So I’m almost done with my Merlin Steadicam. I just need to figure out what i want to do for the area that actually holds the camera. The system is pretty simple. I used some washers as counter weights and the handle sits on a gimbal (a universal joint and 2 bearings). The gimbal reduces a majority of hand jitters and the counter weights do a pretty good job at taking care of the rest.
Everything was bought from Home Depot excluding the universal joints, I got those from a hobby shop). The entire project costs just under 60 bucks which isn’t bad considering the Tiffen steadicam costs just under 800 dollars.
As soon as i get the mount working I’ll put up some sample videos! (Also i need to trim the handle cause my gimbal is too long and it flexes.)
UPDATE I tested some footage with it today. My handle needs a complete redesign. It is clipping at some spot and causing the entire camera to pan. I shot for about a minute and my arm is really tired…. I knew i should have went PVC…..
UPDATE Reduced the amount i needed for counter-weights by extending the lower arm out another 6″. This made it a lot more stable with a lot less weight.
Really good work about this website was done. Keep trying more – thanks!
Comment by Yahoouj — February 23, 2010 @ 2:45 am
Try trimming the excess off the half-shafts (the part attached to the bearings) and sinking the bearings into their housings as much as possible to bring the handle and mounting piece closer together. That excess could throw off the center of gravity and make it more unstable (and tire your arms more).
Comment by Angelus857 — February 25, 2010 @ 9:18 pm