ZazaCast
Major Contributor
How is it supported...from each end? The middle? ...or both?
DIY IndieSlider...
- Thread starter ZazaCast
- Start date
How is it supported...from each end? The middle? ...or both?
stateofmind
Member
Just finished mine (except for the end caps)
http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/8526/img0626m.jpg
One question though. Since I don't have the proper tripod head just yet, I tried to plop my XH-A1 onto it but the bolt was too large. A 701HDV head would screw on just fine, correct?
http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/8526/img0626m.jpg
One question though. Since I don't have the proper tripod head just yet, I tried to plop my XH-A1 onto it but the bolt was too large. A 701HDV head would screw on just fine, correct?
ZazaCast
Major Contributor
Yes, your head will fit fine (it takes the 3/8-16 bolt)... you can also drill and tap a 1/4-20 hole right next to it if you want to mount the camera directly on the carriage....or get a quick release system...lots of options.
Now... about those end caps: www.zazaslider.com :thumbsup:
ZazaCast
Major Contributor
The parts from igus are around $160...what you have to pay in tax and shipping is another thing. It is what it is.
natxbrotha
Well-known member
I have tried it supported on two tripods, tripod and monopod, single tripod, and across two objects. That should haven't anything to do with how much it sticks since the rail is solid as a rock.
ZazaCast
Major Contributor
Just trying to help figure this one out. If you'd like, lets continue via email. I'd like to now what could be causing this, it's the first time I've encountered it. Please drop me an email at: zaza@zazaslider.com Lets figure this out. If it turns out to be the rail or something, I have a few contacts at igus and we should be able to remedy the problem.
David Zeno
Active member
Hi everyone,
The bolt that I'll buy at Home Depot.... can't I just drill the hole in the rail a bit lager than the bolt, and pop it through the rail from the bottom going up, and then that would screw into the tripod head or go directly into my HV20 ?
I guess i"m wondering why you have to thread the actual rail ?
Maybe somebody can clarify this for me. Perhaps this is so that the bolt is 100% secure and doesn't move.... vs making a hole slightly bigger than the bolt, and the only thing that is making the bolt steady is the camera or tripod head on top of it, when that is all tightened up .... ( ? )
Thanks guys
The bolt that I'll buy at Home Depot.... can't I just drill the hole in the rail a bit lager than the bolt, and pop it through the rail from the bottom going up, and then that would screw into the tripod head or go directly into my HV20 ?
I guess i"m wondering why you have to thread the actual rail ?
Maybe somebody can clarify this for me. Perhaps this is so that the bolt is 100% secure and doesn't move.... vs making a hole slightly bigger than the bolt, and the only thing that is making the bolt steady is the camera or tripod head on top of it, when that is all tightened up .... ( ? )
Thanks guys
KeithAndrews.TV
Well-known member
I recently put one together myself and opted to skip the threading of the rail simply because I wasn't confident in the very little amount of aluminum that would make contact with the bolt and what would ultimately be supporting the weight of the rail and camera. I wanted a more simple solution, one that would not modify the rail itself.
I simply bought a 5/16" bolt, a second tripod plate ($20), drilled the plate to accommodate the bolt, ran the bolt up through the tripod plate and center hole of the rail, used a washer and a nut. Done. You could also go with a wing nut for a tool-less design, but since my second tripod plate lives at the bottom of the rail, I never need to remove it and I wanted it to be nice and tight. With a heavier camera, I would suggest using a larger bolt. Maybe at that point you would actually want to drill the center hole of the rail open to 3/8" and run a bolt up through it. Keep in mind as the weight of the carriage, camera and any accessories you have mounted travels out toward the end of the rail, the amount of tension on the one bolt holding all of your gear increases. Scarry stuff!
As for the carriage, I drilled out a 3/8" hole to accommodate the 3/4" length 3/8" bolt and ran that through the carriage and directly into the tripod head. If you are using a Manfrotto head, don't buy any bolts longer than 3/4" because you will not have the room to properly tighten the carriage to the head. I also have a Manfrotto 357 Pro Quick Release Adapter ($45) that accepts 3/8" bolts as well. When I don't want my tripod head on the carriage, I can remove it and use the quick release adapter plate in its place to mount the camera directly to the carriage.
I simply bought a 5/16" bolt, a second tripod plate ($20), drilled the plate to accommodate the bolt, ran the bolt up through the tripod plate and center hole of the rail, used a washer and a nut. Done. You could also go with a wing nut for a tool-less design, but since my second tripod plate lives at the bottom of the rail, I never need to remove it and I wanted it to be nice and tight. With a heavier camera, I would suggest using a larger bolt. Maybe at that point you would actually want to drill the center hole of the rail open to 3/8" and run a bolt up through it. Keep in mind as the weight of the carriage, camera and any accessories you have mounted travels out toward the end of the rail, the amount of tension on the one bolt holding all of your gear increases. Scarry stuff!
As for the carriage, I drilled out a 3/8" hole to accommodate the 3/4" length 3/8" bolt and ran that through the carriage and directly into the tripod head. If you are using a Manfrotto head, don't buy any bolts longer than 3/4" because you will not have the room to properly tighten the carriage to the head. I also have a Manfrotto 357 Pro Quick Release Adapter ($45) that accepts 3/8" bolts as well. When I don't want my tripod head on the carriage, I can remove it and use the quick release adapter plate in its place to mount the camera directly to the carriage.
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David Zeno
Active member
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for the fast reply. This sounds like a good solution. I'd really appreciate seeing your setup with respect to the tripod plate. I'll look up the more expensive plate you are using ($45 ) to try and visualize what you are doing, but your method sounds good. I ordered a length of rail about a month ago and it may arrive soon, but I ordered longer than the rail that was suggested, just thinking I'd like to have another foot to play with. That will add a lot more weight, and pull on a single thread in the middle of the rail, something I don't think I could trust with just one tripod holding it up. With a bolt and nut, going through the rail though, this I would have 100% confidence in ( the build you have described )
thank you,
Dave.
Thanks for the fast reply. This sounds like a good solution. I'd really appreciate seeing your setup with respect to the tripod plate. I'll look up the more expensive plate you are using ($45 ) to try and visualize what you are doing, but your method sounds good. I ordered a length of rail about a month ago and it may arrive soon, but I ordered longer than the rail that was suggested, just thinking I'd like to have another foot to play with. That will add a lot more weight, and pull on a single thread in the middle of the rail, something I don't think I could trust with just one tripod holding it up. With a bolt and nut, going through the rail though, this I would have 100% confidence in ( the build you have described )
thank you,
Dave.
KeithAndrews.TV
Well-known member
I'm sure you are already aware, but if you are using a longer run of rail than the traditional 1000mm, you would probably want to consider using a light stand at the end where you finish the move. This would really help cut down on the amount of tension on the bolt as well.
ZazaCast
Major Contributor
A QR system is always a good choice, but I've never had any problems using the threaded hole and mine has been on & off hundreds of times over the past two years. It's never stripped the hole and screws on real tight. It also supports the weight of my DVX100b w/ RR M2, Nikon lens, follow focus and matte bow..all the way from end to end, no flex or movement. Now it also supports the new feet & an external monitor...no problem. Order the solid rail without hole if you want more threads.
I've noticed that the feet actually act as a counter balance making it more stable... like a high-wire walkers balance pole!
I would however recommend supporting anything longer than 1000mm from the ends with two tripods....it seems like too much for a single tripod in the middle. (IMHO)
I've noticed that the feet actually act as a counter balance making it more stable... like a high-wire walkers balance pole!
I would however recommend supporting anything longer than 1000mm from the ends with two tripods....it seems like too much for a single tripod in the middle. (IMHO)
digitalskylight
Active member
Does anyone experience a problem with the slider and where it screws into the tripod? Did I thread it wrong? I notice it loosens itself a little every now and then when bumped.
ZazaCast
Major Contributor
I've never had that problem. You might want to think about picking-up a Quick Release system, mount the bracket on the tripod and the plate on the bottom of the rail...slide it on and lock it in...you're ready to go.:thumbsup:
David Zeno
Active member
Hi Keith,
Thanks for the info, yes, I guess I'll have to get 2 tripods or use 2 light stands I guess.
I called your Kevin, sorry about that, I just realized that now.. oops, sorry for the mistake.
If you have time this week, I'd so appreciate a picture of your setup to give me an idea of what you have done.
Dave
Thanks for the info, yes, I guess I'll have to get 2 tripods or use 2 light stands I guess.
I called your Kevin, sorry about that, I just realized that now.. oops, sorry for the mistake.
If you have time this week, I'd so appreciate a picture of your setup to give me an idea of what you have done.
Dave
David Zeno
Active member
you wouldn't happen to have any images of this type of setup would you ZazaCast ?
Perhaps you have posted them in this thread, I would have missed them, with the 20,000 pages this thread now has LOL.
Perhaps you have posted them in this thread, I would have missed them, with the 20,000 pages this thread now has LOL.
ZazaCast
Major Contributor
Please note, this is a different type of rail I've been experimenting with...but you get the idea!
QR plate gets mounted on the bottom of the rail:
Slides into the bracket that is mounted on the tripod:
Here's a good QR:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/241139-REG/Manfrotto_577_577_Rapid_Connect_Adapter.html
David Zeno
Active member
Hi ZazaCast, thanks for the pictures.
I see how you do that now. Would you suggest this way for the majority of people now ?
Also - that screw or bolt that goes into the actual rail.... does it pop out the top of the rail much ? ( I'm assuming it's threaded so there's no need for a nut on the upper side ) .... so the slider doesn't hit it I'm guessing ?
if u have any picture of the other side that would be awesome.
Thanks for posting the pics and taking the time to do it.
I see how you do that now. Would you suggest this way for the majority of people now ?
Also - that screw or bolt that goes into the actual rail.... does it pop out the top of the rail much ? ( I'm assuming it's threaded so there's no need for a nut on the upper side ) .... so the slider doesn't hit it I'm guessing ?
if u have any picture of the other side that would be awesome.
Thanks for posting the pics and taking the time to do it.
ZazaCast
Major Contributor
A QR system is a great idea, but if you're on a budget, screwing it on the tripod works fine.
Yes... you still thread the center hole in the rail...this is where you attach the QR plate, just like you would to the bottom of a camera. The screw that holds the plate on is very short and will not stick through enough to affect the carriage.
Paulyfuntimes
New member
This looks great! Has any one made a How to video. I know it all seems simple. But might be cool.
-Paul
-Paul