Microdolly Equivalent? at DVinfo.net

Dave Allen · November 28th, 2010, 12:16 AM

I was checking out the Microdolly as it seems perfect for airline travel and compactness.

http://www.aceelectro.com/ace/data/c.../new_dolly.jpg
http://www.aceelectro.com/ace/data/c...808/new_ca.jpg

I must confess that $2500 is quite a remarkable price...for the manufacturer.

The track has a bungee inside and they assemble like fiberlgass tent poles

Does anyone make something equivalent as far as portability and lightness?

Bill Hamell · November 28th, 2010, 01:40 AM

First I have not used any of these products and cannot speak as to how well they work.

I was looking for light-weight dolly track and came upon this.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search...tialSearch=yes

Dolly and straight tack around $1200 about half the price.

Bill

Dave Allen · November 28th, 2010, 12:47 PM

That price is certainly in the right direction, although the track does not look quite as portable as the Microdolly system.

I always wondered why most of these track dollies use multiple wheels at each corner instead of one with a groove which simplifies things.

Bill Hamell · November 28th, 2010, 01:07 PM

Multiple wheels in a three or a four wheel pattern go over joints smoother.

Morton Molyneux · December 15th, 2010, 07:36 PM

DAve,

I bought a Microdolly a couple of years ago and have not regretted it. Clients are amazed when you unpack it and set it up. Very portable system.

cheers

Morton

Ethan Cooper · December 15th, 2010, 09:17 PM

I too can vouch for Microdolly's quality. It's a well designed system that simply works. Like any lightweight/portable gear you have to treat it with a little more care but if you do it should serve your needs for a few years.

Dave Allen · December 16th, 2010, 07:52 PM

I couldn't take it any longer so I pulled the trigger. Amazing kit....

James Redmond · January 11th, 2011, 07:43 PM

Dave, Which one did you get? Can you report what you like/dislike about it?

Thanks! James

Dave Allen · January 29th, 2011, 08:40 AM

James, I got the straight track version.

The thing is REALLY light weight, yet with a purported 100lb capacity rating.

The first couple of times I tried to fold up the legs, it was comical. Now it is easy.

Because of the small diameter tubes, you must level out uneven surfaces or the track will follow it.

As long as the track tubes are fully inserted, one cannot notice the joints.

I am very pleased with it and the build quality is superb.

November 28th, 2010, 12:16 AM	#1
Dave Allen Major Player Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Boston Posts: 497	Microdolly Equivalent? I was checking out the Microdolly as it seems perfect for airline travel and compactness. http://www.aceelectro.com/ace/data/c.../new_dolly.jpg http://www.aceelectro.com/ace/data/c...808/new_ca.jpg I must confess that $2500 is quite a remarkable price...for the manufacturer. The track has a bungee inside and they assemble like fiberlgass tent poles Does anyone make something equivalent as far as portability and lightness? __________________ Dave -

November 28th, 2010, 01:40 AM	#2
Bill Hamell Major Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Mystic Ct. Posts: 477	First I have not used any of these products and cannot speak as to how well they work. I was looking for light-weight dolly track and came upon this. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search...tialSearch=yes Dolly and straight tack around $1200 about half the price. Bill __________________ Cinematographers Bring Shadow To Light

November 28th, 2010, 12:47 PM	#3
Dave Allen Major Player Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Boston Posts: 497	That price is certainly in the right direction, although the track does not look quite as portable as the Microdolly system. I always wondered why most of these track dollies use multiple wheels at each corner instead of one with a groove which simplifies things. __________________ Dave -

November 28th, 2010, 01:07 PM	#4
Bill Hamell Major Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Mystic Ct. Posts: 477	Multiple wheels in a three or a four wheel pattern go over joints smoother. __________________ Cinematographers Bring Shadow To Light

December 15th, 2010, 09:17 PM	#6
Ethan Cooper Trustee Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Houma, La. Posts: 1,400 Images: 5	I too can vouch for Microdolly's quality. It's a well designed system that simply works. Like any lightweight/portable gear you have to treat it with a little more care but if you do it should serve your needs for a few years. __________________ ∅ -Ethan Cooper

December 15th, 2010, 07:36 PM	#5
Morton Molyneux Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada Posts: 98	DAve, I bought a Microdolly a couple of years ago and have not regretted it. Clients are amazed when you unpack it and set it up. Very portable system. cheers Morton

December 16th, 2010, 07:52 PM	#7
Dave Allen Major Player Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Boston Posts: 497	I couldn't take it any longer so I pulled the trigger. Amazing kit.... __________________ Dave -

January 11th, 2011, 07:43 PM	#8
James Redmond Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Rogers, AR Posts: 86	Dave, Which one did you get? Can you report what you like/dislike about it? Thanks! James

January 29th, 2011, 08:40 AM	#9
Dave Allen Major Player Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Boston Posts: 497	James, I got the straight track version. The thing is REALLY light weight, yet with a purported 100lb capacity rating. The first couple of times I tried to fold up the legs, it was comical. Now it is easy. Because of the small diameter tubes, you must level out uneven surfaces or the track will follow it. As long as the track tubes are fully inserted, one cannot notice the joints. I am very pleased with it and the build quality is superb. __________________ Dave -