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Building a Steadycam / Arm Combo

Mar 29, 2011 by Udi Tirosh Add Comment

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DIY_Steadycam

Photogrpher Miguel Vicente build one of a most complete steadycam systems I’d ever seen DIYed. This is one of the projects where a workshop and free time can save big time. A commercial version will set you back about $700.

Miguel sent us some info and a rough sketch:

All parts are made from 4x2cm square steel tube, cut, bent and drilled. The arms are made from 1x1cm square, steel tube, cut and drilled. All joints are the same, 0,6mm steel tube and 0,4 bolt throuhg it. That´s how it can turn freely with little to no wear (if lubricated properly before use).

The springs are custom made in a little shop in madrid, stronger than actually neeeded but I think it´s better that way, it runs smoother if the operator has to exert a bit of force, if it´s too loose you can see the movement in the recording. This model allows to use two weaker springs instead of one or a combination.

Almost everything is adjustable, the camera support has 7cm of play to adjust different weight lenses and centers of gravity, the camera, handle and weight height can be adjusted to fit camera needs.

The next step is to modify the weight platform so it´s not centered so we can use “asymetric” camera setups (ie, attached LED lighting, microphones and such).

It´s tested up to 2,5 Kg but not really usable, 1,5 should be a reasonable limit.

steadycam_sketch

If this got you hooked and you wanna see a longer video of the build, click here.

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Filed Under: DIY Tagged With: Readers Projects, Video

Udi Tirosh: from diyphotography.net

About Udi Tirosh

Udi Tirosh is an entrepreneur, photography inventor, journalist, educator, and writer based in Israel. With over 25 years of experience in the photo-video industry, Udi has built and sold several photography-related brands. Udi has a double degree in mass media communications and computer science.

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Udi Tirosh: from diyphotography.netUdi Tirosh is an entrepreneur, photography inventor, journalist, educator, and writer based in Israel. With over 25 years of experience in the photo-video industry, Udi has built and sold several photography-related brands. Udi has a double degree in mass media communications and computer science.

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David Williams: from diyphotography.netDave Williams is an accomplished travel photographer, writer, and best-selling author from the UK. He is also a photography educator and published Aurora expert. Dave has traveled extensively in recent years, capturing stunning images from around the world in a modified van. His work has been featured in various publications and he has worked with notable brands such as Skoda, EE, Boeing, Huawei, Microsoft, BMW, Conde Nast, Electronic Arts, Discovery, BBC, The Guardian, ESPN, NBC, and many others.

John Aldred: from diyphotography.netJohn Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.

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