How 2 Make A Crane????

Rick Meyer

Rick Meyer

Veteran
Hi, I just picked up my new DVX last Friday and I am loving it. As most new DVX owners can probably relate, I am having this overwhelming urge to buy this camera many more toys. Cranes, steadicams, filters, etc. However, these "toys" can get VERY expensive. I found a thread, started some time ago about a How-To book found on this website: http://www.dvcamerarigs.com/
From some of the responses, I've heard it's a good book. But, can anyone that has used it tell me if the book teaches you how to make cranes, jibs, and steadicams that fold up or are portable? I am considering this book, truly, but the website does not give me all of the answers I need. Besides, I am also very UN-handy. I thought I might pick up this book than "bribe" my contractor-brother to spend a Saturday making some of these tools. Is it worth it???
 
I disagree. I have this book and have made a few things from it. There are 2 cranes in it, one of which seems reasonably portable. It has a good design for a stabilizer, a decent dolly (although after building it, I would have done it differently) as well as a car mount and other goodies.

The best part about this book is the instructions are incredibly detailed, with tons of pictures and parts lists. I think one of the cranes has about 70 pages of instruction. Don't let that scare you though. It's not terribly complicated, but the guy really breaks down even the simplest of tasks. But if you aren't very handy, it can be very helpful to have everything explained in such detail.

If you have an interest in building your own gear, I would recommend it.
 
Have you ever used lego

a combination of

http://www.lego.com/eng/create/technic/

with regular lego's will do wonders

truth is unless you do a lot of productions rent, and even if you dont, rent to try out the equip to get a feel for what your building(if you do decide to build it) =)

peece
 
thanks for the input guys. truth is, I am still teetering. Like ive said, i am NOT handy at all. in fact, i get miserable and get hives if i have to put together any desk that isnt from IKEA. However, i figured i would enlist my brother who is a contractor/carpenter and is very handy. im sure if these instructions are well written he can make them work. for those of you who own the book, what kind of price point are we talking for the supplies for some of these set ups? I saw the shock corridor camera stabilizer and seems to work a lot like a steadicam. Is it comparible to the real thing? Pookie, I guess that question goes out to you. thats what you do, correct?

Again, thanks a lot guys for the input-
I appreciate this site immensely.
RICK
 
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