DIY monitor arm?
- Thread starter DavidD
- Start date
DavidD said:
Not really worth the effort since you can find a brand new Noga arm (www.holditarm.com) for $120-150.
Lutnik
I agree they aren't really expensive, but they aren't cheap either. For a DIY guy like myself, I think I can go cheaper.
As for the lamp, it might be worth looking into, hopefully there are differing sizes and constructions because I think a regular lamp arm might be too long.
A question as well - has anyone seen the ball joint part around (ball and socket head I think it is called)? I will try to explain, it is almost like a lollipop in a closed fist, therefore it articulate quick nicely. I was thinking about trying the faucet piece that swivels to move the spray around ,but that is a little too loose since it is plastic. I was hoping to get two parts. Has anyone seen these on a toy or somewhere else? I'd prefer not to get the Tripod ball and socket head because it is too much for this - just need the ball attached to a piece of metal and the socket for it to sit into. The arm is easy, two piece of aluminum, but the cup n ball is the hard part...
As for the lamp, it might be worth looking into, hopefully there are differing sizes and constructions because I think a regular lamp arm might be too long.
A question as well - has anyone seen the ball joint part around (ball and socket head I think it is called)? I will try to explain, it is almost like a lollipop in a closed fist, therefore it articulate quick nicely. I was thinking about trying the faucet piece that swivels to move the spray around ,but that is a little too loose since it is plastic. I was hoping to get two parts. Has anyone seen these on a toy or somewhere else? I'd prefer not to get the Tripod ball and socket head because it is too much for this - just need the ball attached to a piece of metal and the socket for it to sit into. The arm is easy, two piece of aluminum, but the cup n ball is the hard part...
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JasonFox
Internet Sensation
It's hard to go cheaper on these -- I finally broke down and ordered a Noga over the weekend. Gerhard at Geardear said he could make one from the same material that he makes his matte boxes from (which I have and dig), but even it was push 80 or 90 bucks with shipping from Germany. I'm not saying it can't be done, but doing it well enough to trust being attached to your camera and and your monitor is another question.
But you're quite possibly better at these sorts of things than I, so have at it!
But you're quite possibly better at these sorts of things than I, so have at it!
Ok, well here is the easy part done :
Found this at a Home ReStore in a used bin section. Next I just need the ball/socket piece and it will work. As for it being secure, it is aluminum so I am not really worried and it does attach to my Rail with bolts, so all is good there. It is just the ball/socket that I need to get and it should be great. As for 80-90 bucks, heck I haven't even spent .50 cents so far! Maybe those other parts will be expensive, but I have seen the tripod heads on Ebay for about $10.00 with shipping so that still keep me under $15.00. Keeping my fingers crossed I can find parts!
Found this at a Home ReStore in a used bin section. Next I just need the ball/socket piece and it will work. As for it being secure, it is aluminum so I am not really worried and it does attach to my Rail with bolts, so all is good there. It is just the ball/socket that I need to get and it should be great. As for 80-90 bucks, heck I haven't even spent .50 cents so far! Maybe those other parts will be expensive, but I have seen the tripod heads on Ebay for about $10.00 with shipping so that still keep me under $15.00. Keeping my fingers crossed I can find parts!
jmc
Well-known member
kdawg, those light arms are usually thin metal and you can't really tighten them down without collapsing the metal.
David, if all you need is a ball joint, you could look at B&H; they have lots of ball joint attachments. I don't know if they would be strong enough to hold a monitor, though. Most looked to be for holding flashes.
David, if all you need is a ball joint, you could look at B&H; they have lots of ball joint attachments. I don't know if they would be strong enough to hold a monitor, though. Most looked to be for holding flashes.
Spartacus
Veteran
What about using this things Car LCDs are sometimes fixed with, only have a link in german:
http://www.holmco.de/produkte/a/aga1g.html
They can be really sturdy, and if the noga behaves like a magicarm, this thing could even be more easily adjusted...
On a Steadi setup it might swing to much though...
http://www.holmco.de/produkte/a/aga1g.html
They can be really sturdy, and if the noga behaves like a magicarm, this thing could even be more easily adjusted...
On a Steadi setup it might swing to much though...
Spartacus, I have seen those thin but flexible rods before as well. I don't know if over time they will hold the same position with gravity and all. I wish they had them around here or I knew the name so I could search Ebay.
JMC http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...s&Q=&sku=411451&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
The light arm from BH looks promising. My monitor isn't really that heavy, so this might work even if it is only for lights from cameras. BUT I am still trying this method with the arm I have first. It is steel, so it is not going anywhere. I am going to replace the nuts/bolts with plastic bolt tightener so I tighten it by hand on the go. I just need a way to hook up the monitor to the arm (upside down). Once I get that figured out, it should be a cinch - but the ball/joint still eludes me....
JMC http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...s&Q=&sku=411451&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
The light arm from BH looks promising. My monitor isn't really that heavy, so this might work even if it is only for lights from cameras. BUT I am still trying this method with the arm I have first. It is steel, so it is not going anywhere. I am going to replace the nuts/bolts with plastic bolt tightener so I tighten it by hand on the go. I just need a way to hook up the monitor to the arm (upside down). Once I get that figured out, it should be a cinch - but the ball/joint still eludes me....
jmc
Well-known member
Under accessories; 3012 Ball-Joint Clamp? It even has the advantage that the other end could be filled with some shims to grab tightly onto your steel arm.
[edit] well maybe not. It has a spring in there to keep the tension, so maybe it wouldn't like being completely tightened...
[edit] well maybe not. It has a spring in there to keep the tension, so maybe it wouldn't like being completely tightened...
I see. I think I can get this cheaper though. I have seen ball-joint that are copper in colour, just trying to remember where - if not, I can always buy a sphere of aluminum and an aluminum shaft, drill a hole in the shaft end and through the ball - connect with a bolt and vola, it is done. The clamp is the tough part. As for the clamps - thinking about it, I have seen those as well...maybe an electrical supply store?
JasonFox said:
As a matter of fact, prices fly when it comes to professional video equioment.
Look at the main Noga website - the one for industrial supplies (http://www.noga.com) and find out the list of their distributors in your own country. Most likely, they will be able to provide you the video/cinema products as well cheaper than what you woukd pay from specialized video dealers.
That's what I've done here in Italy and saved 30%.
Furthermore, as Jason points out, ther're some features, such as Noga's unique central locking mechanism, you won't be able to reproduce anyway in a DIY project.
Lutnik
Well, I look at it either one of two ways
1. I can't do it therefore better to buy
2. I will try to DIY it and see
I am in the later category right now. I have a few ideas that might work. It might end up being a dud, but that is what DIY is all about, right?
30% cheaper in Italy! That is fantastic. I looked on the website, but they don't show prices for some reason... any ideas why? And yes they have the same arms there!!
OK, even I had my doubts, but I managed a gimbal by the monitor so I can move it to differing angles. I went with a different design for the arm part, but it worked out better.
Still some little things to do, painting it black, secure the monitor tightly, probably get out my Tap Dye kit tomorrow for it, too tired tonight, but happy.
..so all told - prices are as follows.
1. dual coupling $0.30
2. handle bar end $0.99
3. pvc joint $0.98
4. gimbal part $ store $1.00
5. copper sleeve $0.23
6. screws and bits $2.00
Total $5.50
1. I can't do it therefore better to buy
2. I will try to DIY it and see
I am in the later category right now. I have a few ideas that might work. It might end up being a dud, but that is what DIY is all about, right?
30% cheaper in Italy! That is fantastic. I looked on the website, but they don't show prices for some reason... any ideas why? And yes they have the same arms there!!
OK, even I had my doubts, but I managed a gimbal by the monitor so I can move it to differing angles. I went with a different design for the arm part, but it worked out better.
Still some little things to do, painting it black, secure the monitor tightly, probably get out my Tap Dye kit tomorrow for it, too tired tonight, but happy.
..so all told - prices are as follows.
1. dual coupling $0.30
2. handle bar end $0.99
3. pvc joint $0.98
4. gimbal part $ store $1.00
5. copper sleeve $0.23
6. screws and bits $2.00
Total $5.50
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DavidD said:
Absolutely, I take your point and hope you'll come out with some cool rig.
BTW, there's some stuff, especially articulated arms and joints, from Bogen/Manfrotto that can be re-used to your purposes. Have a look on eBay, they often sell for cheap.
DavidD said:
Noga originally started manufacturing and selling their products to the industrial machinery worls. Later on, they found a few items also had a market with the cinema and video community although that's still a niche one. Industrial and video products are marketed through different distribution channels. Noga does not overprice their video/cinema products but the distributors do. So, if you have a chance to buy from one their "industrial" partners instead, you'll most likely get a cheaper price.
And regarding the item itself, I can confirm it's a really nice little piece of precision machinery, something you're pleased to play with.
Lutnik
DavidD said:Well, I look at it either one of two ways
1. I can't do it therefore better to buy
2. I will try to DIY it and see
I am in the later category right now. I have a few ideas that might work. It might end up being a dud, but that is what DIY is all about, right?
30% cheaper in Italy! That is fantastic. I looked on the website, but they don't show prices for some reason... any ideas why? And yes they have the same arms there!!
OK, even I had my doubts, but I managed a gimbal by the monitor so I can move it to differing angles. I went with a different design for the arm part, but it worked out better.
Still some little things to do, painting it black, secure the monitor tightly, probably get out my Tap Dye kit tomorrow for it, too tired tonight, but happy.
..so all told - prices are as follows.
1. dual coupling $0.30
2. handle bar end $0.99
3. pvc joint $0.98
4. gimbal part $ store $1.00
5. copper sleeve $0.23
6. screws and bits $2.00
Total $5.50
Geeez! McGiver wouldn't have done it better.
Lutnik
Just little things that have to be fixed like the rechargeable battery attachment for it. I have a 12V rechargeable flashlight, got to take it apart and figure out that for the next step.
Here it is, hooked up. Some new design elements for the arm to keep it from sliding when running parallel to the camera (still a bit of a pain, but I think I have got it licked.)
Here it is, hooked up. Some new design elements for the arm to keep it from sliding when running parallel to the camera (still a bit of a pain, but I think I have got it licked.)
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