| Build Your Own Shoulder
Brace and Camera Gun Stock
On the cheap construct your own digital video camera shoulder brace.
By Ryan Foss
| This hardware tutorial is aimed at the
independent and hobby filmmaker who is tired of holding their
camera for long periods of time. For the filmmaker who wants
a cheap alternative to expensive shoulder support rigs and
gizmos for their basic video cameras. |
|
| This design is simple. It uses common parts
found at the local hardware store. Fully assembled, it cost
me under $7 to put together.
While making a documentary I found it difficult
to hold a long, steady shot because of the awkwardness of
my GL1 and my weak muscles. The GL1 is a great camera, but
it isn't designed well for 30 minute impromptu interviews
outside. To alleviate myself of horrible arm strain, I came
up with a simple design to share the weight of the camera
with my shoulder and other arm. Unknowingly, I stumbled across
a very valuable camera accessory.
Not only does it make it easier to hold the
camera for long periods of time, it also helps keep it steady.
The design allows for various holding positions, including
what I call the Camera Gun, which allows
the brace to act like a gun stock, effectively allowing you
to aim the camera like a rifle.
This design was inspired greatly by Johnny
Chung Lee's $14 Steadycam. |
shoulder resting position
gun-like aiming position
|
Tools
- Saw, for trimming PVC tubing
- Drill with 1/4" drill bit, for drilling
the camera mount hole
- Screw Driver, for tightening the camera mount
bolt
- Wrench, for tightening the camera mount nut
- Hammer, for denting the fender washer
Parts
Qty. |
My Cost |
Description |
1 |
$1.19 |
3/4" PVC piping, 5 ft section |
1 |
$0.58 |
3/4" 90° Electric PVC Elbow |
2 |
$0.25 |
3/4" PVC Tee |
2 |
$0.36 |
3/4" 45° PVC Elbow |
1 |
$0.15 |
3/4" 90° PVC Elbow |
1 |
$0.10 |
Bolt, 1-1/2" 1/4" |
2 |
$0.19 |
Lock Washer, 1/4" |
1 |
$0.05 |
Hex Nut, 1/4" |
1 |
$0.39 |
Wing Nut, 1/4" |
1 |
$0.39 |
Fender Washer, 1" dia., 1/4" hole |
1 |
$1.94 |
PVC Cement (or other glue) |
|
$6.99 |
TOTAL |
The PVC and fittings will be found in the piping or plumbing section
at a hardware store. The 90 degree electrical conduit elbow is for
electrical wiring, so it may be located separately from the normal
PVC piping. (Alternatively, a 90 degree elbow and some cut PVC can
be substituted.)
Piping parts needed,
with associated cut lengths. |
First off, cut 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 inch lengths from the PVC
piping.
Assemble the pipes and fittings as shown to make sure it
feels right. Adjust the PVC lengths as necessary.
|
| Drill a hole in the tee fitting for the camera mount. If you
have a vice, use it. Using a drill and a 1/4" drill bit,
put the hole through the tee as pictured. |
|
| Its a good idea to dent the fender washer to help
distribute the stress at the connection point to your camera.
This can be done by using a hammer and the bolt and a small
section of PVC piping. |
 |
Get the bolt and put a lock washer on it. Feed it
through the hole you drilled in the tee. Using the other lock washer
and the nut, fasten the bolt tightly to the tee. Secure the bolt
tightly using a screwdriver and wrench. The wing nut and fender
washer are what secure your camera to the bolt.
Reassemble the brace and attach your camera. Make
sure it feels ok before you make it permanent. Also, make sure the
camera has enough room to rotate freely onto the mounting bolt.
If the section of piping you choose is shorter, the camera may collide
with the shoulder support portion and be unable to spin onto the
mounting bolt.
Using the PVC cement, reassemble the brace piece by
piece, gluing each one. PVC cement is recommended, but an alternative
glue could be substituted. Gluing the sections and fittings together
is necessary, for structural reasons because you don't want it to
fall apart. Additionally, the joints will squeak and moan unless
secured with glue.
I painted mine with a black spray paint (about $3)
to give it a more professional look.
Tips
- Don't over tighten the wing nut. Doing so may damage your camera
mounting or strip the threads.
- For another $0.60, get a 1" rubber washer with 1/4"
hole and use it with the fender washer.
- Consider filling the piping with a foam sealant, such as Great
Stuff (~$3.24), to help reduce handling noise (noise transferred
through the brace).
- Use the extra tee as a standing support.
Don't forget to checkout our entire Tutorials
section.
Disclaimer: Your use of these instructions is at
your own risk. Quantum Petshop is not responsible or liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or exemplary
damages or loses resulting from the use of these instructions. |
