Introducing the "General Purpose Camera Platform"

[Postmaster]

Hi folks, this is the "General Purpose Camera Platform" GP-CAP

It´s the evolution of my "Universal-Wonder-Dolly-Crane" I used in "One Tear For You".

A lightwight aluminum 3-in-1 dolly that folds so small, you can put it on any back seat or trunk.

1. Fullsize Dolly
When you unfold it, it becomes a fullsize 2 person dolly that carrys 400 lbs.
It sports double wheels with rubber tires, including track wheels between them.
Back wheels are stearable by the push-bar-handle.
The extendable "Bazooka" acts also as a mini jib and keeps the head always level.

2. Slider Module
The 47.2 inch slider module mounts on the Bazooka. It can be used horizontal or swivels vertical, so you can use it as a camera lift in thigt spaces where there is no room for a crane move.

3. Crane/Jib Module
The jib module slides into the slider module and prvides a reach from 3.20 to 6.56 foot.

In the moment I draw detailed construction plans and blueprints.
When I start building the GP-CAP I will make photos of every step.


I came up with it, cause I wanted an all-in-one lightwigt solution that fits in my girfriends small Daihatsu and can handle a 20 lbs camera and 2 fat guys.
There was nothing on the market that is up to my needs (and budget).

I´m really proud of the swiveling Slider Module.
Everything else ist pretty common stuff, thrown together in a smart way.

Since I´m not in the movie gear manufacturing business I provide
this as Public Domain when done.


So everyone can take it as a inspiration to do further development

....or just bluntly copy it

Frank

 

[Justin Kuhn]

Dang. I would buy one, or make one, if I didn't already have like 6 different dollies. They just kind of accumulated.

EDIT: OK I might make one anyway if I can find the stuff.

 

[pmark23]

That looks very cool. Looking forward to seeing it built.

 

[2062ad]

I'm liking the 'tslider.jpg' niiice.
I'm already seeing a gigantic wooden adaption of sorts to mount to the top of my house.

 

[Sumfun]

Looks very nice. How are you coming along on the construction?

Also would like to see some pictures of your "Universal Wonder Dolly Crane."

 

[Postmaster]

I got most of the aluminum parts now. Next week we start welding the mainframe.

I keep you guys updated.

Here are some pics of the "Universal Wonder Dolly Crane." Doubleclick for larger view.

Frank

 

[sek0910]

nice... what are you using for the round pedestal cylinder?

 

[Cheesesailor77]

cool idea. How much do you expect it to cost? Also, what about larger cameras like a RED one? ca it do maybe 35 pounds?

 

[samsara]

Looks very nice. but, what about smaller cameras like a dslr?

http://www.vimeo.com/5997274 1:16min (a crane in carbon fiber)
put the parallel aluminium rod vertically, and you have a crane (like the cinevate one)
put the parallel rod horizontally, and you have a slider.

I love your first concept idea ! a very light and tiny dolly

 

[Postmaster]

@sek0910

the turret was a super heavy duty EMTEC studio pedestal. I modified it to work with the crane.

@Cheesesailor77

mmhh hard to say. I think I will spend arround 700 Euros on the material. Then comes machine shop and welding cost.

Probably in the neightborhood of 1500-2000 Euros all together.

I totaly overengeneered it, caus I often abuse my gear and there is nothing I hate more than a wobbly jib arm.
35 punds is nuthing for this baby.
60 pounds is possible without bending the arm (yes we tried that) you can even throw more at it, but you need crazy counter wights.

@samsara
The Cinevate is sweet and I like the idea. But I need to hulk around bigger cameras.
Well actualy the idea was "light and tiny as possible for what it can take" .

It will be about a half to a third of the wight and size (when folded) to other dollys (like Panther) that are able to handle similar camera wight with the same precession.

Frank

 

[Sumfun]

Thanks for sharing with us Frank. That Universal Wonder Dolly Crane looks very nice and beefy. I can see the need for a more portable model. Please keep us posted on your progress.

 

[jonE5]

wow, me wanty, how can we get that little one? Or some plans to make it?

 

[jrod81]

we should get one of these together for dslr apps... could be smaller since it doesn't need to support as much weight... love the idea of everything all in one though! way to go!

 

[Eric Ferguson]

Really slick design: not quite seeing where the track bearings go though... will it just ride along dolly tracks on the rubber wheels?

 

[Paul Hudson]

Very nice work. I would love to have one.