Hi Robin,

Nice pic with your FX1 mounted on the DIY slider.

Is your DIY like Alistair's SD Glidetrack, or is it similar to his new HD (heavy duty) track? Can't quite tell from your photo.

Best,

Jeff,
It's the standard 60cm track, not the HD one. I was just trying the FX1 out on it - and it was fine.
Of course, the wider track would be better I'm sure. I think that I might well invest in that next.
Where I work, we are thinking about mounting a Digibeta on the system, so the widest track would have to be used...

Regards

I'm in the process of building my own unit and I've had a look at Robin's latest pic and the Glidetrack version, and as far as I can make out, Robin's slider appears to use the same track as Alastair's HD version.

I think if you go much wider, you get into almost 'industrial' use - and end up with a girder - fine for a studio, but becoming a lot less practical in terms of portability.

You might also encounter different stability/support issues with a much larger unit.

BTW: Robin, how many cameras do you have? In each set of pix there seems to be a different one?!

I had a very slight problem with my Glidetrack, phoned Alistair at 4pm and a new part arrived at 10am the following morning !! Can't fault that sort of service can you?

Peter

Does anyone know what the hi-hat type bowl is in this picture on the glidetrack website? http://www.glidetrack.com/images/007%20(Small).jpg

Duncan

edit Alistair has told me it's this: http://www.warehouseexpress.com/prod...px?sku=1007962

It looks nice, but those it not make any sounds? It seams to me like it would be "sliding" sounds whit that construction. And how well do it slides?

Here you go:
Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging | 325N Video Head Adapter Bowl | 325N

Hi Folks,

Just an update: went ahead and ordered from Igus today.

Really wanted the Pocket Dolly from Kessler, but couldn't scrape enough pennies for it.

Will need the assistance of my father in law to jimmy up the dolly to the tripod.

I'll try and post back when I get the delivery, and have the dolly setup.

Best,

Hi Folks,

Received the Igus parts the last week of May; but wasn't able to set it all up until recently. I'm really a clutz at tools (a hack at best :), so had my father in law help me out.

Here are the results:

DIYDolly_01 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

I did take it out and shot our backyard on the HV30, but I've yet to capture the footage in the NLE. I even tried it with the XL2. And let me tell you, my heart was palpitating every time I reached near the end of the dolly track!

Best,

Glad you've put it together at last, BUT, - you have to make end stops for it!!!

You are so right Robin! Right now, I have four pieces of rubber bands, two at either end, "stopping" the camera from sliding off :)

BTW, I plan on changing tripod heads, and only have owned a Libec. I use the Manfrotto legs (as seen in the pics), but want to know if Manfrotto/Bogen heads screw on the carriage truck easily. (My Libec H22 has a 2 inch long bolt that will not screw onto the carriage.) I was checking out the 701HDV head as they're inexpensive (but probably won't support the weight of an XL2); but I may need to get the 501HDV head instead? Or do you think your Velbon can support the weight?

Best,

Jeff,
Funny you should mention the 701 head, since I took delivery of it last week!
It's very good for the price, and I am now using it on the Velbon legs for the little Canon HF10. The Velbon head is now on the slider - and I have a Manfrotto 75mm half-ball permanently screwed onto the slider. This lets me put it straight onto the 525 legs (still with me?) and makes it very easy to level the whole thing.
I'm keeping the 503 head available for use on the 525 legs only. Everything has now got a Manfrotto plate or adapter fitted (even the Velbon) so everything is quickly interchangeable.
As for your questions, The Manfrotto heads have a 3/8ths hole, so depending on what screw you have on the carriage plate, you may need an adapter.
As for the question about weight, I've used my FX1 on the Velbon head, but it doesn't balance very well, so I guess that it would be the same for your XL1.

I'm kinda thinking of the same setup (unless I'm visualizing something completely different :)--which is to have the dolly track mounted on a tripod and fluid head, then mount another fluid head on the carriage. Hmmm...I'm also thinking I'm going to kindly request for photos of you current setup :)

The current legs I'm using is an old Bogen photog tripod (# 3221), which is strong enough for the dolly/carriage/HV30 setup; but wobbly (and heart stopping) with the extra added weight of the XL2. I have a Libec (75mm bowl) tripod that I'd like to use, but would need an adapter to screw onto the dolly track. Can you recommend one?

Best,

Jeff,
I'm thinking that you one pan/tilt head too many in the equasion :-)
If you use the Libec legs with a 75mm bowl, then you could attach the slider to this:
Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging | 520BALL 75mm Half Ball | 520BALL

You can keep the top flat part permanently on the slider by screwing it into a large 3/8" nut - and then drop the ball part into the bowl and level it and tighten. Easy!

That's exactly what I'm looking for! Thanks Robin for that link.

Might have to consider the 501HDV head to screw onto the carriage, to support the weight of the XL2.

Best,

I located pretty much the same rails and carriage here in Australia if anyone is interested.
For a 36" rail and 100mm (sorry about cross measurements) carriage, the cost is around AUSD$370. They are available from Treotham - Treotham Automation in Brookvale. Tel: 02-9907 1788

DIY Slider - cost?
 

Looks very good, but how much did you end up spending?

Hi Stefan,

I think I ended up paying something like $158 (US dollars, including the shipping) for the dolly and carriage parts. (Then maybe a few more extra dollars for wing nuts and some bolts :)

I've put my DIY dolly on the shelf for a bit cause we've been in post mode the last month or so.

Hope to post up some footage with the dolly in action soon.

Best,

Thanks for the update

A few weeks ago, before I read this topic, I happen to run into the Igus rail + slider via a Dutch website and ordered 1.5 mtr. With that I build my own glidetrack. Now I see this topic and thought: I might as well share my findings.
The first (without head) and second (with head) test results can be seen on Vimeo (here and here). I discovered that smooth gliding is something you have to learn and doesn't come by itself. And after a long doubt I rubbed some olive oil to the rails with made it slide like a charm. I now can give the slider a push at one end and it slides 1.5 mtr to the end by itself. And for a simple straight slide I now use a small rubber band with wich I pull the slider (as low as possible).
But I did not succeed yet in sliding and using the head at the same time. I thought that would make it possible to "curve" around the subject. But that needs a lot more practicing I'm afraid. On the fotos is the first setup I tried. In the meantime I bought myself a new Manfrotto tripod with a new head and screwed a few QR adapters here and there so now everything is quick interchangeable. Next to test is with the XHA1 instead of the HV30.

Thanks Robin for posting this, I ordered the rail and carriage parts from Igus they have a warehouse or factory in Oregon. I have two light weight tripods Im going to see if they work with this, and I ordered a Heavy Duty 3-way Tripod Head to mount somehow on the carriage. I dont have any of the parts yet and i have no idea how i will put it together any suggestions would be appreciated. Did anyone come up with something like the black plastic or rubber feet on each end of the glidecam? and what about stops so the camera doesnt fall off the end of the rail? really looks like when im done im saving $100 USD hope its worth it.

DIY 39" Slider
 

Joe,

If you go to this web address you will find a complete detailed set of instructions for putting you DIY slider using ingus parts together. I put mine together recently - easy. Took about 30 min.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=145701

Best,

Mike

Sorry, I started this thread and stopped checking it.

The best way to order the parts is to CALL them. They're friendly and competent. As has been stated, the Igus website is daunting.

The parts are made in Germany, and everyone knows the Germans make great stuff. This materials are bulletproof and rock solid. The heaviest cam I've used on it is a JVC HD100 with heavy duty battery and a Firestore and it's still solid. That's in the pics in the original post.

Because is so solid and heavy and well machined, you have to be careful moving it, any tilt beyond horizontal and the carriage takes off like stray canon ball on Galleon deck. For that reason, I put stoppers on each end to keep the carriage from sliding completely off. This is especially wise for mishaps occurring when the camera is STILL attached to the carriage! Been there, almost done that. I just tapped each end of the rail and threaded a couple of 3/8 hex bolts.

Another smart thing is to put a monopod, mic boom or something on both ends of the rail, so the whole rig won't tip when you slide to the edges. And while you're at it, sand bag the tripod.

They're easy to use, even your first attempt will look good, not like learning to fly a Stedicam for example.

One thing no one seems to know about yet is the limitation on rail length, I can't think of any reason why it wouldn't work perfectly on a two meter rail for example.

For pushes, you might consider an extension so the camera won't pick up the rail in frame. Something like this: Filmtools 4" Riser

Anyone every tried shortening their Igus bar? Mine is 39", I'd like to take a foot off or so.

Robin, loved the videos, and all the info.

I have just done a DIY using an old enlarger stand, about 30 inches long, works like a charm.

Thanks again.

I ordered a Filmtools extension riser for 25 bucks. They are beautifully made and work very well for pushes. Be advised you may need a $2 bushing to adapt the smaller tripod head as the riser has 3/8" threads.

I was going to shorten my 39" Igus slider to make it more portable. However now that I know you can easily use the Igus + DSLR as a mini jib, I think I'll keep it at 39". This jib set up is brilliant. Dunno why I never thought of it.

Canon 7D is so light you don't need counter weights.

Photo attached.

Nice! (More photos if possible) What head is that?

the big head is a Bogen 501, the head on the slider is a Slik -- a light inexpensive one, doesn't even have a model number on it.

so, would this be viable with a larger cam (xh-a1)?

Slider sizes.
 

Looking at the Slider track that Brian is using and the camera, do you think this track be would be strong enough and give enough stability for a Sony PMW-EX3 camera?

I see you can get wider tracks and carriages but the weight goes up considerably and cost too I guess.

this is what I use for both EX1 and 5D
with ingus rails being so inexpensive, I have three of them, 20" 40" and 60", but I rarely use 40" and 60" cuz for those I need 2 tripods;
20" is great on a single tripod, it's long enough for 3-4 sec. shot, and Manfrotto 322RC2 is strong ehough even for EX1 abd BP U60,
It is not as smooth as Cinevate's pegasus, and takes a bit more practice (like 5 minutes :) but it's lighter, smaller and much less expensive :)

Yes, I owned the EX3 and used this slider with it.

One point that can't be emphasized enough, the materials her are extremely robust.

Thanks for your feed back, I think I will go ahead and order a length of track and carriage. Will get the 150 mm long carriage.

Will give some feed back after a test run.

Thanks.

Looks great! Do have some sort of brake on your carriage? Looks different from mine.

yeah, i do, it is nice to have a brakes;
I super glued long nut with the bolt to the platform, one turn and it's not moving anywhere

So guys, u know convicted me to buy the pieces @igus. My idea is to buy 1 meter, my gear:
sony fx1, ares 2 tripod and cartoni focus.
So i should buy a new fluid head: which do you suggest:701 hdv or 501 hdv?
thx a lot

The 701 is bit lighter right? If so, I'd probably go with the slightly lighter one. If nothing else for convenience.

On the question of buying a new head in general, I think it's wise because it's annoying to have to remove the head off the tripod and it will also allow you to use it as a mini jib.

The igus parts arrived, now i m guessing if it's better one or 2 fluid heads....

Hi Marcus,

Congrats on your new DIY slider!

If you're going to be using the slider as a mini jib, then 2 fluid heads are the way to go. But if you're not going to be using it as a jib, then I still think 2 fluid heads are the way to go :)
Especially good for "weird" odd angles when dollying.

Best,