DIY Fig Rig for Small Cameras
Intro: DIY Fig Rig for Small Cameras
With this 'ible I will Show you how to make Your very own Fig Rig!
For anyone who doesn't know what a fig rig is, it is a camera stabilization device used by amateurs and the pro's to get that perfect shot. A perfect shot will cost you a lot with a professional Fig Rig and with a small camera on it, it will look quite ridiculous.
This Rig will work with basically any camera with Tripod Mount on the bottom.
For anyone who doesn't know what a fig rig is, it is a camera stabilization device used by amateurs and the pro's to get that perfect shot. A perfect shot will cost you a lot with a professional Fig Rig and with a small camera on it, it will look quite ridiculous.
This Rig will work with basically any camera with Tripod Mount on the bottom.
STEP 1: What a Pro Fig Rig Is
These rig are great for big cameras, and big spenders. This model can go for upwards of $300-$400 and is not built for a small cameras, it would look pretty ridiculous to use with a small camera.
What they do- Fig Rigs are used to get stable shots while taking pictures or mostly used for a nice stable shot when videotaping someone. The problem with any camera while filming is you are most likely using one hand which results in unusable amount of shakiness. With the Fig Rig, you are using two hands and will result in getting a very stable shot.
What they do- Fig Rigs are used to get stable shots while taking pictures or mostly used for a nice stable shot when videotaping someone. The problem with any camera while filming is you are most likely using one hand which results in unusable amount of shakiness. With the Fig Rig, you are using two hands and will result in getting a very stable shot.
STEP 2: What You Need
Very Simple Design, most can be ordered online
Materials-
1. A 10" Practice pad, This is the most expensive part if you don't have one laying around like I did. Or you can ask one of your drummer friends for one
You can find one here: http://tinyurl.com/8m33csp
2. Mini Ball Head
You can find one here: http://tinyurl.com/8ls652v
3. Optional Gopro Tripod Mount (required if you want to put a Gopro on this)
You can find one here: http://tinyurl.com/9a6cojl
4. Bolts that will fit the 8 Screws on the practice pad, I found that skateboard hardware bolts fit exactly the same screws I had.
If you do not skateboard, you can go to youre local skateshop and ask for a couple or just ask one of your skate friends, they should have some lying around
You can find them here: http://tinyurl.com/cmdo2hb
5.A flat piece of metal, 1" wide 1/8" thick 3' long. you need only 7" total
Hardware Store
6. Screw to Fit the Mini Ball head bottom. (1/4"x20 thread and 1/2" long) and washers that will fit
Hardware Store
7. Optional Spray paint of your color choice
Hardware store
Tools
1. Drill w/ 3/16" and 1/4" Drill bits
2. Screw Driver (i used my drill)
3. Hacksaw
4. Either belt sander, sandpaper, or file
Materials-
1. A 10" Practice pad, This is the most expensive part if you don't have one laying around like I did. Or you can ask one of your drummer friends for one
You can find one here: http://tinyurl.com/8m33csp
2. Mini Ball Head
You can find one here: http://tinyurl.com/8ls652v
3. Optional Gopro Tripod Mount (required if you want to put a Gopro on this)
You can find one here: http://tinyurl.com/9a6cojl
4. Bolts that will fit the 8 Screws on the practice pad, I found that skateboard hardware bolts fit exactly the same screws I had.
If you do not skateboard, you can go to youre local skateshop and ask for a couple or just ask one of your skate friends, they should have some lying around
You can find them here: http://tinyurl.com/cmdo2hb
5.A flat piece of metal, 1" wide 1/8" thick 3' long. you need only 7" total
Hardware Store
6. Screw to Fit the Mini Ball head bottom. (1/4"x20 thread and 1/2" long) and washers that will fit
Hardware Store
7. Optional Spray paint of your color choice
Hardware store
Tools
1. Drill w/ 3/16" and 1/4" Drill bits
2. Screw Driver (i used my drill)
3. Hacksaw
4. Either belt sander, sandpaper, or file
STEP 3: Taking Care of the Drum Pad
First, you will need to take all the screws out with a screwdriver. All you need is the hoop that comes off and the screws that it comes with.
What you Don't need is the drum head, foam, and the clear plastic that covers the foam.
Make sure to keep the screws and the hoop, that is all you need.
What you Don't need is the drum head, foam, and the clear plastic that covers the foam.
Make sure to keep the screws and the hoop, that is all you need.
STEP 4: Working the Metal
In this step you will need to cut the piece of metal you bought to 7 inches. Since the metal is square and the ring is round, you will need to round the bottom corners of the metal.
They do not need to be the same or perfect in any matter.
Once you're done with that step, place the metal on the drum ring and mark where the drill holes will need to go.
Drill using a 3/16" bit.
Then find the Absolute center of the metal width and length, mark with a sharpie.
Drill using a 1/4" bit.
They do not need to be the same or perfect in any matter.
Once you're done with that step, place the metal on the drum ring and mark where the drill holes will need to go.
Drill using a 3/16" bit.
Then find the Absolute center of the metal width and length, mark with a sharpie.
Drill using a 1/4" bit.
STEP 5: Final Build
This step is really easy, just get the piece of metal and put it over the two holes in the picture and put 2 of the screws that came with the drum pad in and use a nut or what I used was a nut from some skateboard hardware and tighten securely.
And finally, put the 1/4"X20 screw thats 1/2" and put it through so the threads are on the far side as if you are holding it, put 2 washers then your mini ball head.
Tighten securely and you're done!
And finally, put the 1/4"X20 screw thats 1/2" and put it through so the threads are on the far side as if you are holding it, put 2 washers then your mini ball head.
Tighten securely and you're done!
STEP 6: Get Out and Film!
Once you have completed assembly, just attach your camera and have at it!
People who see what I'm using to film always ask what it is and where they can get one, just tell them to get their wondering minds over to this instructible and they will have all their questions answered!
People who see what I'm using to film always ask what it is and where they can get one, just tell them to get their wondering minds over to this instructible and they will have all their questions answered!
STEP 7: Comparison (Read First)
READ BEFORE WATCHING
The reason the running sways is because when I filmed it, I wasn't paying attention about it.
And the reason the walking was so shaky and the rest of the outside is because i filmed this in the morning, and it was quite cold.
All Filmed with the Gopro Hero 3
The reason the running sways is because when I filmed it, I wasn't paying attention about it.
And the reason the walking was so shaky and the rest of the outside is because i filmed this in the morning, and it was quite cold.
All Filmed with the Gopro Hero 3
6 Comments
eGadgetGuy 8 years ago
At first I thought that was the ring from a lazy susan. Maybe that would work as a replacement for a drum ring.
5ephiroth 9 years ago
So you wrote it would look weird with a smal cam and are using it with a GoPro? ^^ I'm going to tie my goPro to an old steering wheel :)
shakescar 10 years ago
For the cross piece, I used 3/4 inch PVC, and stuck a piece of dowel in each end and secured through the bike wheel with drywall screws and then ran 1/4 bolts through the pipe and dowel to keep the mount upright and serve as accessory attachments, if needed. Hope you guys like it.
amandaghassaei 11 years ago
KnownGroove 11 years ago
KnownGroove 11 years ago
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh96tDA-AJg&list=UUNNdJ1g-_GBwbw_2xAtOqPQ&index=5