Dark Passage Dolly & KK Crane

Bigmagic

Bigmagic

Well-known member
Well I went out and bought all the parts except the acetone to build this dolly/crane tomorrow. Total cost just under $115.00. I found some really good "L" brackets at a local bolt and nut distributor. I'll post some pics and test footage as soon as I get the thing together.
 
coffee said:
working on mine now. well, minus the crane.
Click to expand...

Oh, you gots to make the jib to go on that thing! It's super easy (probably the easiest rig in the book to make). The dolly with the Killer's Kiss has pretty much replaced a tripod for me. If you need some inspiration, you might pick up Per Holmes "Hollywood Camerawork" DVD series (notice how I mention that like it costs pocket change? Expensive, but worth every penny). The combined rigs mimic what Hollywood does with a Fisher Dolly with a Boom Arm attached. Putting the jib on the dolly will open up a whole new world of shots. Do it!!!

Dan
www.DVcameraRigs.com
 
Dan I started the dolly with the intention of adding the Killers Kiss Crane imediately. I bought all the parts although I just sent my daughter back for some things I missed. I found some great strong L brackets that have 1/2 inch holes in them. I'm a little concerned about the slack on the 5/16 bolt for the wheels. I am adding some flat washers and maybe an extra jam nut to be sure the bolt doesn't move. I may ad a union as well to the pipe construction to make assembly a little easier.

I plan to constuct the car mount next and then maybe the large crane. I have some ideas about the large crane to improve both the mount and the camera movement. I am considering mounting a 3/4 inch shaft with some bearings and thrust collars then the camera platform below that. I would then attach a bar to pan the camera on both axis. Thats down the road first I have a zombie movie to shoot and this one should add some production value. Thanks for the great book.
 
When you put the bolt for the axle through that big hole, make sure you add the washers on either side (as explained in the book), then before you tighten the thing down, make sure the bolt is resting at the top of the hole (as if the dolly were right side up). Make sure you do this on every wheel assembly. We've been using this dolly for years around here, and never had any problems when done this way.

The Union is a great idea. I'll have to let everyone know. Someone suggested this at my NAB seminar, and I wish I'd thought of it!

I'm a little unclear on the mount for the crane. Send some photos when you have them! What's been really great is filmmakers using the plans, then adding a few design changes to fit their specific needs. I'm working on a part of the web site to post all the rigs people have built. I just need time to finish it!

Also, since you have the book, you can e-mail me directly with any questions.

Dan
www.DVcameraRigs.com
 
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