System for holding objects at the front of a camera lens

Abstract

A system for holding objects at the front of a camera lens includes a mount and positionable objects for creating photographic effects. The system includes a magnetically receptive surface that receives one or more effect wands in a magnetic ball-socket relationship. The strength of the magnetic ball-socket is sized according to the size and weight of effect wands used by the photographer to place such wands in the light path of the camera lens to achieve a desired effect. Extension arms may also be integrated between a mounting ring base and the effect wands providing additional flexibility. Related methods are also disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for maintaining a position of objects in a light path of a camera lens, comprising:
 a mounting base structured to attach to a camera lens;   one or more objects that modify light when placed in the light path of the camera lens; and   at least one articulating joint structure disposed between the mounting base and the one or more objects and structured to allow the one or more objects to be movably positioned in the light path of the camera lens.   
     
     
         2 . The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to  claim 1 , in which the articulated joint structure allows adjustment in one or more of the group consisting of circumferential adjustment, radial adjustment, pitch adjustment, yaw adjustment, roll adjustment, and distance from the camera lens for at least one of the one or more objects. 
     
     
         3 . The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to  claim 1 , in which the one or more objects maintain its position after being positioned. 
     
     
         4 . The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to  claim 1 , in which the articulating joint structure is structured to allow the one or more objects to be manually positioned. 
     
     
         5 . The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to  claim 1 , in which the mounting base comprises a first set of threads for mounting to the camera lens and a second set of threads for accepting a threaded filter. 
     
     
         6 . The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to  claim 1 , further comprising a motor coupled to at least one of the one or more objects that is structured to move the coupled object relative to the camera lens. 
     
     
         7 . The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to  claim 6 , further comprising a programmable motor controller. 
     
     
         8 . The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to  claim 7 , in which the programmable motor controller is structured to control the motor based on movement of the camera lens or based on movement of a subject in an image produced by the camera lens. 
     
     
         9 . The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to  claim 1 , in which at least one of the one or more objects comprises a light source for casting light. 
     
     
         10 . The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to  claim 9 , in which the light source is structured to illuminate a photographic subject. 
     
     
         11 . The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to  claim 9 , in which the light source is structured to project light into the camera lens. 
     
     
         12 . The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to  claim 1 , in which at least one of the one or more objects is formed of crystal, liquid crystal, glass, metal, or plastic. 
     
     
         13 . The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to  claim 1 , in which at least one of the one or more objects is a diffraction grating film. 
     
     
         14 . The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to  claim 1 , in which at least one of the one or more objects is a colored gel. 
     
     
         15 . The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to  claim 1 , in which the articulating joint structure comprises a magnetic socket. 
     
     
         16 . The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to  claim 1 , in which the articulating joint structure comprises a pair of magnetic sockets structured to be magnetically coupled to mounting base. 
     
     
         17 . The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to  claim 15 , further comprising a magnetic ball structured to be magnetically retained in the magnetic socket. 
     
     
         18 . The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to  claim 15 , in which the magnetic ball is attached to one of the one or more objects. 
     
     
         19 . The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to  claim 15 , in which the magnetic ball is attached to an arm that additionally includes its own magnetic socket. 
     
     
         20 . The system for holding objects in a light path of a camera lens according to  claim 19 , in which the articulating joint structure comprises at least two arms, each of which includes a magnetic ball and a magnetic socket.