I know I have seen a photo somewhere on here of a metal bar going across the back of the front seats that had the camera mounted on it. Does anyone have pictures of it, or something similar?

 

nevermind, google had the answer.

 

For anyone else looking for similar here are a few of (not all) the solutions I've used.

 

I built my own using 3/4 inch square tubing, a couple of U-bolts, and a gimble mount from a very cheap tripod. See pics
http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/l...ammount007.jpg
http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/l...ammount004.jpg
http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/l...ammount005.jpg

 

Here is another photo, now that I've left CA I've more options legally....

 

I know it isn't exactly the same idea< but I'll take some pics of my vacu-cam when I get a chance, although I don't think they're available anymore

 

What kind of mount is that Drew? (pic posted on 9/4/08)

 

Would a StickyPod work for you?

 

that's a nice solution too bear, i just liked the compact nature of drew's setup....and i have the same video camera as he does. plus, since my mini still won't be here for a long while i'm just trying to put together my list of needs that aren't factory or dealer options!

 

It's a filmtools creation....
http://www.filmtools.com/filmtools-i...era-mount.html
It's also the one I adjusted to fit over the speedo in my earlier post in this thread, that gave this angle (heavily compressed to fit on youtube)

Sorry, no video up from my most recent trip yet.

I've also got the film tools Gripper
http://www.filmtools.com/gripsuccupca.html

It takes a little more manipulating for interior video, and seems better suited for external mounting.

I considered the stickypod but went with the filmtools items for a few reasons...

• MINI has a porous dash, so I didn't have faith in secure mounting
• Suction cups have a vaccum pump with warning when the seal is becoming week (usually a few taps of the pump and it's all secure again)

Here is a comparison review,
http://vegas.digitalmedianet.com/art...e.jsp?id=28807

Also, filmtools periodically (and is currently) running sales making it less expensive as well.

 

Video from that trip with that mount as is:

Sped up to compensate for lack of twisties, compressed to fit in youtube standards.

 

looks great! thanks for the info drew!

 

Motor On, that mount is great. I wonder if they let you use that on track days.

 

They used to be pretty commonly accepted, but apparently somebody lost a suction mount camera (unknown which one) that was on the outside of the car earlier this summer, the rule is vauge, so it's going to vary by area and that regions descion (at least NASA wise) ref: http://www.nasaforums.com/viewtopic....&hilit=+camera

 

Took the Manfrotto camera attachment off the suction mount and metal rods, and took the idea of setting it up as a headrest mount. Which makes it just as acceptable as the other headrest mounts. Sorry about the camera phone quality pics but just felt the urge to share this gets more versatile every time I use it.

 

I bought a www cruisecam.com mount for $45 - Works well (Pic is from their web site)

 

I prefer having the mount on the back seat, that way you can see what the driver is doing. My first attempt was just a bit of aluminium and 3 bolts.



That worked relatively well:



But the camera would wobble too much, and it was difficult to aim. So I came up with my MK2 camera mount which was a bit more substantial and had a tilt adjustment:







I had to do some adjustments so I could see the tach over my shoulder (hence the extra mounting point) and lower the point of view so it could see under the mirror (hence the rather awkward position of the hinges).

That worked well enough to get some decent video at the track last Monday. (Warning, this is a 30MB video.) http://homepage.mac.com/barryt/.Movies/LapmiPod.m4v

My next idea is to basically replace the parcel shelf with a plywood plank, then I could drill holes in it to mount bits where ever I want.

 

I did just that. It seems to work quite well:

 

Where can I find a mount like this?

 

I use the cleat from filmtools.com

http://www.filmtools.com/cleatsuccamm.html

I've used it inside and out!! not being gentle by any means. I've had it on the hood of my mini down the highway going about 65 and it didn't budge. Check out the vids i've got with it.

http://www.youtube.com/user/HERBIE53GUY

the key it to have a clean SMOOTH surface!!. I just keep a bottle of quick detail spray with it and a micro fiber.

See you at the dragon!
Mike

 

Here's how I mounted my HD video camera. It worked out pretty well... I used the base plate from my GlideCam.
Unfortunately the video I made and put on YouTube was taken down due to "copyright" issues with the song I used. Dogs.
I'll shoot some more.

Herbie 53 guy, I just ordered the suction cup mount you mentioned. I look forward to trying it!

 

One more shot... w/ the wide angle lens attched to the video camera.

 

My latest attempt is a simple plank of wood which hooks into the seat back standoffs (R56 only). Then a half box of plywood bolts onto that, and the camera sits on top of the box. Unfolded it looks like this:



Installed it looks like this:








The box reminds me of a bird house, so I've been calling it "Darth Vader's Bird House" I'll find out how well it works at the end of the month at Thunderhill.

 

I've been thinking of getting one of the Cruise Cams for when we're travelling. My home made versions are too bulky (or too suspicious) to fly with and we're quite often hiring a MINI when we're in the UK. We have a trip planned for later in the year which includes a MINI and driving through Germany.

 

Check these out
http://www.goprocamera.com/products

I have one, you can mount anywhere. Here is video from it..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxxAH6m6cQ0