DIY Fig Rig

[whyisjake]

I thought that I would show the process that I went through to make my own Fig Rig. A similar process may have been posted previous, but here is my take on the process.

Full write up is to be found here:DIY Fig Rig (http://prestige.wordpress.com/2006/11/27/fig-rig/)
Images can be found here: Flickr Photos (http://www.flickr.com/photos/whyisjake/305393447/)

What do you think?

[VideJo]

I'd be cautious using the original name for your DIY version of it. Manfrotto might be watching . . .
No hard feelings if I find my own version more sturdy and good looking?

[boss]

where do u buy the parts?

and also, doesnt this work becuase of the even weight distribution in the circle...how does the hexagon work?

[sillyman]

http://yousillyman.blogspot.com/2007/04/building-pvc-fig-rig-for-camorder.html

Here's a variation on the design. The parts can be bought at your local hardware store ... Home Depot, Lowes, Ace ...

[whyisjake]

where do u buy the parts?
I just picked them up at the local hardware store. Just PVC pipe, and nuts and bolts.

doesnt this work becuase of the even weight distribution in the circle...how does the hexagon work?
Works the exact same. I don't think that anyone would notice a difference.

No hard feelings if I find my own version more sturdy and good looking?
Not at all Jo. ;) I was just looking to make one cheap, and get it done fast. My parts list was only $12, and I am very happy with the results. I added a can of matte black spray paint, and have been very happy with the results.

[threadhanger]

I thought that I would show the process that I went through to make my own Fig Rig. A similar process may have been posted previous, but here is my take on the process.

Full write up is to be found here:DIY Fig Rig (http://prestige.wordpress.com/2006/11/27/fig-rig/)
Images can be found here: Flickr Photos (http://www.flickr.com/photos/whyisjake/305393447/)

What do you think?

You kind of look like a school bus driver about to run over a student. :hv20-smilie03:



Seriously though, that looks pretty good. You should post some test footage. I'd like to know how this compares to other steady systems like the homebuilt steadycam (or whatever you call it), a monopod, and spiderbrace.

[boss]

yeah i would love to see some test footage.

the one of you on a snowboard is good....but then again, your snowboardingg so it was shaky.


and how did you cut them? im just gonna ask someone at lowes to do everyting for me...i know, im lazy.

[whyisjake]

yeah i would love to see some test footage.
and how did you cut them? im just gonna ask someone at lowes to do everything for me...i know, im lazy.

I just used a hacksaw. PVC is real soft, so it cuts quick.

[whyisjake]

Seriously though, that looks pretty good. You should post some test footage. I'd like to know how this compares to other steady systems like the homebuilt steadycam (or whatever you call it), a monopod, and spiderbrace.

Some ski footage: YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34GP_D8OxsM)

This is the first time that I shot with it. Don't judge me to harshly... I have used it a ton, shooting a ton of ski footage, and a 23 min short. I really like it a lot, and think for the price, it can't be beat.

[Erik Bien]

Jake or Jo,

Just curious if either of your "Figlets" has any provision to adjust the placement of the camera platform? If not, how do you trim for proper balance (or do you just not worry about it?)

[VideJo]

I have made it with the same basic dimensions as its example. So the centerline of gravity of the camera is at the same level as in the example. In the direction of the lens, the camera can be moved because this is a basic feature of the Manfrotto Quick Release Adapter. Adjust and then clamp.
Ooh man, it is so good . . . !

[ESTEBEVERDE]

I'd be cautious using the original name for your DIY version of it. Manfrotto might be watching . . .
No hard feelings if I find my own version more sturdy and good looking?

That's all Manfrotto can do is watch. As a do it yourself project there is absolutely no problem whatsoever making an exact copy of their design.


In this case, I like the inspired by work better than the original! :D


But, to each their own as diversity and uniqueness are what makes the world go around!

[ardo]

I also couldn't resist making my own. ;) Started with a 16" diameter bike rim, and put a piece of conduit strut across. Using the strut allows me to slide the mount sideways. Here's the pic with HV20 & quick-mount removed:
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/shafror/IMG_5031.jpg
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/shafror/IMG_5038.jpg
I can attach other stuff to the strut & slide it around. At the moment, it is only my $1 mike shockmount (actually a bike bottle holder from the Dollar Store, not shown) that goes to the right of HV20.

I also attached a couple of $10 53-LED bike lights I got from DealExtreme. These are gelled with 1/2CTO to balance for daylight, and have a lens from dead Par50 halogens glued to the front for more uniform lighting. I wired the lights to use an external supply, but I could still use internal batteries if I need to. The power cord can be detached from the lights, and the lights can be removed from the rig.
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/shafror/IMG_5041.jpg

Power comes from 4 LiIon (got these from a dead laptop battery), with charge/discharge protection circuit from a dead cellphone battery added. I also used a 1000mA controller circuit from DealExtreme to run the lights at constant intensity. 4 LiIon last over 4.5Hrs which is way more than I need. Each light has its own controller circuit & a switch. The whole power supply is assembled in the base so I can actually stand my rig when not in use.
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/shafror/IMG_5037.jpg

I also got some 1" memory locks (guys who are into drumming will understand) from e-Bay. So far I'm only using one of them to attach the remote. At $8 for three, sure beats $65 Manfrotto clamps.
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/shafror/IMG_5042.jpg

Lastly, the remote is wired so no struggling with rigid optical cables. ;)

[Michael Davis]

How did you attach your remote to the lock?

[ardo]

How did you attach your remote to the lock?Velcro.

[Michael Davis]

Brilliant.

[ardo]

I finally got a chance to put it all together:
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/shafror/IMG_5118.jpg
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/shafror/IMG_5122.jpg
Here are the close-ups of my shockmount (a $1 bottle holder):
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/shafror/IMG_5121.jpg
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/shafror/IMG_5124.jpg
Here's the close-up of my camera mount:
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/shafror/IMG_5123.jpg