DIY Bottom Mount Steadycam

C

cbcoombs

New member
So i decided to make another steady can that mounts on the top rather than the bottom. This one compared to top mount actually cost me me a bit compared to the other one (minus the paint) being 1 dollar and 59 cents

here are the specs and prices:

weights = free
closet pole = 6 dollars
old edwin grip = free
old seat post clamp = free
1/4 thick metal sheet = 7 dollars
twist bolt and washer = 1 dollar
large screw with bolt head and washer = 1. 50
2 small key rings = 40 cents
electrical tape = free
2 neclace keychains(for the clips and the strap)= 3 dollars
marine grade velcro : 2 dollars a foot
flat black paint = 4 dollars from previous steady cam
3rd clip and keyring = free
total = around 24 dollars

bolts into the custom metal brace like a normal tripod, added velco straps for extra support and added strap for front death lens support. i havnt filmed with it yet but it cam out perfect and very stable

criticism?

stadybottomcam1.jpg

steadybottomcam2.jpg

steadybottom
 
for a second I thought the bike handlebars were part of your invention.

looks cool....but we must see footage before further critiquing.
 
I've tried this before, and I can pretty much guarantee that you are going to get unacceptable vibrations, given the length of the bent piece. If you are careful enough, OIS might take care of it, but one mistep and it vibrates for a while thereafter.
 
For something similar I held a tripod upside down and flipped the image in post. Same thing, no potential vibrations.
 
this thing is pretty stable..i bet over time it will loosen up but it is easily fixable..plus it cant vibrate loose to easily cause of the screw through the bottom and the velcro straps securing it
 
Built and used this, and it worked fantastically:

http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/steadycam/

Also used a 3 ft. piece of 2x2, shaved the ends down for handles, drilled a hole through the centre of the wood, fitted the appropriate screw with washers and nuts, and screwed it directly onto the camera (snug, don't strip the threads) where the tripod mounting plate goes. Also worked great for moving handheld shots, where movement is desired, but nausea isn't.
 
idsdproductions said:
Built and used this, and it worked fantastically:

http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/steadycam/

Also used a 3 ft. piece of 2x2, shaved the ends down for handles, drilled a hole through the centre of the wood, fitted the appropriate screw with washers and nuts, and screwed it directly onto the camera (snug, don't strip the threads) where the tripod mounting plate goes. Also worked great for moving handheld shots, where movement is desired, but nausea isn't.
Click to expand...

I built this too! 100% to spec..and surprisingly, the thing works great!
Definitely cost me about $40 though, not $14 like stated.

NOTE: Really stablilize the top where the camera mounts, we used guerilla glue and apoxe (I know I didn't spell that one right).
 
I dont really belive in all these DIY stabalizers. They work to an extent, but I got frustrated building these things and just decided to buy a proper steadicam.... (im for hire by the way :-D)
 
Hoarp, there is at least one advantage to using a DIY solution: If the shot turns out poorly you can always blame the gear! If you have top of the line stuff, then you have to take the blame yourself, which is no fun at all. :P
 
Hi all,

FWIW this is what we use. It is part of the kit we sell but I am sure that all you DIY guys can sort out something similar. These are great for action shots like when we were filming skateboarders this summer.

1202509269.jpg
 
Car3o,

Sorry it is not my intent to "hijack" at all. I am sure that almost all the DIYers here could duplicate what I have shown in the picture and as always I am available to anyone who wants to make their own.
 
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