This week I had a special challenge on my hands. The rig requested was small in size and simple in concept but I'd never done it before.
I was asked by Director of Photography Matt Workman to build an underwater housing for the Cinema Magic Revolution. A very long, articulated, periscope lens.
The shoot was for a new waterproof product that the clients wanted to feature doing various water activities. Two of these scenes included the camera lens having to be submerged.
Because of the Revolution's peculiar shape, there isn't a specialty housing made for it yet. I have some experience working with the lens and figured that it could go into a simple rectangular box that was attached to the camera and sealed at the top. I drew up basic blue prints and tried to have one made but it couldn't be done in time. I had to make the box myself out of Lexan; a very clear, unwarped plastic that can be used to protect the camera from items directed at it. Because of its clarity it doesn't distort the image in any way. It must be treated carefully as it is easy to scratch.
I took the 1/4" Lexan, made a box that was 6"x8"x10" and waterproofed it with silicone sealant, marine epoxy and waterproof electrical sealing tape. I than bolted 3/8 16 receiver plates on each side so I could attach a camera-rod plate and a 750 baby pin point on the opposite side for bracing. I gave it a soft, black Visquine cap that fit snugly around the top of the box against a rubber lip and sealed it tight with a bungee. The cap also had an elasticized opening at the top that fit around the upper section of the lens. I bought almost all the products at Home Depot and the end results looked like this.
The ARRI Amira with the Cinema Magic Revolution Periscope Lens and my Plexi Box rig. The rig is supported by a 2-Axis Cartoni Lambda Head suspended from a 3' camera offset on a Fisher 10 Dolly.
The rig worked well and it helped the DP get the camera angles he desired. There are a lot of modifications I still want to make but I'm very happy with the first prototype. If I had more time I would've designed it so the Plexi sides on the rig could be replaced and maybe even accept a filter if needed. I would also make the top a lot more sophisticated. I will work on this for future shoots. For now I'll enjoy my first homemade, underwater Lexi Plexi Periscope Box. :)