Documentation / disassembly workbench camera

[ckucia]

I'm going to start on a 4L60E transmission rebuild in a few weeks.

I've done this a couple of times, but this will be the first time in my new garage where I have the luxury of a large covered work area, plenty of bench space and lighting, and I won't be under the gun to get it back on the road as we have other cars now.

I've taken progress pics in the past with my phone, but I find it to be a PITA. Stop what I'm doing. Find the phone, which gets all dirty and greasy. Put in the pin code to open it up, find the app and open it, etc. One or two pics, it's not a problem, but I find I get distracted or don't have hands free and don't take all the pics I would want.

What I'm envisioning is some sort of camera that is set up, maybe above the workbench pointing down. Always on, already focused, maybe by designating a spot on the bench within the camera frame. Ideally hooked up to something like a big button or a foot pedal. Just hold stuff where I need it, trip the camera, get on with working.

Is there a cheap way to put something like this together? I suppose having a PC in the garage might make it easier and I'm considering that for other reasons.

I did a search and didn't find anything. Just throwing it out there to see what you guys thought. I think it would be kind of a pain to set up, but if it worked, I can foresee myself using it quite a bit and have it be a huge help.

 

[bdbecker]

Lots of ways to do this, it all depends on how crazy you want to get.

One option is to buy a used DSLR from keh.com or adorama.com and use a remote shutter release. Another option is to setup a webcam on a PC and have it record videos of disassembly - the benefit here is you could narrate what you are doing to add to the documentation. Or you could get a cheap point and shoot camera and not worry about getting it greasy (what I do).

 

[nadogail]

There are many ways to skin a cat. Not all of them will be acceptable to cat lovers.

 

[Stuart in MN]

These days used digital cameras are a dime a dozen at yard sales or on Craigslist. They may not have all the latest bells and whistles but should be more than adequate for documenting your work.

 

[gungatim]

^^ this. I got a nice used Logitech camera for 50 cents at a yard sale. supposed to clip on a laptop. I zip tied it to my old 8mm camcorder tripod and use it for meetings and videos. waaay better than a jittery phone or crappy laptop cam where your face is too close to the screen.

you can adjust it and leave it, zoom in, i've seen people mount it to a desk lamp with the articulating arm and use it like a magnifier. actually got the idea from a magazine article last year.

 

[Two Speed]

Dead nuts easy would be a dash cam. Turn on the power, wait a couple seconds for it to initialize and start recording.

 

[infinkc]

i would get an older model gopro, they work great for recording or quick pictures. ton of different mounting options. Can get a nicer older one for around 100 that would do everything you need.

 

[Kevin54]

Just get a GoPro and set it up. Push button on and off. But you have to get the expanded card for it.