DIY IndieSlider...

Thanks Chris! Yes, just contact igus directly (number in the first post) to get new bearings.

NOTE... be sure to take the bearing out before you drill and tap for the brake mod. It doesn't wear the bearing as best as I can tell from my own. I've been using for quite some time now with no problem what-so-ever.
 
Hi there,

I'm looking forward to buying a ZazaSlider Complete but I have a couple of questions:

- Are the vertical slides smooth enough? Does anyone know some video tests whith examples? Are the handles stable enough when putting vertically?

- How does it work as shoulder mount? Have anyone tried it? Don't you think a 1m long rail could be too much for a shoulder system? Plus, is it possible to handle it with only one hand (we need the other one for focusing!)?

I would be very grateful if anyone can help with this. :-)

Best from Barcelona!
 
sorel said:
Hi there,

I'm looking forward to buying a ZazaSlider Complete but I have a couple of questions:

- Are the vertical slides smooth enough? Does anyone know some video tests whith examples? Are the handles stable enough when putting vertically?

- How does it work as shoulder mount? Have anyone tried it? Don't you think a 1m long rail could be too much for a shoulder system? Plus, is it possible to handle it with only one hand (we need the other one for focusing!)?

I would be very grateful if anyone can help with this. :-)

Best from Barcelona!
Click to expand...

Contact me directly (zaza@zazaslider.com ) for more info.

Yes vertical slides are smooth, as long as you lift it smoothly.
Yes, the handles are stable, but I put a couple sandbags on mine for the extra weight.
Souldermount works great. I have a 700mm rail that I use for that... the 1000mm is too long.
Yes... you can use one hand, see gallery: http://www.zazaslider.com/gallery.html

Let me know if you need more information!:happy:
 
Hi Zaza,

I have a question about the video head on top of the slider, I already have a manfrotto 525/503 combo, but I want an extra head so I can also use the slider as a small crane...
You use the 701 right? I usually like to try these things out in real life, but none of the dealers in my neighbourhood has them at the moment, so I'm stuck with ordering online. It says in the details that it support 4kg (8.8 lbs), and my weight of my rig is near that number (around 3.5 kg, or 7.7 lbs). Is the 701 still smooth when the payload weight of it approaches the maximum allowed weight? Otherwise I'd have to buy a 501 head, but it's a lot more expensive here, and I would only need it for the slider, since I already have a 503 head for my normal panning and tilting. Thanks in advance!
 
redfuse said:
Hi Zaza,

I have a question about the video head on top of the slider, I already have a manfrotto 525/503 combo, but I want an extra head so I can also use the slider as a small crane...
You use the 701 right? I usually like to try these things out in real life, but none of the dealers in my neighbourhood has them at the moment, so I'm stuck with ordering online. It says in the details that it support 4kg (8.8 lbs), and my weight of my rig is near that number (around 3.5 kg, or 7.7 lbs). Is the 701 still smooth when the payload weight of it approaches the maximum allowed weight? Otherwise I'd have to buy a 501 head, but it's a lot more expensive here, and I would only need it for the slider, since I already have a 503 head for my normal panning and tilting. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

I use an older 701RC2 and that works for me with a HMC150 + 35mm adapter (I don't know the weight, but it has to be about 6-8lbs.). I think it's about the limit for it though.
I know they make a new version (701HDV) which might work...but I'd still say get a 501 and you know you're covered. IMHO.:thumbsup:
 
Okay, so I just got my igus rail and carriage tonight and was super excited to put it all together to try it out. Maybe a little too excited, because when I tried putting the carriage on the rail, I broke a little piece of the white plastic bearing off one of the circles.

My question is, do you think it will noticeably affect the glide of the carriage on the track? If so, I guess I'm gonna have to get a new bearing.

Any information or help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

EDIT: Edited because I just saw a few posts above mine. Thanks
 
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Hey folks,

Quick question regarding airplane travel with the slider equipment. Just fishing around for different methods to see how people have managed to fly with the 1000mm rail.

I was thinking of going to a military surplus shop and grabbing a 40" duffel, wrapping the rail in towels and putting the rest of my personal items in with it as checked baggage. I'm flying Virgin cross-country and I'm worried about getting a hefty over-size fee slapped on it.

Any experience with this?
 
Another question: How easy should the shuttle slide without any added weight (tripod head, camera, etc)?

Right now, if I alternate tilting each side down, the carriage slides back and forth, but if I drag it with my finger, I feel quite a bit of drag.

Just wondering if that's normal. Like I said in my previous post, I accident broke off a piece from the bearing, so it's got me worried.

Thanks.
 
JustinKane said:
Hey folks,

Quick question regarding airplane travel with the slider equipment. Just fishing around for different methods to see how people have managed to fly with the 1000mm rail.

I was thinking of going to a military surplus shop and grabbing a 40" duffel, wrapping the rail in towels and putting the rest of my personal items in with it as checked baggage. I'm flying Virgin cross-country and I'm worried about getting a hefty over-size fee slapped on it.

Any experience with this?
Click to expand...

I've never had to transport my rail on a plane. If there weren't too many locations, I'd just box it up and ship it it to the new location...????
 
WildTrackDave said:
Another question: How easy should the shuttle slide without any added weight (tripod head, camera, etc)?

Right now, if I alternate tilting each side down, the carriage slides back and forth, but if I drag it with my finger, I feel quite a bit of drag.

Just wondering if that's normal. Like I said in my previous post, I accident broke off a piece from the bearing, so it's got me worried.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

If adjusted, with the rail in a flat position, the carriage should start sliding on it's own when you lift one end of the rail to about 20-25 degrees....at 45 degrees, it should slam to the other end. Make sure to catch it, don't really let it slam off the rail or onto a hard surface, it will knock the carriage out of alignment.

You actually want a bit of drag as that makes it easier for smooth starts & stops....just not too much.

Call igus and buy some new bearings...you just need the bearings themselves and thos don't cost much at all.
 
ZazaCast said:
If adjusted, with the rail in a flat position, the carriage should start sliding on it's own when you lift one end of the rail to about 20-25 degrees....at 45 degrees, it should slam to the other end. Make sure to catch it, don't really let it slam off the rail or onto a hard surface, it will knock the carriage out of alignment.

You actually want a bit of drag as that makes it easier for smooth starts & stops....just not too much.

Call igus and buy some new bearings...you just need the bearings themselves and thos don't cost much at all.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. I'll call igus right now and order.
 
Luis_ said:
zaza,

igus better be giving you a cut or I'm gonna raise hell!!!
Click to expand...

... I wish! :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

No worries... but if you're concerned...and you feel the information I've posted is of use and saved you some money...
Feel free to visit my site and give me a small donation! :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)
www.zazaslider.com

(donations help me fund my future film projects)
 
I plan on ordering the parts tomorrow, can't wait! So has anyone had any issues with the gliding? Does the it get rough or not smooth over time?
 
I just made a slider from what is called a "linear bearing" that I bought on EBAY. It had ball bearings for the different pressure points and rolls very smoothly. I'd have never thought of the idea if I hadn't come across this thread, thanks!
 
Just ordered, hopefully I can get it by the end of the week!

Do they send you the email confirmation right after you place the order or when they ship? Still haven't received any email... hope they didn't send it to the wrong email.
 
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