Efraim Smits Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 Chums, Thanks for viewing. I need put some steam on a mirror in a white studio, but I suppose this would also be interesting for bathroom, and alike environments and set-ups. Anyhow, humidity is my camera's phobia (as well as sand, water without a raincoat, ...), so how could we produce enough vapor on a mirror/glass for a long enough period for the actor to write something on (i.e. rudrum ;) ) and still maintain a humid-free environment for equipment? Any ideas? All respect to all of you for any input! Cheers, Efi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Efraim Smits Posted July 21, 2008 Author Share Posted July 21, 2008 I am considering freezing the mirror/glass with liquid nitrogen (just a little so it doesn't crack) and then steaming it with a humidifier... but this is too sophisticated. A little help here would be appreciated. Thanks again! Cheers, E. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Adrian Sierkowski Posted July 21, 2008 Premium Member Share Posted July 21, 2008 (edited) What about trying a layer of that spray on x-mas snow-dust for the writing, and then a smoke machine for the "mist/fog?" Edited July 21, 2008 by Adrian Sierkowski Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Efraim Smits Posted July 21, 2008 Author Share Posted July 21, 2008 ...spray on x-mas snow-dust ...smoke machine.." Thanks for input, but it won't work. 1st it'll be awfully artificial and it won't be steamy, it'll be FROST; 2st the smoke machine is not water, it's some other fluid which will not 'stick' to the mirror. Anyhow, I've been considering making the glass really cold (sink it in an ice-tub for 30min) then dry it off and go oldschool with the teapot. I think this should technically work. I'm still a bit surprised that nobody in this forum hasn't had hands-on experience with this kind of stuff. Steam has often been used. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darryl Richard Humber Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 Uusally the special effects guy has a steamer. It looks something like a vacuum cleaner that he uses to steam the mirror. I think they're made for steaming clothes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Phil Savoie Posted July 21, 2008 Premium Member Share Posted July 21, 2008 Anyhow, humidity is my camera's phobia (as well as sand, water without a raincoat, ...), so how could we produce enough vapor on a mirror/glass for a long enough period for the actor to write something on (i.e. rudrum ;) ) and still maintain a humid-free environment for equipment? For fast temporary use I often wrap the camera and lens body separately in saran wrap (cling film in Brit speak). It affords quick protection in humid, light rain, sandy beach - salt spray etc. environs. It is quick, easy & cheap. And it allows you to see whatever you need to to operate on the camera body. By wraping the camera and lens seperately the lens barrel and focus rings are free to travel as needed. If your going to be in your steamy room for a long time you could also try to make a quick enviromantal housing out of a clear plastic bag. You'll still want to cut out a hole for the lens though. Rain X and Fog free, from any motorcycle shop will help keep the front lens element mist free. cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Sheehy Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 I suspect it'll be easier, cheaper and simpler to simply go with real steam, and devote your energy to protecting the camera. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Steven Beverly Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 You could try spraying it with cheap hairspray then use an eye dropper to add water droplets on the surface here or there but if you have a rain cover for your camera, I'd use that and get a clothes steamer (you should have one for in your wardrobe supplies for costume touch ups anyway). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Hawkes Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 You could try spraying it with cheap hairspray then use an eye dropper to add water droplets on the surface here or there but if you have a rain cover for your camera, I'd use that and get a clothes steamer (you should have one for in your wardrobe supplies for costume touch ups anyway). Clothes steamer will work perfect for the mirror but add a little smoke for atmos. Nitrogen on set would have been fun though! Good luck. M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Efraim Smits Posted July 22, 2008 Author Share Posted July 22, 2008 Uusally the special effects guy has a steamer. It looks something like a vacuum cleaner that he uses to steam the mirror. I think they're made for steaming clothes. Thanks Darryl; I never knew such a device existed independently. This will definitely make things more accessible. Rain X and Fog free, from any motorcycle shop will help keep the front lens element mist free. Phil, you ever notice you rhyme? Thanks for the ingenious methods for using the plastic wrap. Thanks for replying and adding your suggestions. Best of luck all of you and thank you. Cheers, E. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Reimer Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 Totally off topic, but happy birthday, Mr. Beverly :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Steven Beverly Posted July 25, 2008 Share Posted July 25, 2008 Totally off topic, but happy birthday, Mr. Beverly :) Hey Jason, thanks buddy. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Steven Beverly Posted July 25, 2008 Share Posted July 25, 2008 Rain X and Fog free, from any motorcycle shop will help keep the front lens element mist free. cheers I would PROBABLY recommend spraying that stuff on an optical glass screw in filter and NOT directly onto the front lens element though........JUST to be on the safe side. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Reimer Posted July 25, 2008 Share Posted July 25, 2008 $20,000 lens + $1 worth of mystery chemicals = sick to my stomach :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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