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January, 2025

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$ 0,- Steadicam picture tutorial.

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Laurent.
Posts: 10056 - Karma: 25,311
Oke first things first, this isn’t intended to be anything that it isn’t, no it doesn’t have a gimball, but steadicam sounded more catchy then “Video stabilizing rig”, it definitely isn’t the best (what do you expect for $ 0,-) but I’ve used this successfully in the past and it’s better then nothing.
And this guide is also meant to inspire, be creative and make your own. So without any further ado:


What do you need?


1. Tripod with center pole that can be removed, like the Manfrotto 144B I used.
2. Metal plug thingy used in exercise benches.
3. Some halter weights that you bought years ago to get rid of your scrawny physique but didn’t use more then two times.

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Step #1

Remove the rubber plug from the center pole.

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Step #2

Remove center pole.

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EXTRA TRICK TIP:
(If you insert it upside down you now have worlds lowest tripod.)


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Step #3


Slide appropriate amount of weights on the center pole.

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Step #4

Secure the weights by putting the plug trough the holes at the end of the center pole.

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Step #5

Attach camera, use it, make steady video, become pro, acquire currency and disregard females.

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Oct 1 2012 5:06PM
1 0
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Laurent.
Posts: 10056 - Karma: 25,311
I broke NS with my post...
It's not appearing in the forum list..
Oct 1 2012 5:17PM
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Mag
Posts: 8155 - Karma: 14,804
God that's elegantly simple, the only problem I ever had was finding weights that I could attach for a glidecam without spending a ton of money, never though about putting a bolt underneath it, ended up melting lead around bolts, would have been nice to find this.
Oct 1 2012 5:32PM
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Bmo.
Posts: 4908 - Karma: 2,669
just dont bend the pole...
Oct 1 2012 7:19PM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10056 - Karma: 25,311
This is an old Manfrotto made from actually rather thick aluminum tubing.

I've had it for 12+ years and it's bloody indestructible. It even has been hit by a car in an drifting accident.

Also the forces pull down, unless you do something freaky I don't see how you could bend it, unless you bend the laws of nature itself.
Oct 1 2012 7:24PM
0 0
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Bmo.
Posts: 4908 - Karma: 2,669
Haha I guess you're good then. Great idea btw
Oct 1 2012 7:49PM
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norgeanders
Posts: 1051 - Karma: 367
threads.
Oct 1 2012 8:15PM
0 0
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sweatshirt
Posts: 1357 - Karma: 483
why DIY when you could spend 60 bucks on that other guys version of this though?
Oct 2 2012 1:32AM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10056 - Karma: 25,311
That's just a block of wood with heavy ends, give me 1 hour and I've made that.

Can't be bothered to make it do.
Oct 2 2012 4:19AM
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Bmo.
Posts: 4908 - Karma: 2,669
check your meter
Oct 2 2012 4:23AM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10056 - Karma: 25,311
It's early morning and I'm out of coffee, my meter isn't working yet.
Oct 2 2012 4:24AM
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C.A.V.
Posts: 1706 - Karma: 1,644
post a video of it so we can see how steady it actually is! nice idea tho man!
Oct 2 2012 8:54AM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10056 - Karma: 25,311
The only camera I have that is capable of taking decent video was stolen a couple of months ago, so I can't.

But I can assure you it's steadier then just using your arms.
Oct 5 2012 9:14AM
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