This is one of the coolest DIY camera rigs I’ve seen in quite a while. Created by Chad Bredahl at Krotoflik, the oRIGami camera system is made up of inexpensive camera accessories you might already own. If not, most of them are quite cheap to acquire (under $100 in total if you’re smart). It’s a versatile system that switches from shoulder rig to dolly to fig rig to a whole bunch of other things.
The whole system is based around a Giottos MH621 Quick Release plate. The reason this plate is important is because of the screw threads on either side. On one, there is a standard 1/4-20″ tripod thread socket. On the other a 3/8-16″ thread socket, which can easily be changed to 1/4-20″ with an adapter.
Into each of these, a small friction arm is screwed. These often come with extra bits like a hotshoe mount or a clamp, but they’re easily removed for use elsewhere. On the other end of the arm, a handle with a 1/4-20″ screw thread is attached. In the video, Chad uses a metal handle. With the cold weather at the moment, might be better to buy ones with rubber grip.
These handles can be removed and swapped out for wheels. Chad took his from an old rollerblade. A 1/4-20″ screw attaches them to the handles so you can turn it into a dolly and simulate a slider. Or, get rid of the handles and just use a female to female 1/4-20″ adapter.
As far as DIY rig projects go, this one has to be the most versatile out there. And, if you find that it’s not working for you, or you eventually place it with actual shoulder rigs, sliders, etc. then you’ve got a bunch of spare photography accessories you can use for other stuff.
Chad also posted a video to demo some of the footage he’s shot using the rig, and it’s pretty impressive.
Personally, I’d say it’s worth getting the bits and at least giving it a go.
