Any dollys that run on PVC pipe?

Michael Solomon

Michael Solomon

Well-known member
So I recently upgraded to the FS-100. And as much as I loved my konova slider for my 5D, the FS-100 with lenses etc. is way too heavy for the slider.

As such, I was hoping there was a dolly that I could mount to my tripod (manfrotto 546b/501 head) that I could then mount on PVC pipe that I could buy at a local hardware store. Obviously the cheaper the better but I can spend up to ~$400 if necessary on the dolly.

So to break down what I'm looking for

1) Can run on PVC pipe
2) Can potentially run on 3rd party specifically manufactured track
3) Potentially has the ability to ride on curved track (by utilizing a rotating leg?)
4) Under $400

If anyone could recommend one that would work with my sticks and the above mentioned criteria I would be very grateful.

On a tangent: how do you avoid bumps in your footage if you're joining pieces of PVC together to create a track?
 
Can PVC pipe be joined from the inside instead of the outside somehow?

That might help with the bumps...

Just a thought.
 
fde101 said:
Can PVC pipe be joined from the inside instead of the outside somehow?

That might help with the bumps...

Just a thought.
Click to expand...

Yes it can. I did a 30' dolly run last Sunday on a plywood and skate wheels dolly on 2" PVC that we built for less than $200.

PVC diameter refers to the INSIDE diameter. So the inside diameter of 2" PVC is 2". The OUTSIDE diameter of 1.5" PVC is 1.9". This means you can take a small say 6" section of 1.5" PVC increase the OD slightly with some gaff tape and it will snuggly slide inside of 2" PVC. Take that small 6" section of 1.5" stick one end into each end of your 2" PVC rail and shove them tightly together. It may need to be slightly tightened back up after a run or two, but we found it held the sections together pretty well
 
Dana Dolly looks great but I was really looking for something that I could just throw on the bottom of the tripod or a hihat that accomplishes the same thing rather then getting a sled based system.
 
Pretty common configuration for a slider (which is what it sounds like you want) is a pair of PVC (or speed rail) rails run between two light stands or combo stands. A piece of cheese plate is use to mount the tripod head to the top and a set of skate wheels to the bottom. Easily built without too much DIY involved out of parts you can get from film tools.
 
I get the sled design, for me it's limitation though is that I can only go so far as the track size that I buy. I can't go shorter or longer as a situation calls for it. I.E. if I want the option to do a 2 foot slide or a 10 foot tracking shot. The tripod on a dolly over PVC or flexible rails gives me that option whereas if I do a sled system it might not fit into tighter spaces and then it's not long enough to do long tracking shots
 
Ah the more I think about it.... danadolly seems like the best option.

Are there any slightly cheaper alternatives that are similar in design? After the dolly kit + piping + 2 combo stands I'm looking at close to ~$900
 
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I bought a Cinemover over the weekend, and it's waiting at home for me to test out. Lots of positive reviews about it out there, especially about how solidly the unit is constructed, and that it can be used on just about anything smooth that it can clamp onto (adjustable). Can also be used as a rolling dolly on the floor if turned upside down. Someone mentioned linking 2 together to make one that will rotate.
 
Blue Bomber said:
I bought a Cinemover over the weekend, and it's waiting at home for me to test out. Lots of positive reviews about it out there, especially about how solidly the unit is constructed, and that it can be used on just about anything smooth that it can clamp onto (adjustable). Can also be used as a rolling dolly on the floor if turned upside down. Someone mentioned linking 2 together to make one that will rotate.
Click to expand...

I have a Cinemover also. Very rugged, low cost and versatile.

http://moveyourcamera.ambitiousme.com/
 
Blah... keep going back and forth.

DanaDolly type system
Pros: can fit in tighter spaces, is low profile, extremely solid piece of equipment with a very proven track record. Is also very easy to move around and adjust
Cons: Can't incorporate my jib, am limited in forward and reverse movements due to the track getting in frame depending on angle of the shot

Long Valley type system
Pros: Can incorporate the jib, can add a chair and push bar, it's a "legit" style system
Cons: Large footprint, can't fit into smaller spaces, a little more tedious to set up and break down.

Can't decide >< Ideally I'd want both but I'm too poor.
 
I just bought an Indie Dolly Systems "Singleman" dolly. They have their own track, straight and curved but it will run on PVC pipe. I found 32mm about right.

To join two lenghts I cut short (About 12") pieces of the same pipe and used a Dremmel to cut a slot about 15mm wide down each length, then I can insert these into the track lengths and their spring will hold things together.
 
Do you guys think something like the dana dolly could support my kessler crane kc-lite jib with an fs-100 rigged up on it?
 
If you go with the wheel kit like the Long Valley kit above, you can make up boards of different sizes for using with full tripod or trolly applications. I've used the Cinekinetic Pocket dolly kit for years. I have a large 3/4" plywood deck for use with tripod/jib. Works best with spiked feet. I also have a smaller trolley for my hi-hat that can run at floor level, pipes on a table, counter work benches etc. Just move the wheels between the rigs as needed.

For track I use 1-1/2" black abs plumbing pipe as it is thick walled and doesn't flex much. For connectors I use 2" central vac pvc pipe, cut abour 10" long, with a 1" strip ripped out of it to allow it to pinch down inside of the abs. Thick wall abs or schedule 40 pvc does not flex enough to make the connectors so I came across the thin-walled vacuum pipe and it has worked well.

The angled skateboard wheels are available from several equipment suppliers such as willy's widgets, and all run in the $400 dollar range. The DIY is skate board or rollerblade wheels with bearings and bolts and 2" angle iron.

The small trolly can be nearly as portable as the sliders that have become all the rage, with the versatility of being able to convert to a full size system.
 
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