Who all has built a homebuilt steadycam? at DVinfo.net

Simon Wilks · July 10th, 2004, 11:44 AM

Hi all. Yep, I'm new here. I am planning to build a steaycam system. Well, at least try to anyway. I was wondering how many people have built themselve a rig. It would be nice to see those systems as well.
Another thing, are any being used successfully by videographers? Thanks.

Rob Lohman · July 11th, 2004, 07:08 AM

There are quite a lot of people on this site that have built them.

Dan Selakovich · July 11th, 2004, 08:19 AM

I've shown hundreds (really!) of people how to build their own. It's not that difficult. Go for it!

Dan
www.DVcameraRigs.com

Rob Lohman · July 11th, 2004, 10:17 AM

Dan I'm wondering how everyone says it is quite a difficult thing
to do (especially if you want to make a GOOD rig) and requires
some engineering skill and you say it is easy basically. Some
explenation would be welcomed. What kind of rigs did you built?
Any pictures or movies with those?

Simon Wilks · July 11th, 2004, 10:28 AM

Wow! That link you posted is awesome! That look like the real thing. Something like that can't be that easy to build. I mean those guys must have put alot of work into building it. There was one rig, I it was Charles rig, if I'm not mistaken, that really looked awesome. He has also written a book too. I'll be getting it soon. Anyone bought the book?

I also visited the forum to check it out and it seems thare are nice people with strong devotion the steadicam. They seem almost too devoted. :)

Has anybody used their rig to fly a film camera? Now that would be interesting to see.

Jean-Philippe Archibald · July 11th, 2004, 10:41 AM

I bought the Charles' book as well as the Cody's plans. Two must have books if you are looking to build a rig. Well illustrated, well written, awesome! I am in the process of building a rig myself, mostly based on the Cody design and these two books helps me a lot!

Simon Wilks · July 11th, 2004, 11:02 AM

Thanks Jean for your recommendation but which book did you get? Cody has one and Charles has three. Which one of the three did you get? Here's the link to the webshop: http://www.cafeshops.com/hbsbooks

Rob Lohman · July 11th, 2004, 11:03 AM

I also bought Cody's Camera Stabilizer Plans.

No time as of yet to do anything with them, though.

Graham Bernard · July 11th, 2004, 11:12 AM

I have a Canon XM2.

For the past 2 years I've been hunting for "the" design. I've spent hours and hours looking and reading. I've tried all types of shoulder and suspending type of machines for my XM2 . . but do you know what? I can't for the life of me get on with any of them. They don't "feel" organic or natural.

I know I'm in awe at the ingenuity of individuals with what they've come up with, but as of yet, none feel right or correct. The nearest I've got to what I regard as a "sweet" design is the Anton Bauer set-up. It just feels right on the shoulder, holds a battery and can be used straight onto the tripod. But, the price is magnificent too!

So, that's me . . still looking .. and still wondering about what others have produced.

Best regards,

Grazie

Lars Gustav · July 11th, 2004, 11:17 AM

I too bought Charles's book and I have not regreted. His book really digest things down in layman terms. I like that. No big fancy words to describe something complicated. I for one have never been the type to understand all the big technical terms but Charles does his best with this book.
The book is more about how he build his Steadycam. He also explains the pros and cons and what not to do. He gives lots of suggestions, as well as many tips to build a system of your own.
I think I understand the Steadicam system better now then I did before. A big plus for the book.
Both Charles and Cody are very devoted people who know the concept of the steadycam system.

Simon Wilks · July 11th, 2004, 11:28 AM

Wow! some really good post here. I like. Keep'em coming.

Lars Gustav · July 11th, 2004, 12:06 PM

Simon. I just checked the link you posted. The other two books are not yet available. I was already with my credit card when you mention he had already put out two more books. :)

I think Charles said that the book he's doing for modifying the Glidecam sled will be out by the end of this month/beginning of the next.
Well, I can't wait for them. His other book about his past and present rigs look interesting too.

Simon Wilks · July 11th, 2004, 12:10 PM

Yeah, I noticed after checking a second time. Oh well, no problem. I'll just buy the one he has now and buy the others when they come out.

I like to think one can fly a homemade steadycam in a semi professional field but it would have to look good as well as perform well in oder to do so.

Charles King · July 11th, 2004, 12:33 PM

Oh yeah. Now you all know I have to jump in. Homebuilt stabilizers! - Can't keep me out even if you tried. ;)

Simon, Homebuilt rigs are not for everybody let alone building them. Regardless of what people say, it takes time and patience. Some would think it's as easy as just knocking two pieces of metal together.

It's only easy if you are not too serious about it and really don't mind the quality of the finish work. Another thing that people don't think is regardless of the unit, you must practice to get perfect shots. Charles P. has stated this time and time again, and I concur hundred times over.

One thing I don't do is, encourage people to build. I prefer to inspire than to say go out and build one and you will get perfect shots.

There are certain elements that need special attention - like the gimbal for instance. One false move and you'll pay for it with the system going of balance regularly. I always say, if you want a descent gimbal then get it machined. You won't regret.

I have chosen to build my system and have been doing so for the past 7 1/2 years. Boy! that long?!! Well, I enjoy it. I always try to better the system even if it means spending more time. That's the key, having the time to produce something of quality will result in a happy operator - ME! ;)

You have to know what you want in a system and what you are willing to sacrifice in order to get the system that you want. Sure you can build a hand held version and practice with it. If it's not a hobby then you will crave for something better and that's where a full rig will come to play.

Don't be discourage by what I'm saying. It's better to know the truth up front and be prepared than walking in ingnorant to the facts. One thing is certain - it can be done but you have to be willing to go the extra mile.

Oh yeah, here is a link I posted of a member of HBS who flew a film camera with his HB rig : http://www.andreaskielb.de/test.htm

Eat your heart out ;)

Simon Wilks · July 11th, 2004, 02:16 PM

wow! Thanks Charles. It's the man himself. Thanks for clarifying things for me. I will definately heed your advice. I probably know the stacks and I am willing to to the extra mile as you put it.

That link you posted was a big plus. This an awesome prove that it can be done. This is the first time I've seen a homemade steadycam flying a film camera - Awesome! Now I'm definately inspired.

Thanks again for your website, Charles. It's one amazing site. The first of it's kind. Great job inputting it together. BTW, you have built so many rigs according to the pics you posted. Do you still have any that you might want to sell?

July 10th, 2004, 11:44 AM	#1
Simon Wilks New Boot Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: New York Posts: 17	Who all has built a homebuilt steadycam? Hi all. Yep, I'm new here. I am planning to build a steaycam system. Well, at least try to anyway. I was wondering how many people have built themselve a rig. It would be nice to see those systems as well. Another thing, are any being used successfully by videographers? Thanks. __________________ Simon Wilks

July 11th, 2004, 07:08 AM	#2
Rob Lohman RED Code Chef Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Holland Posts: 12,514	There are quite a lot of people on this site that have built them. __________________ Rob Lohman, visuar@iname.com DV Info Wrangler & RED Code Chef Join the DV Challenge \| Lady X Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Buy from the best: DVinfo.net sponsors

July 11th, 2004, 10:17 AM	#4
Rob Lohman RED Code Chef Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Holland Posts: 12,514	Dan I'm wondering how everyone says it is quite a difficult thing to do (especially if you want to make a GOOD rig) and requires some engineering skill and you say it is easy basically. Some explenation would be welcomed. What kind of rigs did you built? Any pictures or movies with those? __________________ Rob Lohman, visuar@iname.com DV Info Wrangler & RED Code Chef Join the DV Challenge \| Lady X Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Buy from the best: DVinfo.net sponsors

July 11th, 2004, 10:28 AM	#5
Simon Wilks New Boot Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: New York Posts: 17	Wow! That link you posted is awesome! That look like the real thing. Something like that can't be that easy to build. I mean those guys must have put alot of work into building it. There was one rig, I it was Charles rig, if I'm not mistaken, that really looked awesome. He has also written a book too. I'll be getting it soon. Anyone bought the book? I also visited the forum to check it out and it seems thare are nice people with strong devotion the steadicam. They seem almost too devoted. :) Has anybody used their rig to fly a film camera? Now that would be interesting to see. __________________ Simon Wilks

July 11th, 2004, 10:41 AM	#6
Jean-Philippe Archibald Trustee Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Saguenay, Québec, Canada Posts: 1,051	I bought the Charles' book as well as the Cody's plans. Two must have books if you are looking to build a rig. Well illustrated, well written, awesome! I am in the process of building a rig myself, mostly based on the Cody design and these two books helps me a lot! __________________ Jean-Philippe Archibald http://www.jparchibald.com - http://www.vimeo.com/jparchib

July 11th, 2004, 08:19 AM	#3
Dan Selakovich Major Player Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 220	I've shown hundreds (really!) of people how to build their own. It's not that difficult. Go for it! Dan www.DVcameraRigs.com

July 11th, 2004, 11:02 AM	#7
Simon Wilks New Boot Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: New York Posts: 17	Thanks Jean for your recommendation but which book did you get? Cody has one and Charles has three. Which one of the three did you get? Here's the link to the webshop: http://www.cafeshops.com/hbsbooks __________________ Simon Wilks

July 11th, 2004, 11:03 AM	#8
Rob Lohman RED Code Chef Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Holland Posts: 12,514	I also bought Cody's Camera Stabilizer Plans. No time as of yet to do anything with them, though. __________________ Rob Lohman, visuar@iname.com DV Info Wrangler & RED Code Chef Join the DV Challenge \| Lady X Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Buy from the best: DVinfo.net sponsors

July 11th, 2004, 11:12 AM	#9
Graham Bernard Old Boot Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London UK Posts: 3,633	I have a Canon XM2. For the past 2 years I've been hunting for "the" design. I've spent hours and hours looking and reading. I've tried all types of shoulder and suspending type of machines for my XM2 . . but do you know what? I can't for the life of me get on with any of them. They don't "feel" organic or natural. I know I'm in awe at the ingenuity of individuals with what they've come up with, but as of yet, none feel right or correct. The nearest I've got to what I regard as a "sweet" design is the Anton Bauer set-up. It just feels right on the shoulder, holds a battery and can be used straight onto the tripod. But, the price is magnificent too! So, that's me . . still looking .. and still wondering about what others have produced. Best regards, Grazie

July 11th, 2004, 11:17 AM	#10
Lars Gustav Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: sweden Posts: 33	I too bought Charles's book and I have not regreted. His book really digest things down in layman terms. I like that. No big fancy words to describe something complicated. I for one have never been the type to understand all the big technical terms but Charles does his best with this book. The book is more about how he build his Steadycam. He also explains the pros and cons and what not to do. He gives lots of suggestions, as well as many tips to build a system of your own. I think I understand the Steadicam system better now then I did before. A big plus for the book. Both Charles and Cody are very devoted people who know the concept of the steadycam system. __________________ Lars

July 11th, 2004, 11:28 AM	#11
Simon Wilks New Boot Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: New York Posts: 17	Wow! some really good post here. I like. Keep'em coming. __________________ Simon Wilks

July 11th, 2004, 12:06 PM	#12
Lars Gustav Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: sweden Posts: 33	Simon. I just checked the link you posted. The other two books are not yet available. I was already with my credit card when you mention he had already put out two more books. :) I think Charles said that the book he's doing for modifying the Glidecam sled will be out by the end of this month/beginning of the next. Well, I can't wait for them. His other book about his past and present rigs look interesting too. __________________ Lars

July 11th, 2004, 12:10 PM	#13
Simon Wilks New Boot Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: New York Posts: 17	Yeah, I noticed after checking a second time. Oh well, no problem. I'll just buy the one he has now and buy the others when they come out. I like to think one can fly a homemade steadycam in a semi professional field but it would have to look good as well as perform well in oder to do so. __________________ Simon Wilks

July 11th, 2004, 12:33 PM	#14
Charles King Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: sweden Posts: 795	Oh yeah. Now you all know I have to jump in. Homebuilt stabilizers! - Can't keep me out even if you tried. ;) Simon, Homebuilt rigs are not for everybody let alone building them. Regardless of what people say, it takes time and patience. Some would think it's as easy as just knocking two pieces of metal together. It's only easy if you are not too serious about it and really don't mind the quality of the finish work. Another thing that people don't think is regardless of the unit, you must practice to get perfect shots. Charles P. has stated this time and time again, and I concur hundred times over. One thing I don't do is, encourage people to build. I prefer to inspire than to say go out and build one and you will get perfect shots. There are certain elements that need special attention - like the gimbal for instance. One false move and you'll pay for it with the system going of balance regularly. I always say, if you want a descent gimbal then get it machined. You won't regret. I have chosen to build my system and have been doing so for the past 7 1/2 years. Boy! that long?!! Well, I enjoy it. I always try to better the system even if it means spending more time. That's the key, having the time to produce something of quality will result in a happy operator - ME! ;) You have to know what you want in a system and what you are willing to sacrifice in order to get the system that you want. Sure you can build a hand held version and practice with it. If it's not a hobby then you will crave for something better and that's where a full rig will come to play. Don't be discourage by what I'm saying. It's better to know the truth up front and be prepared than walking in ingnorant to the facts. One thing is certain - it can be done but you have to be willing to go the extra mile. Oh yeah, here is a link I posted of a member of HBS who flew a film camera with his HB rig : http://www.andreaskielb.de/test.htm Eat your heart out ;) __________________ Charles 'What we perceive to be may not be what we believe to be.'

July 11th, 2004, 02:16 PM	#15
Simon Wilks New Boot Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: New York Posts: 17	wow! Thanks Charles. It's the man himself. Thanks for clarifying things for me. I will definately heed your advice. I probably know the stacks and I am willing to to the extra mile as you put it. That link you posted was a big plus. This an awesome prove that it can be done. This is the first time I've seen a homemade steadycam flying a film camera - Awesome! Now I'm definately inspired. Thanks again for your website, Charles. It's one amazing site. The first of it's kind. Great job inputting it together. BTW, you have built so many rigs according to the pics you posted. Do you still have any that you might want to sell? __________________ Simon Wilks