10 most wanted DIY parts for independent filmmakers

As far as the roof mounts go, can't you use a sticky pod? Those are pretty cheap and just have a screw mount, so they are pretty versatile.

I haven't used one, or tried your specific examples; I'm just thinking that various sized openings = increased complexity = greater cost.

Actually, that makes me think of something else: How about just those industrial suction cups? Can those be had somewhere cheaply? A system of clamps and rods that tied into those suction cups would be pretty versatile, and have a larger potential market.
 
>How about just those industrial suction cups?
>Can those be had somewhere cheaply?

Harbor Freight!

Some kind of DIY kit for a (robust) hood mount/hostess tray solution would be nice...
 
A multi-purpose rig w/b better...good idea.(That's what brainstorming is all about). Perhaps I was sitting too close to the screen to "see the big picture."
Thanks!
 
jmc said:
As far as the roof mounts go, can't you use a sticky pod? Those are pretty cheap and just have a screw mount, so they are pretty versatile.

I haven't used one, or tried your specific examples; I'm just thinking that various sized openings = increased complexity = greater cost.
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You make a valid point. Truth be told, I didn't know Sticky Pods even existed until about 5 minutes before I saw your post. I just thought it was a free place to post videos. :)

Like you, I've never used one, and from what I see on their website, I can't tell if it can even accomplish what we are discussing. Maybe the answer is to create a few extra parts that could work stand alone or in conjunction with their rig. Their base model isn't that expensive and it appears they sell parts individually (their suction cups are only $9). Not sure that this is THE answer, but its a thought...

E
 
A Vesa-compatible (100mm) baby plate with spigot (swivel if possible). I know something like this exists, but it's stupid expensive. When a regular Avenger F800 is $12, how much more should a few more centmeters cost?

I want this for attaching a larger LCD monitor to a grip arm or light stand. And I can't weld, so don't tell me to do it myself. :)
 
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BTW, this is the coolest thread ever!!! (but only if something becomes of it, otherwise it's just a tease) :)
 
That's true--just depends upon all the tooling fees and everything as to whether it's possible or not. So are we running out of stuff?
 
Not sure if running out of ideas just yet. Frome everyone's suggestins we got:
1. 19" aluminum hoop.
2. 18" bracket.
3. round clamp to flat bracket.
4. dolly wheel 60degree Angle with wing flaps to attach under plywood.
5. dolly push/pull handle.
6. clamp to connect 3 pipes in 3 dimensions xyz.
7. dolly wheel angle with lazy susan on top for curved tracks.
8. Heavy duty bracket to hold large LCD (20'-26") on a c-stand
9. attachment to work with suctions cups to be able to create custom car mount.
10. barn door kit, for typical Home depot lights
11. flat clamp to clamp foam coar (flags) with a 3/8" stud on one side to use with superclamps.

I'm sure there are others, and I got some more but I have to go now.
 
I'm not territorial. No offense taken. And I don't expect everyone to remember what all I have on my site. We're still in brainstorming mode here so nothing is filtered yet. I'm the last person who'll put any brakes on at this point. If anyone has some lighting suggestions that's great too.

Anything, no matter how crazy or grandiose should be put down in the list here for archival purposes.

Stretch out with your feelings and use the force if necessary ;-) to find the best ideas. How will we define best?

From my point of view and thinking from both an engineering as well as business angle, the parts that kill the most birds with one stone are the best. If someone comes up with a multi-purpose "dumaflatchy" (or whatever) that can be used in several different and diverse projects then that's even better. I really hope we get at least one of those types out of this.

Later we get to the real engineering and figuring out what's what and details.
 
JasonFox said:
A Vesa-compatible (100mm) baby plate with spigot (swivel if possible). I know something like this exists, but it's stupid expensive. When a regular Avenger F800 is $12, how much more should a few more centmeters cost?

I want this for attaching a larger LCD monitor to a grip arm or light stand. And I can't weld, so don't tell me to do it myself. :)
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Jason, I REALLY have to second that!
I got the Sony LCD with component in that went out of production and I´ve been looking for a solution to mount it on a c-stand ever since.
This mount should´t cost more than 20-25$ well maybe 50$ with an adjustable ball joint for tilting aso
Also an adjustable sunshade for the monitors could surely be build at a reasonable pricepoint...
 
Spartacus said:
Jason, I REALLY have to second that!
I got the Sony LCD with component in that went out of production and I´ve been looking for a solution to mount it on a c-stand ever since.
This mount should´t cost more than 20-25$ well maybe 50$ with an adjustable ball joint for tilting aso
Also an adjustable sunshade for the monitors could surely be build at a reasonable pricepoint...
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Yeah, I'm *this* close to getting a 22" LCD from Tiger that's only $229 after rebate. I'd use it for my editing station, but the thing also has component in, so I could take it out in the field. If I could mount. And if I had an HVX. Hah!
 
Cool Lights said:
From my point of view and thinking from both an engineering as well as business angle, the parts that kill the most birds with one stone are the best. If someone comes up with a multi-purpose "dumaflatchy" (or whatever) that can be used in several different and diverse projects then that's even better. I really hope we get at least one of those types out of this.
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From page 3.

MattinSTL said:
For this guy's effort to be well used I think we need to concentrate on ways to make any given item as universal as possible. With manufacturing everything is all about economy of scale... if it's gonna' be affordable they have to sell a lot of the item.

Anything in the field of stabilizers has an unlimited market... the gymbal (as previously stated) is an illusive part that shouldn't be that hard or expensive to mass produce. A good looking, universal follow-focus shouldn't be so hard either.

Now just to keep this thread focused... try to explain your ideas with this in mind... if this effort is to ACTUALLY work... the company over there will have to be making probably 500-1000 of whatever we come up with. Modern Chinese companies will shoulder some of the burden of production minimums based on nothing more then your word... but for many items you still have to meet a pretty high minimum order... so anything that is specific to a particular cam is probably not gonna' happen.
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2 people already did... Gymbal and wheels... and I already said that people need to be thinking like this or it will never happen anyway. If you can't see investing in a product run of 500 then forget it... so the object needs to have universal functions, or larger quantity requirements and multi-purpose end use... are my posts not showing up?
 
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Just so you guys know... I bought an XGen 22" monitor with specs that were really high... for about that price... when it arrived I used it for 2 days and returned it... you get what you pay for... the prices will be there soon, but I ended up getting a Samsung 226BW for about $319 and it is MILES better then the $229 one... ZERO comparison.
 
MattinSTL said:
From page 3.



2 people already did... Gymbal and wheels... and I already said that people need to be thinking like this or it will never happen anyway. If you can't see investing in a product run of 500 then forget it... so the object needs to have universal functions, or larger quantity requirements and multi-purpose end use... are my posts not showing up?
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Can we please keep this civil? I've been busy now for three days with something I didn't expect and haven't had time to look in but for a moment or two on this thread. I'll catch up on Sunday and see where we're at. All I was doing was reacting to a message I saw at the tail end. Jesus... Sorry for repeating any thoughts that may have already been posted!
 
Carlos_E._Martinez said:
Can you specify model or where can I see specs?
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Here: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2825269&CatId=2775

Megavision brand, so I don't know about quality; hence my waffling on the purchase.

MattinSTL -- what kind of inputs does that Samsung have?


Anyway, back to the thread. This may seem odd, but cheap pick-n-pluck foam would be nice. Maybe someone already knows where to get this, but all I can find is replacement foam for specific Pelican and Storm Case models. I'd like new foam for my Storm Case, but it's nearly 90 bucks shipped for an im2950.
 
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