User's Manual

Using the BackPacker
Still shooting - Photos
For shooting still photos, we recommend you purchase a remote monitor and shutter controller for your camera. Most
BackPacker dealers also offer remote controls for focus and shutter release. We offer a 6 or 12 foot extension cable for
those purchasing wired remote controls. An optional monitor is an excellent method for remote framing of your stills before
releasing the shutter. Without the remote, you will have to press your shutter button manually, which may be a challenge
when the camera is at the high end of the crane’s arc, plus it will cause the crane to move. Either way, Change from
viewfinder to Live View so you can see the image either on your camera’s LCD or on the optional external monitor. Once the
desired framing is set, simply press the shutter release on the remote control to expose.
Shooting video
There are three basic moves of the BackPacker when shooting video with your camera. These moves done in combination will meet
virtually any shooting requirement. The moves are Boom, Swing and Tilt. A boom is when you change the elevation of the camera. This
is done to offer shots that show vertical up and down movement. A swing, which happens when you move the crane left to right or right
to left, is done to show a panoramic landscape or following talent as they move by the crane. Finally a tilt is done to tilt the camera relative
to the boom.
Booming
To boom the crane, stand behind or to the side and simply lift the weight bar to lower the camera. Lower the weight
bar to increase the height of the camera. If your tripod’s tilt is locked or you hold the tilt handle stationary while
booming, the camera will remain framed on the subject depending on how far away from the focal point the camera is.
To keep exactly framed, hold the tilt handle and make minor adjustments as you are booming the crane. This move will
allow you to show talent from various height perspectives. With the tilt free, so that the camera tilts with the boom, you
can boom the crane and camera moves with the boom.
Some Boom moves to practice.
Boom from high to low. Station the crane so that the camera is in a high position.
Slowly raise the weight bar as you hold the tilt handle stationary. This will allow you
to keep the talent in frame.
Boom from low to high. Station the crane so that the camera is in a low position.
Slowly lower the weight bar as you hold the tilt handle stationary. This will allow
you to keep the talent in frame.
Boom from high to low. Station the crane so that the camera is in a high position.
Showing high to low Loosen drag on tilt to least drag, so that it tilts with the boom movement. Raise
weight bar slowly, allowing you to see talent head to toe.
Boom from low to high. Station the crane so that the camera is in a low position.
Showing low to high Loosen drag on tilt to least drag, so that it tilts with the boom movement. Lower
weight bar slowly, allowing you to see talent toe to head.
Boom with low perspective Station the crane so that the camera is in a low position
Showing how big Position camera very close to talents legs, Tilt camera, pointing up lower the weight
bar slowly, keeping camera tilted up
Boom High to Low Station the crane so that the camera is in a high position.
See a coin, pick it up Set camera angle for almost straight ahead,
Tilt camera down framing coin in center of camera
Slowly raise the weight bar, keeping the coin in center of the frame