DIY Shoulder mount for 7D

U

ultimind

New member
I got my Canon 7D last week, and within 30min of unboxing it, I quickly realized that if I want to use this thing handheld, I'm going to need some sort of stabilization device.

A quick trip to Lowes, $10, and 2hrs of effort later... this is what I came up with:

3/4" Electrical conduit
3/4" PVC joints
3/4" Electrical angled pieces (45deg for handles and 90 deg for shoulder support)

DSC_6270.jpg

DSC_6271.jpg

DSC_6272.jpg


You'll note that the left grip is angled outwards. This puts the grip in a more natural position while you're holding it. I just moved all the joints around before I cemented everything in place until I found the position that was most comfortable to me. The HoodLoupe's position sits comfortably in front of my eye, and is adjustable forwards and backwards. I wanted to use a Manfrotto 577 plate that has 50mm of travel, but the local camera shop doesn't stock that part... which is why I was forced to use the el cheapo quick release.

The shoulder rest has (2) 2.5lb counterweights on it. This could probably be increased if I wanted it to be truly balanced on my shoulder, but for me, it feels pretty good.. The camera feels very light in your hands.

I plan on re-making this out of 5/8" aluminum tubing (closest thing to 15mm rods I can find) and creating true 60mm spacing, but retaining the 3/4" PVC handles. They feel great and don't weigh too much.
 
Nice

Doesn't look the greatest but its DIY on a budget. ;) I'm looking to build something like this for my Pentax k-x.

How do you like the hoodman? It's the cheapest vf I can find (without building my own) and I'm curious if it is worth it.

Thanks
 
davidn_3 said:
How do you like the hoodman? It's the cheapest vf I can find (without building my own) and I'm curious if it is worth it.

Thanks
Click to expand...

The HoodLoupe is the best $79 I've ever spent. It's especially useful outdoors in the sun. The loupe itself is very high quality, and I have no problem using this as a bona fide viewfinder. We've got full size professional Panasonic cameras at work (SDX900 and HDX900) and the HoodLoupe and a 3" 921k LCD is about as close as you're going to get to the high end professional viewfinders... Not to mention it's in color :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)
 
davidn_3 said:
Nice

Doesn't look the greatest but its DIY on a budget. ;)
Click to expand...


When I go to re-build this out of galvanized steel pipe or aluminum, the price will easily triple or quadruple. I'm very happy with this setup... Just need to re-work the quick release so I can tighten it up easier .
 
The wood in general would worry me. Looks like it gets pretty thin between the pvc and big block.

I would most definitely make the next one out of aluminum. Its more expensive but well worth the weight difference.

Overall good functional design, thanks for sharing!
 
Hi Ultimind,

I'm working on a similar shoulder mount right now and I'm having the problem of offsetting my camera to the left so holding the rig you can look directly through the viewfinder.

I tried using only PVC pipes, but I've hit a roadblock, but your piece seems like it would work marvelously.

Would you mind posting some close ups of the wood block? Is it adjustable at all? So far I've designed mine to duplicate RedRock's, and make it completely adjustable, but making the portion that connects the camera adjustable almost seems impossible by simply scavenging hardware stores.

Also, how sturdy does the camera's weight feel on the 3/4" pipes?

I'm using 1/2" pipes on mine and I'm worried they won't be thick enough for support for the camera.

here's a photo of mine so far:
shoulder.jpg


Can't wait to see/hear updates on the project!
 
I saw your post over on DVInfo, and tried to reply but of course I can't remember my password, and the e-mail i have with that account is dead. :thumbdown

Anywhooo...I would strongly recommend 3/4" PVC for this. I started making something out of 1/2" and it didn't feel quite right. This entire rig (besides the fact that the wood scares the crap out of me) feels VERY solid. I have no qualms about tossing this thing around. But like I said, the wood is the weakest link. It's not a matter of IF it will break, its just a matter of :Drogar-Mark-10(DBG) WHEN. :Drogar-Mark-10(DBG)

The wood block is adjustable forwards and back by loosening the bolt in the middle of the rails. I have it locked in place right where it's comfortable for me. I have no intention of adjusting it much...

The whole rig feels stable because of two factors: Counterweight, and the wide distribution of the handles up front. Not only wide distribution, but comfortable distribution as well. I can hold this rig for a long period of time because of how comfortable it is.

Ideally you'd want to get the entire rig to balance on your shoulder, as to make it as weightless as possible. In my case, I would have to increase the counterweight significantly to achieve this. So I opted for the lighter weight, and I only have to exert a small amount of lift to keep the rig upright.

I do intend on re-manufacturing this rig entirely out of aluminum soon. Also, I plan on doing the third rail offset like the Red Rock rig - (2) 18" 15mm rods and a third rod that is much shorter up front. I really like the nearly 1" thick handles, so I would probably transplant the handles from this rig into the new proper aluminum rig.

I'll shoot some closeups of the wooden mounts for you when I get home. I didn't bring the rig to the office today...
 
Crap, well I'm just a few steps from finishing mine with 1/2" pipes, so I think I'm just gonna follow through with it and see how well it holds. Does it feel fragile at all with the 3/4"?

Also, it's really great to hear it's working well for you, it's always nice hearing that DIY products can still be solid and completely useable. I plan to attach some weights to the end of mine as well. And yeah, unfortunately wood has it's great downfall of longevity, or lack thereof.. but at this point it's still the best solution that I've found.. if I could have redone it all, I probably would have used wood blocks for each section of mine (handle/camera/shoulderpad) for the sake of simplicity.

Another question I wanted to ask is would you ever trade your 2 handled-mount for a 1-handled? I originally went with the 1 handle design on mine so I could have the other to focus with, but I'm afraid with the camera offset to the left that it will create a lot of strain on the wrist.. you think that will be the case? I will probably end up creating some sort of attachment to the current handle that shoots out both sides for a double grip, but I'm not sure yet.

I would love to see your aluminum version when you're finished with that as well, and closeups of that wood block mount you have would be great!
 
Hey ultimind-
I'm currently making my own version of this shoulder mount. A couple of questions...What dimensions are the pieces of wood? Also, how did you make the circular holes in the wood for the 3/4" pvc pipes to fit through? Did you put the pieces together and drill into them with a 3/4" bit?
 
Hi
I just bought my EOS 550D, and will use it for video and photo..
i see your rigs, and my first thought is...
wow.. nice eyepiece onthe back.. then i tried with a slideviewer...
and i worked..not good image, better on the screen.. but nic with sun...
Then i was looking at yoyr woodpiece, and remember my old flash holder...
maybe something like that could do it..
there it is also possible to attache a 5" or 7 " monitor????

but very nice... if any is on facebook...
look me up... and see my shoulder rig...
pedersenjonny2yahoo.no is my ID there
 
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