PVC Camera Shoulder Rig

There are all kinds of PVC shoulder rig tutorials on the web, but this design is created specifically for a DSLR camera!
Made from 1/2 Inch PVC, here is a simple totally customizable 'spider-brace' style shoulder rig!

Though this design was created for use with a DSLR camera, ANY camera will work and this rig will give you stable and smooth camera shots with camera's as small as a iphone or flip all the way up!

Keep in mind, this is just my design, mostly for a guide for you to go out and make something even better!
Let's get started!

Remove these ads by Signing Up

Step 1: Here's what you'll need:

1/2 Inch PVC/ Connections

5 90°angle
6 45°angle
2 T joint
3 6 ½-7 Straight
2 5 ½ Straight
2 2 ½ Straight
9 1 ½ Straight

PVC Conduit Electric box – Side access panel
lower and back fittings.

PVC primer/glue

PVC Cutters

For the Camera base you'll need:
1 2inch ¼-20 thread thumbscrew
2 Nuts
1 spring

Some optional things would be:
Black tape/paint
Bike hand grips
Pipe insulation

RaminPahlevani says: Mar 7, 2013. 1:34 PM

thanks very usfull.

azurelupine says: Jan 9, 2013. 11:48 PM

I want to build one for film use, I'll be adding a shutter release cable mount on the right hand grip as a thumb-button and a mount for a laser-aiming point (I'll be using this for extreme-distance telephoto work). The laser will only be used to "set up" the field of view of the intended picture and is turned off before snapping the shot (unless I'm using a recticled lens ;p) As for mounting problems, a bit of leather with a rubber top (think slice of inner-tube) should suffice.

antlefty says: Oct 18, 2012. 12:45 PM

I appreciate the build, and the concept, but if you are using a DLSR with anything more than just the DSLR it may be too heavy.

Another problem, like everyone else is running into the actual camera attachment. Mine either does not want to stay secure or it moves and slides. I guess I will try leather next or a heavy rubber.

vigorotaku in reply to antleftyNov 27, 2012. 6:50 AM

Nice Rig setup! Thanks for the instructable.

I set up a Rig with the Atomos Ninja-2 on the Nikon D4.

From my blog:
Once set up all I have to do is start Live View (in video mode) and start the Ninja-2 recording. When I cycle the Live View button on the D4, the Ninja-2 starts recording when Live View is on and stops when I shut it off. Each time the Ninja-2 creates a new file for the next take. I turn on the Focus Peaking to ensure perfect focus and it stays on the whole time (does not reset when Live View is cycled). Perfection!

Check out my rig
here

Dan at Vigorotaku

segalmedia says: Jul 20, 2012. 10:45 AM

I see all the comments regarding camera slipping. I tried all the suggestions with not much success. Any other ideas as to clever ways to keep the camera stable?

knoptop (author) in reply to segalmediaJul 20, 2012. 5:24 PM

Adding some foam padding, or foam drawer liner between the camera and the base should stop any camera slipping. The other issue may be the tightening nut on the bolt, you may need to exchange it for a wingnut and add it to the outside so you can tighten it after the bolt has been snugged up.

kdurkin says: Nov 18, 2011. 3:50 PM

hi,

I am having a problem getting the camera itself attached. it wants to swivel around, how can i secure it better? any info greatly appreciated.

mbravo3 in reply to kdurkinJul 14, 2012. 10:31 PM

I used an old leather coaster. It was thin enough for the thread but just thick enough to hold securely in place.

OpenSourceBrain in reply to kdurkinJul 10, 2012. 10:09 AM

Maybe buy a cheap tripod head and use that.

knoptop (author) in reply to kdurkinApr 14, 2009. 3:18 PM

Glueing some 'no-slip' foam drawer liner onto the platform could help this problem.

mbravo3 says: Apr 14, 2009. 3:46 PM

This is awesome. I also added 2 1/8 jacks. They are linked to each other that way I can add a sony mic if needed.

Tomcat94 says: Feb 29, 2012. 2:41 PM

This is pretty neat! I wonder if you could somehow invert this design and adjust it in order to have a third person "over the shoulder" perspective similar to Resident Evil for home made movies or something.

prps says: Jan 13, 2012. 7:16 AM

Thanks for all your great vids. Here's a pic of what I made with your instructions. I did use a "T" conduit box so I could have an input for a mic and instead of foam padding, I used an old ankle weight, that I put grommets in and ziptied to the rear.