The object was also supposed to perform even better than its "normal" counterpart against which it was opposed in a final competition. It won most of the times. Weareability is not garanteed however. Hence a spectacular conclusion for a single occasion of use by Jesse James, the hero.

The TV show aired the series finale on June 12, 2006. Jesse G. James, the host of the show, did not participate. (French) TV channel AB Moteurs still runs the old episodes as the time of writing though.

I had decided to get some tools from my workshop and transmuted them into a spherical panorama head...

Please note that like Jesse James, I do not intend to really use the result later on in the field. I have just enjoyed making it. In a very short time and a very low budget!

Two hi-quality socket wrenches were assembled to make this strange looking photo equipment

The "vertical" wrench is actually slightly canted in a way to make possible a correct alignement of the nodal point.

Pitch position can be clicked in 72 steps. Hence horizontal rows of photos can be taken at 5° intervals of inclination. Both up an down motions are possible by simply reversing the detent system.

Similarily, Yaw rotation can be registered in 36 steps then allowing 10° intervals (clockwise only).

Distances of camera-body to yaw axis and camera-body to pitch axis are adjustable in order to fit with most cameras and lens with correct nodal point alignment.

Components:

A: 19mm standard Socket Wrench

B: Universal Socket Wrench 1/2" square

C: Arm (pitch) made from 9mm thick PVC

D: 4 parts Assy made from 9mm thick PVC + Screws + Nuts + Aluminum Shim

E: Threaded rod 20mm Dia. drilled and tapped 3/8" + (2 x) 20mm Nuts + 2 Washers hand made from steel wire

F: Camera Adapter (previously home made for a somewhat more classical panohead)

Supplement:

Another view of the MG Panohead:

There are two other gadgets shown on this image:

A set is inserted in the Camera flash shoe that comprizes a two axis Spirit Level and a LASER pointer,

A FC-E8 Nikon fisheye converter that is specially adapted in front of the Canon 18-55mm EFS zoom lens.

These two features that I have named "Nadir Ninja" and "Chimeron" respectively shall be the subject of next to be posted web pages on this site...

Michel Thoby INSA engineer, worked for the french CNES, Centre National des Etudes Spatiales until his retirement in 2004. A vivid member of the VR community he often provides help and advise. He's author of a variety of articles in which he shares his experience "with those who stiches panoramas from photographies for pleasure or for a living".

Links:
Michel Thoby's website
Email: thobymichel at wanadoo.fr