your driving shot is certainly a goal, safety should always be the top priority. Only after digesting the instructional materials that come with your unit should you attempt to use it.

Michael Fitzer is an Emmy award-winning commercial and documentary writer/ producer.

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