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Home made dolly?

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Vog
Posts: 73 - Karma: 13

Hey NS, im just looking for some help or advice here. Im starting to get a little more into filming and I know that most of the really good edits have shots will dolly's moving the camera. Im just wondering if anybody has a small dolly they made themselves or any pointers or ideas as to makeing one? Any duggestions are appriciated, thanks in advance

Jan 13 2010 12:50PM
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Trent_Palmer
Posts: 226 - Karma: 936
I have a couple dolly's that I made, but to be honest with you they are kinda a pain in the ass to lug around, so I normally just use my slider, I keep it in the bag with my tripod so I always have it with me, definitely worth its weight in got in my opinion. This is the thread that I made mine based off of: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=145701
Jan 13 2010 3:50PM
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KarmaInitiative
Posts: 2028 - Karma: 174
damn, that slider looks awesome. any place you can get those parts cheaper?
Jan 13 2010 5:35PM
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Trent_Palmer
Posts: 226 - Karma: 936
I doubt it. They get really pricy when you buy them as a camera slider (http://glidetrack.com/) so $150ish is a great deal.
Jan 13 2010 5:40PM
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ski_ENDUB
Posts: 2535 - Karma: 86
I've made one using aluminum angle iron, 1" pvc pipe, and 8 roller blade wheels. I designed it myself so that I can fully take apart the track (10' cut into 2.5' sections), and the actually dolly and transport it around. cost me about $30. I don't have any pics though. I just researched a bunch of homemade dolly's and came up with my own design.
Jan 13 2010 7:44PM
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rigzz
Posts: 1768 - Karma: 147

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/3125277056_ecf9e72307.jpg

Here is what i'm planning on doing. I don't have any more picture.

Jan 13 2010 8:07PM
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Vog
Posts: 73 - Karma: 13
Looking at the pics I think im looking more for a slider, but that one looks pretty sick, i might try that. the pvc one looks pretty cool too
Jan 13 2010 8:24PM
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J-Evs
Posts: 6387 - Karma: 1,615
what cam is that
Jan 16 2010 11:11AM
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KarmaInitiative
Posts: 2028 - Karma: 174
looks like a gl2, not positive
Jan 16 2010 11:41AM
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horner
Posts: 2439 - Karma: 1,578
Here's some advice.  Many people use dollys just for the sake of using a dolly.  SOME dolly moves in ski/board films/edits are completely useless and serve no purpose other than showing that you're using a dolly.  If you're new to shooting, focus on your framing and drawing your audience into the shot with how you frame everything.  Framing is key, and that is what makes a good shot.  Dollies are typically meant to be used to show emphasis on something and draw your viewers attention to the action at hand without them realizing it, subtle is key.  Just something to keep in mind when you're shooting.

But, you can build a dolly for $50 easy.  Go to home depot, pick up a couple 2x4s.  Cut 4 equal sides to desired length.  Square up a frame.  What I've done in the past is just wonder around home depot looking for cool parts/brackets/etc.  If you can get creative, you can find everything you'd need to come up with your own design that fits your needs.  Good wheels will cost you though, but that's a decision you'll have to make.  A dolly is a very simple device, don't over think it!

Hope this helps you out.
Jan 16 2010 6:04PM
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geoffjansenphoto
Posts: 11 - Karma: 28
http://http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-Guerilla-Camera-Dolly/
Jan 19 2010 11:52PM
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Blandct
Posts: 1858 - Karma: 37
the indi slider is pretty good
Jan 20 2010 1:02PM
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Blandct
Posts: 1858 - Karma: 37
^ and by good i mean cheap never used one.
Jan 20 2010 1:07PM
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rigzz
Posts: 1768 - Karma: 147
Click for larger image

Hey look, it's almost done. Costed me 35$ for each. i'm making a second one. Just need some skate wheels.

Feb 23 2010 11:00AM
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JStrathern
Posts: 8747 - Karma: 1,536
howd you connect that middle piece to the 2 angled pieces? did you weld it?
Apr 11 2010 2:44PM
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rigzz
Posts: 1768 - Karma: 147

YES welded. Here's a finish picture.

Click for larger image

Apr 11 2010 3:43PM
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ike.
Posts: 2292 - Karma: 93
that looks ill!!
Apr 11 2010 5:23PM
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1337
Posts: 31059 - Karma: 29,329
good work man! thats a pretty sweet idea, might go make one myself unless i go with a slider, but thats hard to bring to the slopes anyways
Apr 11 2010 6:57PM
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JStrathern
Posts: 8747 - Karma: 1,536
howd you cut the angle iron that short? i went to ace hardware to buy some, and the shortest they had was 3 feet and they said they dont cut that stuff
Apr 11 2010 7:24PM
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1337
Posts: 31059 - Karma: 29,329
cut it yourself would be my guess, just get a three or four foot section and cut it in half
Apr 11 2010 7:27PM
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JStrathern
Posts: 8747 - Karma: 1,536
and how would i go about this if i am not a construction worker?
Apr 11 2010 8:04PM
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Sklar
Posts: 8864 - Karma: 31,612
very carefully
Apr 11 2010 8:06PM
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rigzz
Posts: 1768 - Karma: 147

You have a bunch of choice.

[IMG]tool-net.co.uk/data/tools/grga9020kd.jpg[/IMG]

or

Click for larger image

or

Click for larger image

Apr 11 2010 9:30PM
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