18-foot+ crane

[Jasper Blunk]

Hi,

I'm new here to DVinfo (not to filmmaking) and have a question about camera booms/jibs. I am wondering what's the most afforable 18-foot-long+ boom on the market. Something that can hold up to 15 pounds. I am looking for a product for around or under 1k USD. I've looking at the Jony Jib... that is around this height and it is about 7k (correct me if I'm wrong). So it might be a good idea that I build my own. Although I'm not sure what type(s) of material to use... maybe aluminum... or light(er) steel...

Anyway–back to my original question: what's the most afforable 18-foot-long+ boom on the market.

Please mention any custom, independent company, too.

Thanks in advance.

[Andy Graham]

I don't think you'll find one for under 1k pounds let alone dollars, 18 foot is a tall order.

I can tell you having built my own jibs (4 foot and 12 foot) that steel is not an option because of the weight, you have to use box tube alluminium with about 2mm wall thickness.

The smart thing to do is build a smaller jib like 12 foot at most and then build a couple of sections of scafold which is cheap an easy to put up giving you an elevated tower which means you can use the full range of the 12 foot jib. I did this and it turned my 12 foot shot into a 20 foot shot.

Andy.

[Cole McDonald]

I have an 8' I made from 2x2 pine.

[Jasper Blunk]

So what is the price range for this box tube aluminum?

[Andy Graham]

i used these guys they have stores all over the world, just click on your state

http://www.metalsupermarkets.com/MSC...r.aspx?MAP=USA

Andy.

[Jasper Blunk]

Originally Posted by Andy Graham

i used these guys they have stores all over the world, just click on your state

http://www.metalsupermarkets.com/MSC...r.aspx?MAP=USA

Andy.

Thank you. I will check this out.

I am hoping to spend no more than 500 USD on this (just boom, no tripod, display, etc). Do you think that this can be possible?

Thanks again!

[Steven Reid]

Originally Posted by Jasper Blunk

Thank you. I will check this out.

I am hoping to spend no more than 500 USD on this (just boom, no tripod, display, etc). Do you think that this can be possible?

Thanks again!

Jasper, if you're looking to *make* a jib on the cheap, you might want to check out Dan Selakovich's DIY book "Killer Camera Rigs..." (I'm not affiliated, but I bought the book and I am building a crane right now based on his plans). There is a plan inside for making a large crane, and you can make it as short or long as you want, for easily under $500, exclusive of a tripod and monitor.

The cost difference between 16' and 20', for example, of aluminum tubing is probably $10-20, depending on your supplier. I have found that I can't buy Al tubing longer than 21', but there are easy ways to assemble together shorter pieces to make a long arm, if you want.

Hope this helps.

[Jasper Blunk]

I looked at that site Andy suggested and am having trouble finding a price quote.

Any suggestions?

It does not look like I can get any on eBay.

[Andy Graham]

Originally Posted by Jasper Blunk

I looked at that site Andy suggested and am having trouble finding a price quote.

Any suggestions?

It does not look like I can get any on eBay.

you just have to find the right size you are looking for and phone them up and ask for a quote,

I made both of my jibs from rectangular alluminium box tube, they both use the same design with two booms one above the other http://www.filmwareproducts.com/Came...24_on_EZFX.jpg (that one isn't mine, just an example) its self leveling but mixed with a remote pan tilt head it does the job.

The cost of material for both jibs was around £280 which you can double for dollars.

if you want i can post a few picks when i get the time.

Andy.

[Jasper Blunk]

I would like pictures, please.

[Andy Graham]

Ok here are a few of pics.

http://www.box.net/shared/static/lvd4apu33p.JPG

http://www.box.net/shared/static/484piedbxj.JPG

http://www.box.net/shared/static/2136qd651c.JPG

As you can see its self leveling which isn't ideal and limits your shots but mixed with a remote pan tilt head (yet to get that) it becomes viable. Its a very simple but effective design and the best thing about it is id doesnt rely on a tripod baseplate which are not very sturdy, it uses an inch and a half thick threaded rod with two bearings either side so it rotates smoothly. I know those sticks don't look like they're strong enough but the whole rig with camera and counter weights only weighs 16kg because its made from alluminium.

The other one is the same design but smaller for indoor use.

Andy.

[Jasper Blunk]

Thanks, this looks great. Is welding involved?

Please check your PM.

[Andy Graham]

There is absolutely no welding invoved but there is a bit of metal work like bending and stuff which can be tricky.

I never use my PM so i'll answer you here, it is the standard jvc stock lense with a matte box, rails and follow focus, depending on which 35mm adapter you use the mini 35 doesn't use the stock lens but some others do.

Andy.

[Giroud Francois]

since my project was zero budget based, i found antenna mast tube being the perfect fit.
you can find tubes at different diameter that just fit together.
you can make 3 or 4 pieces of 6' .
if i have time i will make some pictures available.

[Sean Seah]

Hi Andy, could u show some close up photos of the bearing interface? That is my biggest headache on what kinda bearing to use and how to fit them.. Thanks!