Skater Scope / P+S Technik Skater

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Periscope adapter by P+S Technik. Mirror deflects the optical axis 90°. Shoot around corners, under objects, into tight spaces — camera stays in place. For angles where the body won't fit.

What is the Skater Scope?

The Skater Scope is a modular periscope/probe system from P+S Technik (Munich). Originally developed for skateboard videography, it enables extreme low-angle shots parallel to the ground. Today it is used versatilely for tabletop, commercials, and feature films.

Technical Definition

Aspect	Details
Manufacturer	P+S Technik
System	Modular
Origin	Skateboard films
Quality	Cinema-Grade

System Components

Basic Setup

Component	Function
Periscope Head	90° deflection
Probe Tube	Extension
Rotator	Image orientation
Relay Optics	Image transmission
Camera Adapter	PL, EF, etc.

Configurations

Setup	Application
Low Rider	Close to the ground, parallel
Periscope	Around corners
Probe	Into tight spaces
Tabletop	Product shots

Name Origin: Skateboard Films

Origin

Aspect	Details
Problem	Camera at board height
Solution	Periscope downwards
Result	Revolutionary look
Name	"Skater" Scope

Skateboard Shots

Shot	Description
Board-Level	Parallel to the skateboard
Follow	Next to the skater
Ground POV	Asphalt perspective
Trick-Reveal	Immediately at the board

Comparison with Other Systems

Aspect	Skater Scope	Century	Innovision
Construction	Modular	Fixed	Modular
Focus	Low-Angle	Universal	Universal
Quality	Very good	Very good	Excellent
Price	Moderate	Moderate	Premium

Applications

Modern Use Cases

Area	Shots
Sports	Skateboard, BMX, Ski
Commercials	Product tabletop
Automotive	Low-angle vehicle shots
Feature Film	Special perspectives

Typical Shots

Shot	Description
Floor Level	Directly on the floor
Under Vehicle	Under vehicles
Tabletop	Parallel to the tabletop
Pet POV	Animal perspective

Technical Specifications

Optics

Parameter	Value
Focal Length	Variable (depending on setup)
Light Loss	~2 stops
Distortion	Low
Sharpness	Good to very good

Practical Aspects

Aspect	Detail
Weight	Moderate
Robustness	High (sports use)
Setup Time	Fast (modular)
Mount	Universal adapter

Challenges

Challenge	Solution
Light Loss	More light, open aperture
Stability	Special mount
Sharpness	Precise adjustment
Dirt	Regular cleaning

The Legacy

Development

1990s: P+S develops system
2000s: Skateboard films coin the name
Today: Versatile standard tool

Influence

The Skater Scope has made ground-level cinematography practical – from extreme sports to product advertising.

Today

Aspect	Details
Frequency	Sports, commercials, feature film
Equipment	P+S Technik (original)
Cost	Moderate rental
Trend	Still relevant

Modern Development

Although Laowa and other budget probes have become popular, the Skater Scope remains relevant for specific low-angle applications – especially where robustness and modularity are required.

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

Der Skater Scope ist mein Schweizer Taschenmesser für Low-Angle. Modular, robust, flexibel – von Skateboard-Shots bis Tabletop, er macht alles mit.

Director

Mit dem Skater Scope bekomme ich die bodennahen Perspektiven, die ich brauche. Die Kamera bleibt oben, das Bild kommt von unten – perfekt für dynamische Bewegung.