[Leica] Helicopter Aerials - stabilizer question

["Gary Todoroff" <datamaster@humboldt1.com>]

I sure wish I could use some kind of stabilizer, but haven't shelled out the
$3000 for a KenLab gyro yet. There is no place local to rent them, and the
schedule is too sporadic to send away for a rental that might not even be
used. Has anyone heard of a cheaper way to go for gyro stabilization?

So mostly, I just try to shoot a 1/500th or faster, using Leica and Zeiss
lenses, which do well wide open if necessary (altho the Hasselblad Planar
80mm isn't all that great at f2.8 in my experience). I also take lots of
film, knowing that often only one out of three frames is critically sharp.
Even with all my attempts at avoiding vibration, the hit ratio is not at all
like on the ground. So take lots of frames (Ted, I am already hearing that
motor drive R8 starting to call my name!)

This morning the helicopter plans did work out and we flew to the St George
Reef Lighthouse, about 30 minutes north and six miles off the coast of
Crescent City. Weather was perfect, with just enought high overcast to keep
the contrast range down a bit. I shot the Hasselblad ELM out the open door
of the HH65 Coast Guard helicopter. We were really close during three orbits
around the rock, so I was able to shoot with the 80mm, trying to capture
some of the beautful turquois blue water as the waves receded.

From a further distance, I used the old but dependable Leica SL with a 90mm
Elmarit and a 280/4.8 Telyt. Two grey whales swam by when were at about 100'
elevation, and I got a few shots of them, too.

We landed on the tiny landing pad and I used the M6 for some shots around
the abandonded light, mostly with the 35. We toured the many rooms where
lightkeepers and Coasties lived and worked since 1892, and I sensed what a
rare priviledge it was to be one of the few who has ever been on that remote
outpost over the last 100 years.

From the top, I  shot an unusual perspective from above the helicopter, its
blades still spinning, a flight mechanic nearby, and waves crashing on rocks
just twenty feet below the scene. I love Velvia for landscapes, but can't
stand the way it interprets the orange color of the helicopter. So far, I
use Astia for the orange color, but haven't experimented much. Anybody have
a favorite slide film for interpreting international orange?

After the group commander flew us home (it was his first trip to the
lighthouse, too), we both husseled to a lunch meeting back in Eureka, where
plans are rapidly developing for the festivities around declaring Eureka as
a Coast Guard City on June 3rd. Should be a great party for a great group of
people!

Regards,
Gary Todoroff
Tree LUGger




> Hi Gary.  Saw your posting on the LUG.  I occasionally go flying in
> aircraft
> (including helicopters like the UH-1 Huey and H-60 Blackhawk) as a flight
> surgeon with the military reserves and sometimes take pictures in flight.
> My question: do you use any stabilizing devices as part of your photo
> gear?
> Kinda like fellow LUGGER Donal Philby in San Diego?  Thanks.  Wyman
> **************
>