DIY IndieSlider...

Shortest slider?

Shortest slider?

There are plenty of regular 3' sliders, and now kaydawgy demonstrates that there are 6' sliders.

I thought I'd move the bar toward the other end. At 20", not quite the shortest. (You can order the Glidetrack in .5 meter, which is 19.6850394 inches.)

I haven't had a chance to shoot anything with it yet, but it feels like the ideal length to keep mounted on the tripod for just about all shooting—just enough to add dollying to panning and tilting as a possible choice in camera movement.

I would still use a longer slider or track dolly for true dolly shots, but I'm happy with the potential to be able to just grab dolly movement for effect, without having to plan for it, or stop an ENG or run n gun shoot.

Two fluid heads allow for the repositioning for vertical tracking.

Here's my press-on end-stop solution... about a buck from Lowes. No tapping needed

BTW, Igus is great. I called them on Friday morning and, surprisingly, my rail was cut and shipped same-day, and arrived on Monday. Nice!

Now that I've joined the club, a big thanks to Zaza (especially for the cool and cheap nylon-thread-as-brake solution) and to everyone who has posted ideas on this thread (most of which I'll never find time to read).
 

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nice work bluesgeek. Quick question: Why do you have a quick release plate on top of another quick release plate? It's funny, I actually have both those quick release plate systems. Velbon and Bogen right?
 
Thanks, kaydawgy.

Yeah, that's the Manfrotto 323. Currently, I'm using it for everything so I can interchange support components and drop the camera on anything.

My rig, is based on the Manfrotto telephoto lens support, and that part uses that QR. I also use it on top of my monopod. I have on under the slider, so I can just pop it off the tripod and drop the camera or the full rig onto the tripod. So, it's all totally modular.

These QRs seem sufficient for the light(ish) DSLR rig. In fact, the weak point is the joint within the Velbon's own receiver and plate.
 
I should mention that I am using the the Velbon PH-368 Vel-Flo 9 Mini-Pro 2-Way Panhead. It comes on the Velbon DV-7000 tripod, and both are discontinued by Velbon currently.

I have two of these tripods so it was easy for me to harvest everything I need for a test setup. For a service rig I will probably go with something a bit more heavy duty, at least for the bottom one. I have busted two of these heads in the last few months. Fortunately Velbon has a 7-year warrantee. Right now the top Velbon head I am mounting the camera to has a stripped pan lock. Previously, I had one of the heads replaced because it the housing cracked when I tightened down the same screw.
 
No more sticky icky!
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I AGREE

No more sticky icky!
 
Finally found out how to link the video (i think...lol)

Zaza Slider really helped a lot with this video:) i went for 1500 mm

I shot this with a 5DII & 7D (my second attempt at shooting videos)

 
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Bluesgeek- Finally, people are picking up on the advantages of a shorter slider.
I've sold quite a few 700mm sliders, it's not too long, gives you 2' of slide...and if
you get the ZazaSlider Feet, makes a great shoulder mount.
700mmZaza_sm.jpg


ZSShoulder2_sm.jpg


The "Slider Kit" I carry to shoot consists of a 1000mm rail, 700mm rail and my ZazaSlider Feet. This lets me cover any
kind of situation that might pop-up...as they always do. Plus the small rail fit right in my tripod bag!
 
I took a que off you Zaza and ordered a 700mm solid rail for travel so I didn't have to lug around my 6 foot version. Quick question, If I'm drilling a hole in the center of the 700mm rail with intention of tapping it with a 1/4 20 tap, what size of drill head do I need to use?
 
Okay, so I got my WS-16-60S 700mm rail, and have measured the center and drilled a hole using #7 drill bit. For some reason, I thought that this rail would have the left and right edges already predrilled, like my original 6 foot rail already has, in order for me tap them and screw my DIY legs in there. Is it a safe idea to drill these 4 spots by myself? or best not to worry about it?
 
Well, other than not being pre-drilled, you are also carrying extra weight.

I can't remember the fabricator who offers a cutout igus rail for reduced weight. I certainly don't want the added weight of solid rail tubes.
 
Damn, I didn't even think of the weight. Zaza, I believe you have the exact same rail and size? Do you find it heavy to carry around? Also, did yers come with predrilled holes in the tunnels?
 
Damn, I didn't even think of the weight. Zaza, I believe you have the exact same rail and size? Do you find it heavy to carry around? Also, did yers come with predrilled holes in the tunnels?

Are you sure you have the 16-60mm rail and not the 10-40mm rail? I've NEVER seen a piece of 16-60mm rail that didn't have hollow rail tubes...never.

A 1000mm ZazaSlider Basic weighs about 6lbs., the ZazaSlider Complete (with the ZazaSlider Feet) comes in at 10lbs. Neither of which is too heavy for me.

Now... the ends of the 10-40mm can be drilled & tapped too...just a little more work.
 
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