How can I put this on a tripod?
 

Hi!

Actually I don´t like "home made things" because almost ever they look pretty awful :-) But I´m planning now to make my own crane.

I just need a simple one like this one here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ayphotohosting

It´s not very hard to built it but I´m asking how can I put it on a Manfrotto 503?

Any idea?

THANKS !

I wouldn't put the crane directly on the head of a tripod. I would take the head off the tripod and mount the crane directly to the 3/8" mounting stud.

thats true but maybe sometime I want to use it with an other tripod that doesnt have the same size like manfrottos. so the only solution is to mount it on the head but I´ve no idea how to mount it very firm?

thanks

Hi Stefan...............
 

The simple answer is that you can't.

The attachment on most consumer/ prosumer tripods heads and cameras is a measly 1/4" X 20 BSW screw.

It is simply not possible or sane to think that this will adequately hold the combined weight of jib, counterweights and camera (possibly in excess of 30 kg).

The only way to mount this on a standard 75/ 100 mm bowl tripod is to remove the head from the tripod completely, attach the jib to a plate (if it isn't alread on one), put a bolt through the centre passing through the tripod receiver hole and screw an appropriately sized washer and nut onto the protruding bolt under the receiver (if you use the same size bolt as is used on a Manfrotto half bowl adapter, then you can use the clamp handle and grip cup from your Manfrotto head to secure the bolt).

Simple.


CS


PS. The tripod in that picture is actually a surveying unit designed with a flat plate on top to accept survey instruments. Thus, easy to bolt to. A standard video tripod has a completely different construction.

Hm ok thanks! But I found this picture here and a crane is seen mounted on a head http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...641#post823641 ?

What do you think about such a construction?

Hi again......
 

That last link you posted takes me straight back to your original post for some strange reason - think you may have piced up the wrong link.


CS

oh sorry! I meant this here: http://www.bargain-camera.com/produc...200_image2.jpg

From what I can make out.............
 

They've used a rectangular base plate on the jib and attached it to the slide plate of the head using twin 3/8" screws.

You'll notice, however, that the head in question (and all related bits) is about 5 times the size and capacty of a Manfrotto 503, ditto the tripod.

(I know you didn't mention your tripod, but if it's got a 503 on it, I guess it isn't exactly built like the Eiffel Tower).

Such a system is certainly do - able, but whether it would be safe in the event of an accident concerning the dolly mounted rig in the first link is open to question.

The capacity rating of a 503 is 6kg max. Even using the twin 3/8" screw sysem, it simply would not be safe with a full jib load on it.

If the only reason to attempt it is to have a "pan" function, it would be infinately better to dipense with the head and ensure the jib centre section had a "pan" function of it's own.


CS