DIY rig Version 2.0

[FightDesigner]

...not that there was anything all that wrong with Version 1... I suppose it did wobble a bit when on the tripod, since the quick release was just mounted to the bottom of a pistol grip, and it was a bit heavy.

So, Mk. II:

Shoulder part is separate rather than built in: Made out of PVC pipe (heat flattened and bent) covered in scrap upholstery leather, with webbing to allow for different attachment points for the shoulder brace. Also a velcro strap in the back, since I'm often tethered to a monitor, and that will keep the cables out of my way. There's also some adjustment in length.

Pistol grip changed, and is removable, so when it's on a tripod or when you use the front grips and want it lighter, you can take it off.

Figg rigg type circle evolved into side handles that can be locked down (nice for when using it shoulder mounted) or up (allows a top handle, and other options). There's also places to mount the remote, so I can zoom without taking a hand off the handle.

Front center grip is a folding tactical grip made for firearms... it's attached to a weaver rail, so I could remove it easily and add something like a flashlight or laser if I felt so inclined. Laugh if you will, but since I use this in workshops teaching how to line things up for the camera, I've actually seriously considered the laser site option.

Camera is on a quick release with levels, whole rig is also on a quick release, and I have two base plates for that so I can switch between my full tripod and a mini-grounder for those low angle shots.

Have a part coming in the mail that might let me add a focus wheel to this.

So... now I just have to learn better how to shoot with the damn thing!

[tehellet]

Nice. Doesn't the mic get in the frame though?

[Rumple]

Whats the shoulder mount? Or is it a DIY?

[billbruford]

i love the gun grip

[FightDesigner]

Mic can be kept out of frame even with the wide angle and it zoomed all the way out... granted, if you bump it or bounce or something, it could drift back into frame a bit, especially with the dead cat on. But it's certainly workable.

It's all DIY: Shoulder mount was a piece of black PVC pipe that I cut, heated and flattened, then curved around my shoulder, covered it scrap upholstery leather (love the free section of CraigsList!) with webbing sewn on.

The aluminum attachment parts were all home made from aluminum sheet and aluminum rod.

Grip is wood with aluminum U bracket reinforcement in places, and epoxy putty for texture, and a little paint over that.

[FightDesigner]

Got that 90 degree bit in the mail for the focus wheel... need another trip or two to the hardware store, but I think it'll work great. Intended for faucets I believe- so I should be able to rig it up with a rubber wheel on one end contacting the focus wheel on the HV20, and a faucet handle of some sort to do the actual focusing with. I bet I can find one that will work.

[Rumple]

Fancy making/selling me a shoulder mount that I can attach to my rails support?
I am fairly hopeless at fabricating.

[FightDesigner]

I'm actually selling one on the trade section of these forums right now, but not one I made: I got a Mighty Wondercam before building this, never actually used it though, and am now selling it.
http://www.hv20.com/showthread.php?p...d=1#post194166

Should do what you need.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/items/147274.jpg

[FightDesigner]

Update, as the rig's changed some, is still changing, and I've got more experience with it now.

I changed the shoulder pad to something smaller that could just stay on the camera. Also adding a second shockmount for a second shotgun mic.

For some shots I've been doing involving firearms, fake blood, etc I wanted a protective cover for my wide angle, and since the Canon Wide Angle isn't threaded on the outside, that meant more DIY work. Found out that with a tiny bit of electrical tape to make a tighter fit, the Cokin P-series filter holder fits just great on it. Got some scrap small glass from a framing store, and cut it to fit. Slides right in to the filter holders. I'll try to get pictures if anyone's interested.

Used this rig at a recent martial arts workshop too, with a Velbon mini-grounder attached. Small enough tripod I could pick it up and do handheld or move it, and then just put it down for great low-angle work. Left a spare quick-release plate on the tripod and it was an easy switch.

I've started a small gallery with some behind the scenes stills from the current shoot, and the rig can be seen in several of them:

[FightDesigner]

Hm, why did that picture not work?

[sdeming]

Cool. Be sure to post links to your film.

[FightDesigner]

Will do, but it'll be about a month before it's up on YouTube (July 12th contest deadline).

Shot in standard rather than Hi-Def, to simplify things- contest is on YouTube anyway, so no need for anything too high resolution.

Tried adding sorta bat-wing attachments for last night's shoot, since I picked up a second shotgun mic and wanted to be able to run both off the rig. Lowered the center of gravity too, which is nice, but also made it wider, and at least once I bumped one of 'em while running around a corner.

[FightDesigner]

Here it is!

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhafrYj6GZs"]YouTube - The Hunted: Fuzz Meets Fangs[/ame]

Used a tripod and cheapie tripod dolly for the opening shot, but the rest is handheld using the above rig.

[movielighter]

lol, good work. There are some things in there that are pretty hard to do and look pretty good.