DSLR Cage (15mm Rail) Remix- with Lasers!

thingiverse

This is the second remix I did of http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:29677 for a film class I took last month. The other one is here: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1593998. I created this custom rig for a short film on spaying and neutering dogs, which doesn't typically happen in Chinese culture, so I needed to be able to move around and shoot very low at dog height. To achieve this, I designed this unique camera support system. To help me frame my shots accurately without peering down, I also incorporated two cross-shaped lasers into the design, creating a makeshift viewfinder. However, I ended up not using it in the final film due to concerns that the light might be too intense for the dogs' sensitive eyes. The included rail clamps are compatible with 12mm lasers and can accommodate either cross or line lasers. I opted for cross-shaped lasers initially but think lines would have worked better; simply position them just outside of where the camera crops the image. Similar to the original design, this custom rig requires 15mm and 20mm aluminum tubing. I used thicker tubing than necessary (15mm OD/10mm ID and 20mm OD/12mm ID), which is reflected in the end plugs. Although not essential, they do enhance the overall appearance of the system. To provide a secure base, I employed 17mm wide, 10mm high screw-on rubber feet. The thumbwheels can be found here: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:11848. For further details on required hardware, please refer to the original model. Here is the parts list: * 2 DSLR_Cage_base pieces * 2 DSLR_Cage_handle pieces * 2 DSLR_Cage_std_clamp pieces * 1 DSLR_Cage_laser_viewfinder_extended_knob (optional) * 4 15mm_foot_plug pieces * 4 15mm_end_plug pieces * 1 camera_plate_1-4_20 or 1 camera_plate_3-8