DIY IndieSlider...
- Thread starter ZazaCast
- Start date
ZazaCast
Major Contributor
Some have played with the idea. Try it out and report back to the thread. I imagine a simple "L" bracket will get it vertical...then just be sure to have a solid tripod and a few sandbags...or mount it on a c-stand.
Jawa Ex Machina
Veteran
I don't know if this question has been discussed already, there's like 143 pages on this thread.
I'm preparing to put together an IndieSlider for my 7D.
So here's my thought. I figured I want something very portable that I can take with me if I look out and see it's just a great day or night for shooting. But I want something that's not too short, because that would limit what I can do with it.
I'm also shooting a feature film this summer, and we're on a microbudget so that means long days, lots of setups every day. Speed and mobility is a factor so the rail can't be too long either.
So I'm thinking, I'll buy two 100cm rails and build some kind of connecting device so I can just put them together and get a two meter rail but carry it around as two 1 meter rails.
That also gives me the freedom to use it in tight spaces that are not two meters wide.
According to the supplier, the edge between the rails won't be a problem whatsoever if I just soften it a bit with a file or something.
Another idea I have is to see if I can find a way to spin it around and run the camera upside down so I can put the camera super low against the ground but WITHOUT removing the rails from the tripod.
Maybe I would need two supports for this kind of thing?
I'm preparing to put together an IndieSlider for my 7D.
So here's my thought. I figured I want something very portable that I can take with me if I look out and see it's just a great day or night for shooting. But I want something that's not too short, because that would limit what I can do with it.
I'm also shooting a feature film this summer, and we're on a microbudget so that means long days, lots of setups every day. Speed and mobility is a factor so the rail can't be too long either.
So I'm thinking, I'll buy two 100cm rails and build some kind of connecting device so I can just put them together and get a two meter rail but carry it around as two 1 meter rails.
That also gives me the freedom to use it in tight spaces that are not two meters wide.
According to the supplier, the edge between the rails won't be a problem whatsoever if I just soften it a bit with a file or something.
Another idea I have is to see if I can find a way to spin it around and run the camera upside down so I can put the camera super low against the ground but WITHOUT removing the rails from the tripod.
Maybe I would need two supports for this kind of thing?
ZazaCast
Major Contributor
I'd be glad to help out...USPS from USA to Sydney is about $100.00... that's starting to look pretty good compared to the above option! Let me know if I can help. Plus, isn't the AU dollar worth more than the US dollar these days?
I saw your tripod. Does it seem to do well and what would you get instead if you had the chance to buy it over again?
I like the fact that it can get really low.
I was looking at the Fancier tripod which comes with a head ( not a good fluid one but good enought to mount this slider) $80
ZazaCast
Major Contributor
Yes...yes it has...many times....and no...no I don't blame you for no spending weeks reading the thread to find out! :happy:
Much talked about... never done (as far as I know). All my experiments do not make a smooth transistion, so I'd love to see someone make that happen.
Well, yes... this has been done, it works great and there are pictures somewhere in the thread....time to start diggin'!:shocked:
Found it: Post #556
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=1639751&postcount=556
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Zephyrnoid
Veteran
Yes indeed. I had The BEC Group make these up for me....
Note that I elected to tap 4 holes via which this plate attaches to the Igus rail.
It's paranoia perhaps but I tend to err on the side of overkil
TheBECGroup.com
hey guys!
i bought my glidetrack last week, and after seeing this i feel totally ripped off. Since I am capable of doing this DIY, I am going to be purchasing the following tomorrow:
(3) WS-10-40 1200mm Two-Sided Rail Width 40 mm, Width including Shuttle or glide block: 73 mm (2.88") - 10mm bearing
(3) WW-10-40-10 - Shuttle
I have a few questions.
What are the advantages of having the 16mm bearing track as oppose to the 10mm. Is it just the added strength and increased max weight load? Also, i read that there are advantages such as being able to use a breakpad if i order the 150mm shuttle. is that right?
I'd like to be able to use a hand crank to help with dolly movements (just like the pocket dolly), is there a DIY for that as well?
When i phone them tomorrow, do i have to tell them that i want predrilled holes on the rail?
I will be using these for the 5D mark II and 7Ds that i have. I'll be using the 35L, 85L, and 135L on these. I dont have any other lenses but would like to pick up a 24mm lens.
Thanks! I'll check back on this thread when i wake up. I'm so glad i found this thread.
i bought my glidetrack last week, and after seeing this i feel totally ripped off. Since I am capable of doing this DIY, I am going to be purchasing the following tomorrow:
(3) WS-10-40 1200mm Two-Sided Rail Width 40 mm, Width including Shuttle or glide block: 73 mm (2.88") - 10mm bearing
(3) WW-10-40-10 - Shuttle
I have a few questions.
What are the advantages of having the 16mm bearing track as oppose to the 10mm. Is it just the added strength and increased max weight load? Also, i read that there are advantages such as being able to use a breakpad if i order the 150mm shuttle. is that right?
I'd like to be able to use a hand crank to help with dolly movements (just like the pocket dolly), is there a DIY for that as well?
When i phone them tomorrow, do i have to tell them that i want predrilled holes on the rail?
I will be using these for the 5D mark II and 7Ds that i have. I'll be using the 35L, 85L, and 135L on these. I dont have any other lenses but would like to pick up a 24mm lens.
Thanks! I'll check back on this thread when i wake up. I'm so glad i found this thread.
ZazaCast
Major Contributor
Too many question! LOL!!
You really have to go through the thread, these same questions have been asked & answered time & time again. Please, take the time and read through it.
In the meantime:
1. Why are you getting 3?
2. The 10/40 will be fine for DSLR's & you can get a brake for them too...or you can read the first post and build your own cheaper (see end of first post, a link at the bottom)
3. Hand crank... you're on your own, it gets pricey. If you really want a crank slider, buy the Kessler, it's great stuff.
4. I would actually recommend you get rail with NO holes. That way you have more threads once tapped.
Just tell igus it's for the ZazaSlider...they know what you need!
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ZazaCast
Major Contributor
The tripod in the first post? I just used that to show the build...I use a Bogen 3046 tripod with three 5lbs. ankle weights, one on each spreader.
Check eBay for a Bogen 3046... they go for around $125.00. Well worth the extra.
Thanks for the quick reply! I am going to be buying 3 because we use them for weddings. Since i can technically get 3 sliders for the price of 1. I asked myeslf, "why not buy 3?"
I looked at the glidetrack that i am selling and you are definitely right about having more threads once tapped. Im afraid that if i drill my own holes, It'll be a lot more work for me as i have to measure, punch and drill new holes.
do you think i'd need a drill press as I could rent one for an hour/day? And i'm not sure how much it'd cost for the tools that i need. The only things i have is the hand drill, and the drill bit (maybe, i'd have to look around for it). I'm going to head to home depot tomorrow to see if i can purchase those things i need.
More Questions!...
My goals are to do gliding shots as well as crane shots as was seen on the kessler pocket dolly video... so with that said...
1) What tripod would you recommend?
2) What video fluid heads would you recommend? I'm sure that there would be two heads. one in between the legs and the slider and another between the slider and the camera...
I realized that the more i get into this reading and this hobby, the more im spending to make those shots more fantastic!
I cant wait for tomorrow to talk to igus to see what i can order.
My goals are to do gliding shots as well as crane shots as was seen on the kessler pocket dolly video... so with that said...
1) What tripod would you recommend?
2) What video fluid heads would you recommend? I'm sure that there would be two heads. one in between the legs and the slider and another between the slider and the camera...
I realized that the more i get into this reading and this hobby, the more im spending to make those shots more fantastic!
I cant wait for tomorrow to talk to igus to see what i can order.
David Zeno
Active member
Hello ZazaCast,
I'm very late coming into this thread, I just found out about you over on HV20.com a few hours ago.
Ok here's my question.
I am using an HV20, is the order below what I should go with ?
I have seen your great images and this looks super !
I wonder if I can get a rail that is LONGER than the 1000 mm .... which is
36" I believe ?? ... or is this the longest you suggest ?
Thanks for your amazing invention. I love it !
Dave.
P.S. - anyone can answer, I don't expect ZazaCast to be online in the next few hours, so I appreciate all answers. Thank you.
I'm very late coming into this thread, I just found out about you over on HV20.com a few hours ago.
Ok here's my question.
I am using an HV20, is the order below what I should go with ?
I have seen your great images and this looks super !
I wonder if I can get a rail that is LONGER than the 1000 mm .... which is
36" I believe ?? ... or is this the longest you suggest ?
Thanks for your amazing invention. I love it !
Dave.
P.S. - anyone can answer, I don't expect ZazaCast to be online in the next few hours, so I appreciate all answers. Thank you.
ZazaCast
Major Contributor
No problem, glad you found me!
Yes.. you can go longer (I think up to like 6 feet). 1000mm is about 39", so with the carriage, you get a good 36" of slide. It's a good size, easy to move around and fit into tight spots...that's the only reason I picked that length. The longer you go, you're going to have to start thinking about end supports. I wanted something portable and flexible.
If you're using a HV20 and not any other bigger rigs, you could get away with the 10-40 rail and carriage. (10mm rail, 40mm wide)
Whatever you decide, keep an eye out here, as I have some cool stuff coming (2 weeks) that I think you'd be very interested in!:happy:
ZazaCast
Major Contributor
If you want crane shots... get a crane. It's very tricky trying to apply pressure on the back of the rail for counter-weight and controling the pan head of the camera all at the same time...and unless you have three arms, forget about focus.
If you'r going to try this, you really need a heavy duty tripod. Kessler is demoing it on their K-Pod with a hercules head (package costs $809.95)...you need something like that.
Get the best heads you can afford.
Good luck on the builds!
David Zeno
Active member
Hi ZazaCast !
gee, I didn't know you ran the helpline here.... I hope you are getting paid BIG money to be here to help everyone !
I thank you for all the information you have posted.
I think I'll stick with the specs you gave, ( I'll order exactly what you described ), I don't think I would want to go thinner than this.
I understand your point now about the length.
Question --> I don't really want to order a tripod head at the moment that I would use with the ZaZaSlider, so have people just drilled a hole in the mount piece that slices, put a bolt in from the bottom that goes directly into the video camera ? ... this is possible from what I am thinking , but maybe not ? .... the directions you have, say to drill a hole, then thread it, - but perhaps this is for a larger hole for tripod heads.... if so, then I guess I will just go this way from the start and will have to order a tripod head.
Just wanted your opinion on mounting the camcorder directly to that movie block though.
You are amazing person, doing this for us, a heart of gold. Thank you so much.
Dave.
gee, I didn't know you ran the helpline here.... I hope you are getting paid BIG money to be here to help everyone !
I thank you for all the information you have posted.
I think I'll stick with the specs you gave, ( I'll order exactly what you described ), I don't think I would want to go thinner than this.
I understand your point now about the length.
Question --> I don't really want to order a tripod head at the moment that I would use with the ZaZaSlider, so have people just drilled a hole in the mount piece that slices, put a bolt in from the bottom that goes directly into the video camera ? ... this is possible from what I am thinking , but maybe not ? .... the directions you have, say to drill a hole, then thread it, - but perhaps this is for a larger hole for tripod heads.... if so, then I guess I will just go this way from the start and will have to order a tripod head.
Just wanted your opinion on mounting the camcorder directly to that movie block though.
You are amazing person, doing this for us, a heart of gold. Thank you so much.
Dave.
ZazaCast
Major Contributor
Hi ZazaCast !
gee, I didn't know you ran the helpline here.... I hope you are getting paid BIG money to be here to help everyone !
I thank you for all the information you have posted.
I think I'll stick with the specs you gave, ( I'll order exactly what you described ), I don't think I would want to go thinner than this.
I understand your point now about the length.
Question --> I don't really want to order a tripod head at the moment that I would use with the ZaZaSlider, so have people just drilled a hole in the mount piece that slices, put a bolt in from the bottom that goes directly into the video camera ? ... this is possible from what I am thinking , but maybe not ? .... the directions you have, say to drill a hole, then thread it, - but perhaps this is for a larger hole for tripod heads.... if so, then I guess I will just go this way from the start and will have to order a tripod head.
Just wanted your opinion on mounting the camcorder directly to that movie block though.
You are amazing person, doing this for us, a heart of gold. Thank you so much.
Dave.
Yes, you can attach the camera directly to the carriage. If you want the best of both worlds there are two options;
1. find the center of the carriage, drill your 5/16" hole and tap it 3/8"-16. Then find an adapter (3/8 on the outside to 1/4 on the inside) and screw it into the hole. This will allow you to then screw a 1/4-20 up through the center and into the base of your camera.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/101501-REG/Arca_Swiss_809011_Adapter_Screw_3_8_16_to.html
2. find the center of the carriage and drill two different holes just off-center, one would be 3/8...the other 1/4. That small amount of off-center will not affect the slide or balance al all.
There you have it!
Richard J. Johnson
Joystick Member
Is the 501 HDV and the 7D with the kit lens too heavy for the 10-40? I'm having trouble with the silky smoothness.