The Zhuter Camera Slider 'in-motion' with the Af102

Shooter

Veteran
The Zhuter Camera Slider 'in-motion' .

Video with shots from the camera slider I designed and built for my AF102. Part of a promo video about the 'Zhuter' that I am putting together.

(Note: Streaming video is not doing justice to the device that is primarily designed for slow moves on small objects such as pack and product)

Already we have shot a lot of broadcast work on this device since completing the stage one build 3 weeks ago.
Work includes table top and live action in studio and on location. Over and underslung rigs, shots for CGI and 3D animators and also tracking 3mm above floor level. We have used it motorised and manually.

This device has been what I have wanted for 20 years+.

Must say that owning the AF102 was a big reason that I eventually got around to designing and building it.

 
Never thought about that Stephen... but totally understandeable. :happy:

My nickname has been 'shooter' for 30+ years and the crews often "mess" with the pronunciation (and my head). My Italian food stylist always call me and my stuff "zhuter". I just go with it .

I have been around a lot longer than Zacuto ....so I take ownership of the "Z"
 
I can see by those shots how important that level of precision is in your work. Congrats, Shooter.
 
This device has been what I have wanted for 20 years+.

Nicely done Shooter!

As I've never used a motorized slider, & only occasionally shoot tabletop, I wonder what is it you like about your Zhuter that isn't available from vendors such as Kessler?

I've considered adding motors to my Cineslider, but question whether it would provide the same precision as your creation.

Thanks,
Bern
 
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@bern

I am not sure about capabilty of others sliders but I custom designed mine around my own requirements.

It needed to work level, on an incline and upside down ( underslung Weaver Steadman Head). This meant heavy duty , high precision linear motion bearings and tracks. It also needed to be strong in all directions and stable (non tipping). Braces are steel.

I wanted to be able to mount it to standard gear from the grip / gaffer truck. eg. 1 1/8" spiggot stands, Mitchell plates or apple boxes.

Slider platform fits Weaver or 100mm bowl. Remote head pan & tilt is planned. (Servo City unit is under consideration)

With this device we have the capabilty of cantilevering the camera well off the centre axis of the rails. This is very helpfull in tabletop work where we often work up close and personal with the subject.

The motor is hi speed / low geared ( hi torque 50kg/cm) on hi quality speed controllers.

Second stage in progress is memory controller.

Third stage in planning is 'Camera Lift mode'.
 
Excellent work, the shots look stunning ..love the camera moves matching the CGI...I want one
 
Location pix

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Shooter,

Thanks for your thoughts.

Are you planning on selling copies of the Zhuter?

Best,
Bern

Not really.
It should be relatively easy to copy and build by someone with reasonable skills in the workshop. ( Note - I had steel and aluminium plates laser cut from drawings done in my puter - precision is required for hole placement)

Electronics are fairly simple for a device like this.
 
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