"Killer Camera Rigs" Dark Passage Dolly?

rocketguy2

rocketguy2

Well-known member
In the book, "Killer Camera Rigs You Can Build" (2003 by Dan Selakovich), there's a plan for what he calls a "Dark Passage Dolly". Basically, a 3/4" sheet of plywood with in-line skate wheels and pvc pipe tracks. Looks like an inexpensive, straight forward build, but am wondering if anyone has actually tried working with this rig? Would like to get some user feedback before breaking out the table saw!

Thanks!
 
Yah ! I just shot an SFX shot yesterday with that kind of DIY traveling. We have to reshoot everything.
It's shaky, it's unstable, the rails are rolling on the floor, misplacing the traveling position, there is almost no way to straighten it ... I had to shorten the traveling by half of the distance because it was so bad.

It's fun build, but don't expect anything anything crazy.

V.
 
We've got a similar one.

It's not the dark passage dolly, but it is plywood and PVC.

It's pretty similar to this one: http://www.jorenclark.com/whitepapers/dolly.html

But we used rollerblade wheels instead of skateboard wheels. There is almost no friction. I was actually very impressed the first time I saw it in action.

Oh, and for longer dolly shots, we just have a grip slide the PVC pipes forward as we're rolling forward. The sliding doesn't even show up on film.
 
Yeah, the "Dark Passage" dolly uses rollerblade wheels as well. Did you guys use the angle bracket on the bottom with the welded flanges to attach it to the plywood, like in the Joren Clark version you linked? If not, how did you attach your wheels?
 
It sounds pretty similar to this -

ikander said:
I just built my own. It works pretty damn well. Movement is uber smooth...(though I do fudge a few takes every now and then)

I followed this basic design.

http://www.digitaljuice.com/djtv/detail.asp?sid=144

I splurged on nice Rollerblade wheels and connected the PVC usingl wooden dowels and side screws. Not bad for 60 bucks.
Click to expand...

I think I am going to build one soon. Everyone seems to like the simple design...
 
Hey I was checking out these dollies and liked the push bar and long design...

Maybe larger mm wheels would be a more smooth ride. From years of inline vert skating, larger wheels are much smoother.

Check out my similar dolly with a custom size post:

MadHMC150 said:

http://www.digitaljuice.com/djtv/detail.asp?sid=144

This one is a great design, just finished mine this afternoon. It works great. I used abec 5 76mm wheels from a used set in like new condition for $18.

I made a 24" the 1st time around, I wanted something smaller to fit threw doors and put on the edge of a concert stage. Its strong enough to mount the Jib on!
Click to expand...


Here is a couple shot clips of the dolly and using it...

http://vimeo.com/6331452

Shot it with the t1i 50mm Prime.

Thanks for watching...
 
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