FigRig made for $30

KingVidiot

KingVidiot

Well-known member
If anyone is interested, I have made a FigRig for $30 in parts and a little bit of labor. It sure beats paying $350 (without accessories) and it doesn't look half bad. I will post the pics shortly along with a procedure.

I made it just in time to use in my Zombie short.
 
Sure, post the pics! How easy is it to handle/use, and also is it practical versus a DIY steadicam (of the $14 variety)?
 
Whar are the advantages/dosadvantages of the flo rig to other rig/stabilizers on the market these days?
 
Advantage #1: it doesn't make you look like a professional, so you may be able to sneak shots in public places more easily without worrying about permits and such.

Especially if there is a short bus parked nearby.
 
GenJerDan said:
Advantage #1: it doesn't make you look like a professional, so you may be able to sneak shots in public places more easily without worrying about permits and such.

Especially if there is a short bus parked nearby.
Click to expand...
Haha... short bus.

Are you serious about the first part, though? Because Figgis seems to imply that, but to me it looks like something that would definitely get attention, and it doesn't look like something that a civilian would be using.

I thought the advantages were more along the lines of versitility and size.
 
Pictures! We need pictures! lol I've really been wanting to try one of these things. Focusing is basically out of the question, but it seems like you'll have steadier shots.
 
As I walked past Manfrotto at IBC, I was very happy to hear one of their sales guys talking to someone and reminding them that in no way was it a reaplacement for a steadicam, but mearly a handel to allow you better grip with places for accesories!

..And yes i did give it a wirl, it's a decent handle. But it's really heavy for extended shooting!
An interesting accesory, worth as much as it costs? for some maybe, but not for me.

- Mikko
 
A simple experiment: hold two full coffee cups out there where you'd be holding the camera. See how long it takes until you've got little waves in the coffee. Then realize the cam + whatever else is going to weight a whole lot more.
 
Sorry for the delay in posting the pics... the zombie contest and all... and some sleep.

Another day or so.
 
Welcome to "Build Your Own Pseudo-FigRig." I was inspired to do this after I tried-out one at a local store. Who wants to pay $300+ for this thing? And the accessories... when all is said and done you're in for about $400-500 or higher.

The basic idea is clever since it allows one-handed operation for low angles like skateboarding or many two-handed tricks like swoops, quick pivots, dutch angles, "steadycam" follow shots, upside-down transitions, and whatever crazy stuff you can imagine.
You can attach lights, a mic, zoom/focus controller (vital!), and other things. Thanks Mike Figgis!

I don't have a full parts list, but it's easy enough to pick the items you need based on availability and your own modifications.

OK, here goes...

1. go to junkyard or "Pick-n-Pull" to find an appropriate steering wheel. The older models have thinner, lighter ones made of metal. I think this is from a 60's Plymouth. Try to find one that has minimal supports so it cuts well with a hacksaw.
01.jpg





2. get the following items or equivalents:
1 1" wooden dowel
1 #29 drill
4 8-32 machine bolts and lockwashers
1 8-32 tap and tap tool
2 small conduit bracket
1 large conduit bracket
2 small wood screws for large conduit bracket
1 larger wood screw for Aluminum plate/dowel junction

optional-> 4 8-32 bolts, lockwashers, nuts for Bogen dovetail plate

1 bogen quick-release dovetail plate ($40-50) or equiv.

02.jpg





3. finished steering wheel with electrical tape to thicken the wheel diameter and frovide some friction for large conduit bracket
03.jpg





4. Aluminum plate from metal shop, cut to roughly the inner diameter of the wheel, plate must be thich enough to accept the 8-32 screws
04.jpg





5. dowel attached to wheel with large conduit bracket & 2 larger screws
05.jpg




6. 2 holes drilled in either end of Aluminum plate, tapped for 8-32 bolts
07.jpg





7. check plate alignment with dowel and wheel
08.jpg





8. dowel centerpoint marked for drilling on Aluminum plate
09.jpg





9. Aluminum plate drilled for dowel screw (use countersink!)

optional-> 4 holes drilled for 8-32 bolts to atach Bogen dovetail plate
10.jpg





10. unit assembled (see detail sketch below)

optional-> Bogen dovetail plate mounted
11.jpg





extra hole drilled and picture hanging wire wire-wrapped around each side for extra stability
11b.jpg



11. detail of conduit & wire wrap
12.jpg





12. electrical tape wrapped around wires to hold then in place and for safety
14.jpg




FigRig comparison
figrig.jpg






13. finished pseudo-FigRig and attached Varizoom Pro-L LANC controller
15.jpg



Notice how this one has the full handle under the plate like the original FigRig prototype. It allows for stability and extra control of the rig. Now, you don't always have to put you hands on the sides.


Optional-> Wrap sides with foam tape or use bicycle grips sliced lengthwise to make hand
grips.

Use a long 1/4" 20-thread bolt up through the dowel if you want to keep it around
$30, instead of using the Bogen dovetal plate. I happened to have an extra
one lying around.

Have fun!



 
Oh yeah, the cost breakdown (duh!)

wheel $15
Al plate $ 7
misc parts $ 7
tax (not all) whatever
--------------------------------
total ~$30
 
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