Bad Monkey Mount

[Bad Monkey Movies]

Hello all

This is my first post so treat me gently!

I am building a merlin type stabiliser for my Canon XM2 from 22mm copper pipe and plumbing parts I happen to have kicking around.

Below are the designs (roughly to scale) – one showing parts, one showing the build in copper and one showing how it will look when finished and sprayed black.

My question is about balance. Should the bottom weight be the same as the camera? Or is it a case of trial and error?
Is there a formula for calculating this?

Thanks!

 

[jonE5]

what are you using for the gimbal? Thats the most important part.

 

[treynolds]

for weight you want it to be adjustable because it is a bit of trail and error to get it right.

Am i seeing two weights as well? One in the front and one in the middle at the bottom? That seems like it will be counter productive in the front since the bottom is in line with the camera. If you want the weight out front you need your bottom weight to be behind the center of balance to compensate.

 

[Bad Monkey Movies]

For the gimble I am using a steel u-joint mounted in a skateboard bearing.

Thank you for the tip on the rear weight. I was unsure where that needed to be in relation to the camera. The weights will be removable.

 

[treynolds]

http://www.thecinecity.com/eshop/home.php?cat=103

Take a look at the stabilizers there. Notice how all of them have the weight evenly distributed on either side of the center line.

Specifically look at the u-flycam, its a relatively similar

or the steadicam merlin
http://www.steadicam.com/handheldmerlin.html