easy to build DIY steadicam?

[toucanlam]

Has anyone tried to build this steadicam?
http://vimeo.com/1285705

It looks rather easy to construct, and most of the parts can be found over eBay or other online stores:
The "U" frame;
The tripod plate (I think this is optional though)
The tripod with a ball head.

The only part I couldn't find is the additional bar that supports the counter weight. But I think something similar to this could work...
The total cost should be roughly 70$, which is kind of nice. AND it seems to be able to support a heavier weight if we compare it to the MMC Hague. The guy who made this DIY steadicam says it can support his Canon A1 which is about 5 lb.

I think I'm going to build one as soon as I receive my HV20

[Crosby!]

That's actually quite cool and impressive. I'd like to see some footage but I like the idea.

[Maulsmash]

There is footage on the Vimeo page.

[Crosby!]

Hmm. How'd I miss that? Darn decaf!

Looks pretty good: http://vimeo.com/1293691

[Crosby!]

The only part I couldn't find is the additional bar that supports the counter weight. But I think something similar to this could work...

The piece he used looks similar to a straight flash bracket.



A slotted piece of metal would work, too. I think you'd be happier with something slotted as it means more places for placement of the weight.

The tripod plate is a quick release plate so you can put your camera on and off the unit easily. I have them on all my cameras, tripods, etc. so I can quickly move my cameras to whatever device I want to use next. Sima makes one, QuicKonnect that's reasonable:



What did he use for the weight?

If you wanted to get fancy with it later you could get a sliding camera quick release and mount it sideways. Since the top is already slotted you can move the camera forward and back as needed and the sideways mounted sliding plate would let you adjust side-to-side for more balance options.

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[toucanlam]

Awesome, thanks for linking the tripod plate! I'm going to order all the components this week. As for the weight, I didn't find any screwable weight online, but they should be available at some hardware or hobbies store... well I hope so.

[Crosby!]

Awesome, thanks for linking the tripod plate! I'm going to order all the components this week. As for the weight, I didn't find any screwable weight online, but they should be available at some hardware or hobbies store... well I hope so.

Slotted bracket possibility.

For the weight a 2-3" or so 1/4x20 thread bolt, matching wing nut, and a pound or so of washers. Once you get it balanced and you're happy with the weight you can either leave the washer assembly alone, tape them with electrical tape, coat them with epoxy paint, find a heat shrink to fit...

[Crosby!]

It looks rather easy to construct, and most of the parts can be found over eBay or other online stores:
The "U" frame;D

Darn. Seller seems to have sold out of that flash bracket. Have you seen anywhere else to get one like it? I told a friend about it and now he can't find the bracket.

[toucanlam]

there's this one, but it's slightly more expansive. I haven't got the time (or the money) to order the required components yet, because I just purchased a 35mm adapter :/, but I shall order them next week. I sent a message to the ebay seller to see if he/she will have them brackets back in stock soon

[Crosby!]

there's this one, but it's slightly more expansive.

A friend bought one of the first ones you listed, made the unit and really likes it. Said he got an email that there are more on order. I bought a Glidecam 1000 cheap off ebay but still want to make one of these and it can be stored in a camera bag.

[PetePol]

if you want use steadicam with camera + 35mm adapter - it's no good variant (http://vimeo.com/1285705).

calculate:
camera + adapter = 2-3 kg.
steadicam (small) with weights = 2-3 kg.
total 6kg.
too much weight, steadicam will be broken.


I made two versions of steadicam (second: full stead with al. hand and jacket).
first for hand )) photo)


-----------------------------
i'm using online translator.
sorry for bad english.

[Elbo]

I picked up the bracket from this guy

http://cgi.ebay.com/U-Shape-Flash-Br...mZ350087457690


If anyone is looking for a source

[Crosby!]

Same seller Toucanlam mentioned. Only $9 more than the seller that's sold out. My friend likes his and said people have offered to buy it from him. He's thinking of making a few to sell.

[Swefsvr]

well.

http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/steadycam/
$14 dolars, perfect for HV20

[toucanlam]

Yes I'm aware of the 14$ steadicam but I'm more interested to build a steadicam that ressembles the Merlin as it is more compact. The 14$ one is more like my last resort alternative :/

[Elbo]

Wow thanks for the heads up on this Steadicam, this looks like the best solution I have seen so far. It looks more elegant than the Zero Cost Steadicam or the $15 one. As well as most of the parts can be re-purposed when not in use as a steadicam. I went ahead and ordered the "U Shaped Flash Mount" off of E-bay, as well as the mini-tripod.

[toucanlam]

I haven't built mine yet =/
In fact, I'm reconsidering it, because I've thought of another (maybe cheaper) DIY steadicam and I'll try to build it once I get some free time; I'll keep you guys updated about it. If it doesn't work, then I will build the one in this thread.

Some guy made a similar steadicam for his HV30 with rather great results here:
http://www.vimeo.com/1557228


I'm glad your friend managed to get it working Visorblue, does he have any footage online? :]

[Jennzababe]

I made a DIY Merlin knock-off that works well. Got the design from ybnormal off YouTube. It took about an hour to make. Its just plywood and a few blocks of wood and about $5 in hardware from Home Depot.

I haven't shot any video with it yet. Still practicing!

[Crosby!]

I made a DIY Merlin knock-off that works well. Got the design from ybnormal off YouTube. It took about an hour to make. Its just plywood and a few blocks of wood and about $5 in hardware from Home Depot.

I haven't shot any video with it yet. Still practicing!

That's another I liked. Even liked his first gimbal as it has a bearing in it. I'd considered making the third one from PVC or aluminum tubing. Right now I'm favoring the one in this thread as it requires no tools and you fold it up and stick it in a camera bag.

He made three versions, which did you make? Links have instructions for anyone interested:


http://www.yb2normal.com/DIYsteadicam.html


http://www.yb2normal.com/DIYsteadicam2.html


http://www.yb2normal.com/DIYsteadicam3.html

[Jennzababe]

I made the 2nd one out of plywood. Very quick and easy. I ordered a few of the linkages he uses for the gymbal. It works great. I just need to learn how to move correctly with it.

I have a bunch of 1/2" conduit laying around. I'm probably going to bend it to the same shape and make a "sleeker" model than the plywood.

[Crosby!]

I made the 2nd one out of plywood. Very quick and easy. I ordered a few of the linkages he uses for the gymbal. It works great. I just need to learn how to move correctly with it.

I have a bunch of 1/2" conduit laying around. I'm probably going to bend it to the same shape and make a "sleeker" model than the plywood.

Cool. Check out this thread, too. He used an aluminum broom.

Download the Merlin manual and read the Operating! section.

[Crosby!]

I'm glad your friend managed to get it working Visorblue, does he have any footage online? :]

No, and unfortunately he's not the type that would bother to post it either. I know he's very pleased with it though. He's not local to me or I'd go play with it myself just to post footage.

I stumbled into a Glidecam on ebay for less than making this one so I went that route. I may still make one myself later for my Sanyo HD700 (pocket HD) though.

[Razaele]

I used a shoulder pad brace and a monopod of mines to add weight..i guess its a little too much weight, but I just wanted to show my progress on it..

[Razaele]

this just came to mind..has anyone ever tried modding a joystick controller into a potential steadicam?

[Elbo]

I suppose it is possible. Perhaps using a Happ Controller

http://www.happcontrols.com/images/5...8350_color.jpg

The only thing is usually the gimbal's are really loose, Arcade controller's usually have a spring mechanism to force it to return to center. So I would think you would have to weaken it in that way.

Might be easier to track down a nice "ball head", do a search on ebay. There are a lot of them. Some of the more expensive ones even have bearings.

I finished up version 3 of my steadicam today. I'll post on it some shortly. I'm trying to figure out posting to Vimeo..