DSLR Camera 15mm Rails Platform

thingiverse

I've been working on a motion control rig for several years, initially using a Sony F3 camera. However, after selling the F3, I was left with only my Nikon DSLR to test the rig. As I lacked a way to attach focus and zoom motors or even mount the camera onto the rig, I decided to create a complete 3D printed camera platform for it. Searching online for existing solutions proved fruitless as nothing suited my requirements exactly, so I designed everything from scratch in OpenSCAD. Due to my limited experience with the software, the code is far from perfect, thus I won't be sharing the source files unless requested. The camera platform was designed to fit directly into a Bogen tripod quick release plate for simplicity. However, if your tripod plate requires a different design, you can either modify my bottom plate or create a new one altogether. Using the rig comes with inherent risks, as it supports $5k worth of camera equipment. While I'm confident in the printed parts' ability to handle the load, accidents cannot be entirely ruled out. The rig also utilizes my 15mm Stepper Motor Rail Mounts, which have their own dedicated page for downloading the STL file. It's essential to note that the 15mm rods are standard rods and not printed components, sourced from Filmtools. To assemble the rig, you will need 1/4-20 Panhead screws (available at Home Depot) for attaching the platforms to the vertical posts. The holes in the vertical rails can be tapped with a 1/4-20 tap, although tapping tools are not included. You'll also require 1/4-20 hex nuts and bolts for fixing the rail holders to the vertical posts and gripping the rails. The camera is secured on the platform using a thumb bolt, while rod blocks are fixed with an extended thumb bolt. The 15mm rails use a shallow extended thumb bolt. Essentially, these are all variations of the same thumb bolt with different depths to suit specific purposes. The lens support has been customized for my 24-70mm Nikon lens, so you may need to adjust its diameter for your lens. If you obtain the OpenSCAD source from me, you might be able to figure it out on your own. There is an off-center bolt hole in the rail holders, which I have been unable to correct. If any OpenSCAD expert can help with this issue, please do. Don't forget to share a photo of your completed rig for others to admire!