DIY Rod Rails & Baseplate

Ted Ramasola

Ted Ramasola

Veteran
Since i have made a couple of versions of the rails and baseplate, I'm consolidating them in this thread.

Also, I have been using version 3 since I began using DSLRs, this is still compatible with the other DIY stuff I have made. Version 2 was originally made for the JVC hdxx cameras we have, to hold our DIY lens adapters.

I'm posting version 2 below since they form the building blocks of version 3.

Hope this will help some of you guys save your hard earned money.

1269710877.jpg



Version 2

1269703805.jpg
 
Teddy awsome! Could you post up a part # for the Giottos QR plate. I did a quick search on there page and didn't see it.
 
JavaExMachina said:
Don't nobody laugh now, but what's a good rod length?
Click to expand...

no laughter since its a valid question. And the answer is, it depends on your needs! Thats the beauty of DIY, -you don't have to conform to "industry standards."

Also, the length thats "ideal" would be, what length it takes to use it with;

your longest lens,

+ the accessory in front (like a mattebox)

+ the accessory in the rear, (like a shoulder mount, battery etc.)

IF you don't have some of those, then CUT the length accordingly.

The length is also determined where in your design the "clamp" to hold the rod is located.
If its near the front, then you could have shorter rods. (assuming you won't use it in the rear for say, a shoulder mount)

The version3 i made has 12 inch rods. -enough to hold the DIY mattebox infront of an 80-200mm lens.
In that configuration I would be pushing the rods forward to the mid part of the giottos.
I cant place the shoulder mount on it anymore because, after all, you can't hand hold an 80-200mm and come up with decent results.
 
Last edited:
New Version 3

New Version 3

Love the new version Ted. Unfortunately, I have checked most of Louisville's glass houses and showed them the picture of the U-channel you used. None of them had any in stock and some had never seen U-channel like that before. I ended up having to purchase a rig. Much too my shame, since almost all of my other gear is DIY.
 
I don't know if this has been mentioned, but I've looked around a lot this week for 15mm rods or pipes.
Now, most places have a 16mm standard but not 15mm. That includes IGUS, most hardware stores I've looked at, curtain rods and even PCV tubes (although I wouldn't use those anyway for this obviously).

But I did find one place where 15mm is standard besides camera rods, and that's plumbing.
Plumbing pipes are 15mm, and a long chrome pipe is pretty cheap. I'm betting dual wall attatchments would work pretty well for mounting a plate too.

And if you wanna go for that steampunk look, you could always buy copper. :D
 
What's that ? Well, I am not really a pro about those but I've found some steel 15mm rods (50cm) at about 8-9eur there. Not bad :)
 
CiPO said:
What's that ? Well, I am not really a pro about those but I've found some steel 15mm rods (50cm) at about 8-9eur there. Not bad :)
Click to expand...
Yeah I've looked at those, but you can get a 15mm 2m crome pipe from ÖoB for less than the cost of two 15mm 50cm steel rods from Claes Ohlson.
The pipe is lighter, and you can determine exactly what length you want. It's a lot easier to cut through a crome pipe than a steel rod.
 
Oh nice ..... I didnt plan to cut the 50cm steel rods though :) Do I find "ÖoB" in FIN too ? Do you have an homepage/URL for it ? Actually next Tuesday I will be in Stockholm, is there one ÖoB in the center ? :) THX
 
CiPO said:
Oh nice ..... I didnt plan to cut the 50cm steel rods though :) Do I find "ÖoB" in FIN too ? Do you have an homepage/URL for it ? Actually next Tuesday I will be in Stockholm, is there one ÖoB in the center ? :) THX
Click to expand...
http://www.öob.se/
I don't think they have stores in finland, but you'll be able to find regular plumbing pipes there too, right? They should have the same standard sizes.
 
oki ... thx .... going to Stockholm now but I guess will not find ÖoB in the center :) I will check plumbing pipes here too :) THX
 
anyone know a place in the states i could get this type of u channel? the only fix for this i have though of is to buy some normal u channel and some rectangular aluminum and rivet the two together
 
Dear Ted this post is only to say a THOUSAND TIMES and more THANKS SUPER HYPER MAXI MEGA MILLION TIMES Thanks a lot for sharing this amazing info my wife and me we definetly love you, when ever you want to come to Mexico the bear and shrimps will be on us, receive a BIG HUG.
 
teddybear said:
Since i have made a couple of versions of the rails and baseplate, I'm consolidating them in this thread.
Click to expand...

This is very inspiring. Thank you for being so generous with your creativity.
I've grabbed screen shots and will be attempting to do something very similar.

Is it possible to get more a more detailed photo and description in these ( green circle ) areas?
rr2gs.jpg



I'd like to be able to discover a way to make a clamp and be able to use the same clamp design to attach other things to the rails like a mic. an extra 7" LCD etc. and I think seeing what you've done here, more closely, will help.

Or possibly you've already detailed this idea somewhere else?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top