My quad-pod’s first outing

Over the last 12 months I’ve been developing a rig for filming smooth and precise moving shots underwater, even in macro. Inspired by Hugh Miller’s work on the Japanese puffer fish, I’ve built my own quad-pod and took her on her maiden voyage last week.

The video head is a Ronford-Baker F4. An old design, not intended for underwater use, it’s the only professional video head I’m aware of that is suitably sealed. Ronford-Baker are superb British engineers. Their video heads are built like tanks and most are still in service decades later. Thanks to Jeff Lawrence at Ronford-Baker for his help and advice.

My camera housing fixes to a video-head platform with two different settings. With the camera mounted on top, I can film up to 2m above the seabed. Underslung, I can film inches from the bottom. The four legs ensure an unrestricted view.

The legs were the hardest part of this project and I have to thank my good friend Rob Broadhead at HB Pressings for his support, time and expertise in making the legs, along with many other essential bits and bobs. The legs adjust smoothly and lock firmly into place. The whole thing works a treat.

Thanks also to Graham Saunders, GS Marine Ecology for the photo of the quad-pod in action.

You can watch a few demo shots in this sequence from last week here: pan and tilt, macro, in open water.

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Words by Andy