Knowing that camera movement destroys image sharpness but that profitable pictures are often made on the run, smart pros seek a compromise between tripod and handheld exposures. Countless portable supports exist, but even if a stationary object can be found on location, critical shots can be lost in the time needed to set up. Minimum clarity sometimes depends on use-a soft image being acceptable, say, for news but-not evidence work but consistently unsharp pictures send future jobs to the guy or gal down the street.

Enter the Kenyon Gyro Stabilizer, a small, battery-powered, pod-like case that screws into a tripod socket and "floats" the camera in free space with only its weight supported by your hands. The device is maintenance free, works with any camera, spotting scope or binocular and, best of all, retains the freedom and speed of handheld shooting. The Kenyon system is neither amusing of some future technology nor a magic trick, but an intelligent application of basic physics.

Available in models for cameras up to 30 pounds, the case contains a small, powerful motor that rapidly spins two gyroscopic wheels. Internal vibration is eliminated by dynamically balancing all parts during manufacturing and using ultra-precision, permanently lubricated ball bearings. Vertical and horizontal jitters are resisted by the speed and mass of the gyros, yet their force is not so great as to make panning or composition difficult. Quite frankly, I was amazed by the stability of the KS-4, one of Kenyon's smaller models, while field testing it on a 3Smm SLR with Zoom and 400mm lenses.

The case is hermetically sealed to protect the mechanism against hostile field conditions and to retain the helium atmosphere needed to conduct motor heat to the surface. In addition, this low pressure environment reduces aerodynamic drag so that the wheels can read speeds of more than 20,000 rpm with minimum power draw. Although the system is typically used with a battery pad the gyros are driven by a brush less AC motor to eliminate electrical noise that would interfere with nearby electronic, equipment. Under normal conditions the gyro can be operated for several thousand hours without maintenance.
A rugged coiled cord connects the case to the power supply, the basic source being a 12-Volt dry lead-add battery . All models operate on a 115 Volt, 400Hz input provided by the slim inverter mounted on top of the battery. In addition to an on/off switch with safety lock, the inverter has a connector for the gyro plus a bi-pin power receptacle, the latter accepting either the short jumper cable from the battery or an optional bypass cable with a cigarette lighter plug. Disconnecting the jumper from the inverter and plugging it into the auto-sensing AC charger restores the battery in about 12 hours.

Kenyon power packs feature an adjustable shoulder strap, but can be used in any position and require no service beyond conscientious charging. Deep discharging, such as from forgetting to turn the gyro off, will not harm the battery, and hundreds of charge/discharge cycles can be had with no performance loss. An accessory cord powers the gyro and charges the pack simultaneously from a 12-Volt lighter socket, a 115 Volt converter runs it directly from a wall outlet and, as gyros are often used in air -craft and boats, separate 12 and 24-28-Volt inverters can be hard-wired into the electrical system of the craft.
In Use
Tighten the Kenyon Gyro Stabilizer firmly into the tripod socket of the camera body or lens, or with the KS-2, fasten the supplied binocular adapter plate to the bridge between the barrels, and make sure that the long dimension of the housing is parallel to the optical axis. Plug the power cord into the pack, turn it on and give the gyro at least five minutes to reach full speed. Cradle the case in your palm and gently move the cam-era back and forth to get a feel for the resistance action. You may notice that the case pulsates slightly, but no vibration will be transmitted to the camera.

The gyro is designed to be moved slowly, and fast displacement causes a distinctive jerking motion that can dam-age the bearings and internal wheel stops. Hold the camera in different ways to find a comfortable grip, then practice moving it as quickly as possible without the wheels hitting their stops, (Occasional erratic moves are not harmful.) If your camera must be turned for vertical compositions, add a ball head between the body and gyro to let the latter remain on-axis and underneath the cam -era, the ball making the 90° bend. With a tall ball head, this arrangement nestles the gyro in the crook of your arm so that one hand can be kept under the lens and the other on the body.
After use, turn the power switch off and set the entire assembly aside to let the motor decelerate before packing up. The gyros are so precisely machined that the wheels in my test unit coasted for over 20 minutes, although gentle handling after five minutes proved to be safe. Recharge the power pack as soon as possible after each session to prevent battery deterioration. The Gyropod, an integrated gyro and monopod-like grip supported by a flag bearer's bibby, is available by special order, with the popular KS-4 soon to be offered as a complete gyro, power pack, cable and case outfit.

Engineered and built for demanding field conditions, Kenyon Gyro Stabilizers are, in the manufacturer's words, the invisible tripod of countless uses. Press and nature photographers will appreciate slower shutter speeds with long lenses, and videographers will save on production costs by hand holding sequences previously requiring a dolly. Stabilization equipment is not inexpensive, but your image, both photographic and professional, is well worth the investment.

Rangefinder contributing editor Tom Fuller is a commercial photographer and college photography instructor in the Midwest. He can be reached at 75107.2567@compuserve.com

Kenyon Laboratories LLC - 12 Scovil Rd., Higganum Connecticut 06441
Phone: (860) 345-2097 - Fax: (860) 345-8652 - (800) 253-4681- kenyonlabs@comcast.net