My "SuperJIB"

mikenphx

mikenphx

Member
Hi all,

I don't post much but this site is the greatest resource. I did after much procrastination finally put up a simple web page that shows off (because I am proud of it) my efforts (with the help of my friend Ben) to build my own Jib. I call it a "SuperJib" for lack of a better name but mainly because it can go 22 feet high and is very smooth and easy to operate. It is my second attemp at building a camera crane and I learned a ton from my first effort. It is an all steel build but thats because its cheaper and easier to work with that aluminum. However I have some great ideas down the road for a third crane using aluminum.

Some Hightlights:

Max height: 22 feet
Tool less assembly
Assembles in about 15 minutes
remote Pan Tilt head

I have used it in two productions and it worked quite well the PTH is a bit slow but it works great considering I got it for under $100. The whole cost around $700 to build.

Please check it out and let me know what you think:

http://films.mikenphx.com/superjib.htm
 
Wow, that's a very cool job. Nice design and implementation.

You mention that it's very smooth. Do you mean you don't get any wobble or oscillation at the end of the job?
 
Yes, very little wobble or oscillation at all. Its not perfect but pretty darn good.

I do have some footage, I will post later.
 
That is awesome. And exactly what I need for one spec spot I want to shoot. Sadly, it calls for snow so coming out to visit you and borrow it would be pointless. :)
 
mikenphx said:
Yes, very little wobble or oscillation at all. Its not perfect but pretty darn good.
Click to expand...
Ah, that's the problem with jibs. That little movement can ruin a great shot. Especially for those long slow shots. Had that problem from one of the popular jibs bought online.
 
Found it on Ebay - go it for around $80. My friend wired up a controller which is basically just four buttons but you could push two of them at the same time for diagonal motion. He is working on a joystick controller and a control board to make the head go faster and also incremental speed. Right now it is just one speed.
 
The weight that is cut in half actually broke when it was accidentally dropped. So now I use it as a safety anchor when the arm is not in use and unattended. The balancing of the arm is pretty good that even a light wind would make it move like a weather vane.
 
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