Thanks to a tip from Tim for sending this in. Here's a clever LCD View finder from Vimeo member Alan Morris. Crafted from Plexi Glass and a Child's Binocular toy for the magnification piece, this view finder looks pretty legit. Alan also throws in an interesting way to mount and release the view finder from the camera. More of the details can be found at the video description following the link: https://www.vimeo.com/15912528
DIY Equipment
DIY DSLR Top Handle
Eric writes in with a modified screwdriver mounted to a flexible Umbrella bracket combined to create a DIY DSLR top handle. There's more photos and a better idea on how it's all put together found over at his Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/100thousandquestions/5088164615/in/set-72157625055308483/
DIY Camera / Lens Custom Formed Cases
Here's a couple of DIY Custom Form Molded Cases from Vimeo member Roberto Caverra and Bernie Hipos. A couple of peeps with some DIY inspiration on camera bags and rolling cases.
Email from Roberto Below -
Hey, simple idea using expanding foam in a can. $20 case bought at a flee market, $10 foam can.
1. I covered all my equip very well with something like Cine foil and spaced them out to my liking.
2. Sprayed the expanding foam around cam body and lenses.
3. Once it was dry (about 24hrs) I removed equip and sprayed foam black.Lenses and Cam body fit very snug and there is no movement once lid is closed. The cool thing is that you can cut it easily once dry.
In hindsight, I could have used more foam. I wasn't sure how much it was going to expand.
It's definitely a custom form mold to tightly hold the gear. I'm thinking another thin layer of black foam over the top and nobody would ever know what lies beneath.
[Thanks Roberto]
For a Roller bag, Bernie Hipos writes in with a tip on using Foam Fabric from your local Fabric store (below). You can find the full WordPress post at his blog here: https://berniehipos.com/2010/10/17/diy-thinktank-bag/img_4402/. Cut out the forms for your gear and double layer it up to sandwich. Keeps things from shifting around during travel, as well as a bit of cushion to absorb shock impacts.
[Thanks Bernie]
DIY Camera ‘Ladder Dolly’ Designed Slider
Vimeo member J.G. Pasterjak shows how you can take a few pieces of angled iron, 8 skate wheels, and some miscellaneous nuts and bolts to whip up a 'Ladder Dolly' inspired slider design. He doesn't really mention the words Ladder Dolly, but this design has basically been around for quite a while. Cheap ladder dollies although will still run you upwards of $700 dollars, and that's still missing the $100+ dollar Ladder. His design if being selective of where you choose your parts, in my own head, i'm estimating still falls under the $45 dollar mark and you can get away with just about anything for rails. You can find his DIY video here: DIY Inexpensive Camera Slider.
Below i've embedded a video from Hague showcasing the layout of wheels used for a Ladder Dolly Design. You can find more information about the Hague here: Video Camera Ladder Dolly System
If you're not the DIY type and want a cheap rail slider, the best deal so far and most popular is the IGUS kit from Amazon. You can see my IGUS DIY build here: http://cheesycam.com/diy-camera-slider/. Some IGUS systems cost around $80 dollars, but I suggest going for the wider rail that's already pre-drilled and just about ready to go. Found here: IGUS Linear Motion System for Camera Sliders - pre-drilled version
Offset and Raised for DIY Shoulder Support
Vimeo member Tim Perkins looks to be a clever DIY guy. You can see him working a DIY LCD Viewfinder on his 550D. This time Tim takes a hint from a previously shared video found here: http://cheesycam.com/tripod-to-shoulder-support/ about using a tripod as a simple 'shoulder support' and finds gold in an old Bogen 3D tripod head. Using a monopod for the shoulder support, the configuration of this Bogen 3025 3D head helps position the camera to a better viewing height as well as being offset. Looks pretty stable as is, but curious if a handle, shoulder pad, and some counterweight could add some enhancements.
Not sure if it's the same, but this is the only version that shows up:
DIY Follow Focus from Fishing Gear
DIY DSLR follow focus systems are just one of those fun projects we try and tackle, and at the same time keep it simple and under a few bucks. One of the hardest parts to tackle is the ergonomics of controlling the lens with a 90 degree transmission of some sort. Thanks to a tip from dslrdiy.co.uk for pointing out this interesting DSLR follow focus setup with a basic fishing reel from Vimeo member Kemal Güven Erakbaş. Come to think of it, fishing reels are probably one of the most refined 90 degree transmissions. Smooth bearings can crank pounds of tension with ease, can be fairly quite, and speed crank included! Long focus pulls can be done with ease. Some big manufacturer out there needs to reverse engineer this crank into an entirely new Follow Focus transmission.
You hear the operator throwing out some queues on what item is quickly being focused on and it seems to work smooth and fast. Since you're listening to the audio from his camera, you'll notice there isn't much noise from the fishing reel. I guess he didn't set the drag, LOL. Yes it does look quite odd, but with some effort, there's probably more ways to break the molds of these fishing reels down further, or possibly just adding wheels and gears if you're going for a different look. It's definitely a clear path a cheap DIY follow focus system which already lives in the corner of your garage.
Obviously something you're not going to be shopping for at the Camera stores, so cheapest bet probably lies over at eBay. I'm not an expert fisherman, but i'm assuming any decent reel with the switch off will have a reversible option. There's some closeout prices over at eBay for a bunch of Quantum Reels found here: Quantum Fishing Reels at Closeout Prices
Better platform for Camera Sliders
Wow, we've got some really creative people out there. I'm shooting an event today (which i'm supposed to be doing right now), but I really had to take time out and share this idea. Evan Burns sent me an email about trying to solve unstable footing for his camera slider. Of course the first thing that comes to mind is to use multiple tripods or lightstands, but he's got a better idea. Taking a tip from my recent SpiderTrax Dolly DIY with a pair of sawhorses, Evan stumbles on to a really great 'cheap single sawhorse' with individual adjustable legs. The entire unit collapses into a single rail. He's using a few clamps to keep things together, but i'm thinking go for it and just permanently bolt that bad body down. The slider works even when the sawhorse is collapsed which I think makes for a great DIY platform for ground use. Good job Evan, thanks for making me late today too! Check out the video above, here's the link to the unit: Heavy Duty Steel Adjustable Saw Horse
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If you don't already have a slider, this is based on IGUS linear guide rails. IGUS has been so popular with camera sliders, they are now providing several kits in different sizes to make this DIY camera slider much easier to build. Here's the link: IGUS Camera Slider Kits
DIY Apple Canon T2i Charger
This one goes out to Kay for submitting this great little tip. As small as it might be, this one really rocks in my book! The Canon LP-E6 chargers have a nice little flip out plug to go directly into the wall. This means 5D Mark II, 7D, and 60D chargers pack up nice and tidy. What about T2i owners? Stuck with a charger that needs a cord to plug in? Kay dropped this on me this morning showing me how the T2i charger can be neatly packed away by using a simple Apple adapter - No cables required. Thanks Kay you rock on this one, leave some comments if you think this is a helpful tip. If you guys don't happen to have the Apple adapter, there's a ton over at eBay for less than a cup of Java (Click Here).
Apple AC Wall Adapter
Also available via Amazon for $3 bucks + Free Prime Shipping (Click Here).
Apple AC Wall Adapter
NeoPrene DSLR Covers get the Logo
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Somehow a swarm of these NeoPrene DSLR covers are suddenly showing up. Nifty little protectors that can help prevent scuff, scratches, and dust to your cameras while packing things up. Usually found for around $6.00 dollars, they are now sporting a variety of popular logos, coming in different sizes, and a few different colors. Link: NeoPrene Camera Case Cover for DSLR's.