Here is my DIY figrig solution...it rocks

citizenjournalist said:
i posted this before but didn't get any replies - maybe it got lost in the shuffle, or maybe noone knows... does anyone know the actual dimensions (specifically, say, the circle's diameter) of the manfrotto rig?
Click to expand...
Well, if you care to trust this:
MattinSTL said:
The dimensions are something between 3/4 and 7/8" diameter tube... and 19" overall diameter... that I know for sure.
Click to expand...
And Carlos, the idea is to increase weight and/or rigidity with the filler. Those little balls won't do either. Someone earlier said they partially filled theirs with cement, which should be readily available in Rio.
 
jmc said:
Well, if you care to trust this: And Carlos, the idea is to increase weight and/or rigidity with the filler. Those little balls won't do either. Someone earlier said they partially filled theirs with cement, which should be readily available in Rio.
Click to expand...

For me the question is not necessarily more weight, because the thing will be heavy enough. Someone even said it was tiring.

IMHO the problem is more related to tube resonance, if a mic is attached to it, as it should be instead of the camera. If the tubes are not damped, every time you move your hands might be heard on the mic.

In any case I will try the balls and report back. Cement powder may be tried too, though I think the filling has to be total instead of partial.

The figrig clone I will be using has a X module on the base, so it will stand by itself, which I think it's important.
 
Last edited:
I'm thinking that what I could do, with damping materials, is to try them on the uncut tube. It should be even more prone to resonance than the small pieces.

If it can be damped there, then it should work alright on the figrig.
 
Ok. I bought the pvc tube and joints, and also starting cutting the parts.

I would appreciate some advice on some critical points, as the directions need some precision in order to assemble the parts in a wheel.

The problem I foresee is, if I use pvc glue in all joints, I might end up with a part I can not assemble. The glue dies instantly and you can't move the part anymore.

Should I leave some of the joints without glue?
 
A likely option would be to use white glue, water based, that will take several hours to dry. During assembly it will be still usable and even lubrify the tube/joints contact.

What do you think?
 
sort of a tangent, but thought i'd mention this:

for those of you that are heating PVC (many of us are building one w/ pvc that is pretty much pre-bent, so this isn't an issue), a word of caution. I understand that heating pvc can give off some noxious fumes and should be done with extreme care in a well-ventilated area and possibly w/ a mask. no, i'm not an expert on the topic. i'd say buy the stuff as shown on the first page in this thread, which is essentially pre-bent. that's what i'm doing.
 
The plans I am using for my figrig are basically these:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/shygantic/129121710/

But introducing two modifications:

1) Another + joint at the base, so the figrig can stand upright on any surface.

2) Another + joint close to the one for the camera, so that I can put an horizontal plate to hold mixer, wireless, etc.

In my case I will be using a Sony Z1 with this combo, so I want to record audio separately, on a Zoom H4 recorder. The above plate would be a nice place to hold it.
 
I would test fit all the pieces to make sure the lengths are all working fine, then take it apart and glue the joints. I think it's been recommended to create two halves (left and right) and then glue the halves together. This would also allow you to fill both halves with styrofoam balls and then just push them together.

Oh, and Carlos, you might want to consider balance with your added recorder. You want the weight to be as centered as possible, I think. Would there be room to mount it under the camera?
 
jmc said:
I would test fit all the pieces to make sure the lengths are all working fine, then take it apart and glue the joints. I think it's been recommended to create two halves (left and right) and then glue the halves together. This would also allow you to fill both halves with styrofoam balls and then just push them together.
Click to expand...

Sounds logical assembling the two halves first. But I still think the white glue option may allow minor adjustments once everything is fit.

Oh, and Carlos, you might want to consider balance with your added recorder. You want the weight to be as centered as possible, I think. Would there be room to mount it under the camera?
Click to expand...

No, mounting it under the camera wouldn't be an option in this setup, even if I find this assembly promising:

http://www.16x9inc.com/cgibin/eDatCat/169store.cgi?user_action=detail&catalogno=BE-BOX-FS

Price is horrendous, of course, so I will look for a DIY way to adapt if for my use.
 
I was thinking more of using the stand you are adding as the base for the recorder. Yours will look like this, right? Is there room on top of the "X" that is the stand and the "X" that holds the camera to put the recorder? If not, perhaps the "X" holding the camera could be shortened to be more like an upside down "T" to give you more room beneath the camera.
 
Just to clarify things, I only make a docking station for the Fig Rig. That is all. I currently dont make a camera stabilizer however have a working prototype which should see production in the next 6-8 months hopefully.

My product is made for those who already own a Fig Rig which has it's limitations as well as any other rig. Even the Spider Brace which are all cool products.

I'm also developting a suppor system that will take the load off your shoulders while using the Fig Rig however still allowing you full motion and dutch moves as well.

With the Quick-Base it holds the Fig Rig for you to load and store it, you can either set it on a flat surface, set on a light stand at any height and now mount and shoot on any fluid head and remove the Fig Rig from the tripod while still recording...

Unheard of totally professionally manufactured pieice for camera support for under $200, what a steal.

Just trying to make products that actually work for guys like you that you can afford and be able to bring on real film sets and be taken seriously.
 
jmc said:
I was thinking more of using the stand you are adding as the base for the recorder. Yours will look like this, right? Is there room on top of the "X" that is the stand and the "X" that holds the camera to put the recorder? If not, perhaps the "X" holding the camera could be shortened to be more like an upside down "T" to give you more room beneath the camera.
Click to expand...

You know? That's not a bad idea, not a bad idea at all. Thanks.

I can put a bolt through the X to hold a plate, then rubber band the recorder or whatever in some way to hold them. It would allow checking levels and else.

And more: this got me thinking of doing something a bit like that to put the camera on the tripod, with all those things on the back.

Pity the pvc joints I found are ugly, not smooth like those on the photo.
 
just sand down the pvc joints, you are going to paint over it anyways right? PVC is never pretty. im in the process of sanding and painting mine even though i finished building it in august or so lol.
 
slinks said:
just sand down the pvc joints, you are going to paint over it anyways right? PVC is never pretty. im in the process of sanding and painting mine even though i finished building it in august or so lol.
Click to expand...

The joint pieces lips are too thick, it would end up looking very ugly.

But as I am looking for some foam/rubber tubes to put over the straight tubes, it may end up looking fine. Painted black, of course.
 
jsinicropi said:
I'm also developting a suppor system that will take the load off your shoulders while using the Fig Rig however still allowing you full motion and dutch moves as well.
Click to expand...

Is it that perhaps we are thinking the same?

You may have read another thread I opened called "Suspended camera". In it I am getting suggestions on how to DIY a system based on the TurtleX.

I am now investigating back-packs for such a system and seeing ways to grip an aluminium tube to the backpack, in order to suspend the camera from it.

So why not suspend the figrig from it?
 
No, Carlos, please don't open another thread. Too confusing. This thread is about DIY Fig Rigs, which is exactly what you're talking about. Besides that, before you began posting again on this thread it was all but dead, so I don't think any of the original contributors will mind.

E
 
I've seen this question asked on this thread like 5 times with no response, but will ask again- does anyone know the dimensions of a real figrig? 19" on the outside of the circle? And how high up is the crossbar?

-Tom
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top