If you have seen the latest YouTube video, you are probably anxiously reading this, awaiting the juicy details on how you can fabricate your own snazzy Lens Hood, and rockin' dolly rig. I keep you waiting no longer.
Photos will follow the instructions for visual reference.
Camera Dolly Rig
Camera Dolly Rig
This is a very easy to build, quality camera dolly. It can be constructed in less than 2 hours, and costs no more than 30 dollars, maybe even 10.
Supplies
1x Half Sheet, 1/2 to 1 inch thickness plywood. Don't get anything thinner.
1x 2'x4' the cheap kind, used for framework (about $2.00 each)
3x Rubber caster wheels, swivel variety, screw on.
1x 1/4' self tapping (or machine) eyelet screw (with large eyelet)
2x 1 Foot, Elastic chord with large, rubber coated hooks.
1x collapsing tripod
12x Wood screws
Tools
Electric drill
Jigsaw(best)/handsaw/circular saw
Protractor
Pencil
Long ruler (meter stick)
1 1/2' Paddle Drill Bit
Fabrication
The first step is quite boring, but crucial. Lay out all of your parts and make sure you have everything. Take your sheet of plywood, and draw a 16inch by 16inch square, using a large ruler. From that, find the center by drawing a large X from each corner. Once center is found, use a protractor to find 120 degrees from one line of your X. Then from that 120 degree line, find another 120 degree angle. Once this is done, you should have a three lines, all of 120 degrees from each other, on your square. Now you can cut the square using a jigsaw.
Next you'll want to lay the uncut 2'x4' on your square, and line it's center line with one of the three 120 degree angles you just drew. Take your tripod, extend the legs fully, and place the center of the tripod, over the center of the square. Determine the length of the 2'x4' now by drawing a square line, 3 inches past where the foot of the tripod lays on the 2'x4'. You are now ready to cut your 2'x4'.
Using a jigsaw, circular saw, or hand saw (whatever is on hand) cut three lengths of 2'x4' making sure all are square, and of the same length. Take the pieces, which we will now call extensions to your plywood square. Lay out the extensions so that each center line, is in line with each 12o degree angle line. this should form a triangle between the pieces, make sure it is a complete triangle (no gaps at the corners) because it is the strongest way. Once all the extensions are lined up (forming a triangle, or 'mercedes' shape") place the tripod over top again to ensure they are going to accept each foot one they are affixed to the plywood base.
If the tripod feet line up with the extensions, you are ready to drill.
Using wood screws (preferably robinson) drill about 4 screws each per extension, ensuring that the base, is firmly attached to the extensions. Once this is done, you should have a plywood square, with 3 pieces of wood sticking out from it. We're almost there...
Most film equipment is painted matte black, because it doesn't reflect light into the shot. If you want to paint your dolly black, now is the time, before any further components are attached. Remember that wood soaks up spray paint, so have an extra can of matte black on hand, just in case.
Given that the dolly has dried for at least 3 hours, you can now affix the caster wheels. Caster wheel is basically a term, defining the type of wheel that pivots at a fixed point, like a desk chair wheel. We are using some much higher quality wheels here. Good quality casters can be purchased from places like Home Depot, Lowes, Industrial Supply Stores, or surplus stores (like princess auto for us Canadians) The wheels must have screw holes, and not a bolt attachment. Also, ensure that they are rubber coated, for smooth glide. If you are low on cash, or just can't find the casters, rip some off a rolling desk chair, they won't provide super smooth rolling or swiveling, but they work.
Take your wheels, and place them on the bottom edge of the extension, just past where the tripod foot lays, close to the edge. Just use a drill and pop four screws into the holes.
To ensure the tripod has lateral stability, we have to make sure there is something holding it there. Use a 1 1/2 inch paddle bit and drill holes, about a half an inch deeps where the tripod feet lay (3 positions if you wish)
To gain vertical stability, you need to install and eyelet hook at the very center of the base. You can use either self taping, or a bolt and nut combo, doesn't really matter. Just ensure that the eyelet is big enough, and strong enough to support the weight of two bungee chords. To affix your bungee chords, you can do what I do and put them on the vertical spreader arm of the tripod by 'wedging' the hooks per-say, on to the bar so that the downward force, and rubber coating together, hold them there. If this can't be achieved, you can attach the hooks to the top of your tripod, or the spreaders, still ensuring that there is equal force all around the center of the tripod, if not you could damage it.
Lastly, you will need to increase the dolly's strength just a bit. To do this, cut another 16'x16' square of plywood, and place it on the underside of your extensions, in the exact same place as the one on top.
If you want to make yours all spiffy, you can do what i did and add some cable hooks, grip tape, and accessory compartment. Use your imagination.
Finally, take it out on a warm, dry day, test it out! Send me your results!
Lens Hood
The lens hood is an icon of pro cameras, all of them have one. I'm sure you want one to. The lens hood does provide many benefits when shooting in sunlight, reducing glare, and so on. But basically, it just looks damn cool to have one. And if you are trying to get some risky shots, people take you more seriously if you have a pro looking camera. So listen up.
The lens hood I made was for a lens with a 37mm thread, although the design can be adapted to fit your camera's thread width.
You want to find a plastic bottle, preferably one that tapers from a square body to a circular spout. I used a vitamin bottle...mmm vitamins.
Take your bottle, cut off about 2/3 of the bottom, paint it matte black. Once it's dry, place a ring of electrical tape around the spout, and jam it into your threads.
There, you just spent about 2 dollars on something that usually costs 50. And you got the same result.
End Notes
So enjoy your new handmade gear, it is cheap, and should outlast the expensive pro crap. If you film anything using your new gear, hit us up at YouTube. I'd love to see your creation.
Photos
