{"id":8858,"date":"2013-03-22T16:32:58","date_gmt":"2013-03-22T21:32:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.videoproductiontips.com\/?p=8858"},"modified":"2023-09-12T13:29:07","modified_gmt":"2023-09-12T18:29:07","slug":"the-diy-hdslr-accessory-frame-and-stabilizer-rig","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.videoproductiontips.com\/the-diy-hdslr-accessory-frame-and-stabilizer-rig\/","title":{"rendered":"The DIY HDSLR Accessory Frame and Stabilizer Rig"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you’re using an HDSLR camera to shoot video<\/a>, this post will provide you with step-by-step instructions for building a stabilization frame to hold accessories.<\/p>\n

Probably any small camera could be outfitted with a similar rig.\u00a0 This particular DIY accessory frame was built by a reader and contributor to this blog, Andre Campbell, for use with his HDSLR.\u00a0 I thought showing you the details of how it was made could inspire you to build something similar.\u00a0 It’s not that hard to do and I always found that videographers who were clever with equipment and hardware were some of the most talented.<\/p>\n

\"camera<\/a>
Rig from the back.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Having worked with dozens of styles of video cameras over the years, I have no doubt\u00a0having an easy way to attach lights, mics, teleprompters or monitors is always a benefit to a videographer who wants quality images and sound.\u00a0\u00a0This rig is an ingenious as any I’ve seen so I appreciate Andre letting me publish his parts list and instructions.<\/p>\n

As you can see by the pictures, this one is sturdy enough to hold two accessories at the same time, with extension arms for placement and balance.<\/p>\n

\"camera
Rig from the front<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Please allow me a moment to ohh and aahhh at the flat screen monitor that is so nice and big but lightweight enough to be held by an extension arm! Compare that to the clunky things I used to lug around…. But I digress. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n

If you’d enjoying having an accessory holder for your camera, here is how to make it yourself for less!<\/p>\n

INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS LIST FOR DIY CAMERA ACCESSORY HOLDER<\/h3>\n

By Andre Campbell<\/p>\n

HDSLR cameras come with a hot shoe on them. A hot shoe is a mounting point on the top of the camera where you attach a flash unit.<\/strong> You may have heard it referred to as an “accessory shoe.” When using a hot shoe, pressing the shutter release button to take the picture will fire the flash.<\/p>\n

HDSLR cameras are popular for shooting video but have a few frustrating limitations.<\/p>\n

HDSLRs were made to hold one flash. That’s often not enough, especially for video shoots.<\/strong> So I was looking to buy an accessory bar to put into the hot shoe to hold more than one item. I have many items. I didn\u2019t want to put undue stress on that hot shoe. I have no idea what it can hold in weight before something goes wrong. Below is a small extender\u00a0bar to go into the camera\u2019s hot shoe and you can add one or two items to the top of your camera\u2019s hot shoe. I was considering this as my first option.<\/p>\n

\"Hot<\/a>
Hot Shoe Extension<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I looked around online and saw lots of rigs, some are made by companies and others were handmade as part of a DIY project. Most of them are made to act as a stabilizer, so you can carry your camera in both of your hands and keep a steady shot.<\/p>\n

My interest in making the frame was for shooting documentary interviews, <\/strong>which of course means I’d use it in a more of a stationary way.\u00a0 However, I also want to do more hand holding.<\/p>\n

As a byproduct of the accessory DIY frame, it will become a hand holding stabilizing product or rig for me. And because I was looking for a hot shoe extender bar (they are short), this gave me the idea to look for something bigger, but not for the camera\u2019s shoe. Since I like the look of a frame and not a cage, and they\u2019re a little higher in price, I decided to try a DIY build.<\/p>\n

In my quest for items on eBay, and they come in centimeters and not inches a lot of the time; my ruler has both. Lucky me. \ud83d\ude42
\nBy mapping out what I needed and then deciding on my parts, I sent away for all the eBay items roughly at the same time.<\/p>\n

I got all my frame parts from either \u201cbidding low\u201d or finding \u201cbuy now\u201d items. I looked for free shipping to cut down on the cost. I was hoping for a price of less than $30 for my build. Without the extra \u201cextenders\u201d, I was under the cost. I found that about $70 was the lowest frame\/cage rig price online at eBay or at other camera related items websites, so mine was essentially half price from a ready-made model.<\/p>\n

Here is the end result of the accessory frame I fastened together with all the parts from eBay. From searching on eBay, I was able to find these things.\u00a0 \u00a0Hardware stores usually will too.<\/p>\n

My DIY Parts List <\/strong>
\n2 \u2013 Metal Camera Holder Flash Bracket ($6.36 each)<\/p>\n

\"metal<\/a>
Metal Camera Holder Flash Bracket<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The brackets are about 10 \u00bd \u201d long. Actually they are for mounting two flashes on to them or maybe putting them on a light stand (or tripod) that has a screw on the top. (Not all of them do.) Also as an extender, you can place your camera on one side, and put your flash on the other end.<\/p>\n

They each come with two mounting screw adapters, that can slide in the long holes.<\/p>\n

\"mounting<\/a>
Mounting Screw<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

They come mounted on. You can take them off or add more by sliding it to the end where there are screw groves, and you catch the groves and slowly turn to remove or to add one. They also have rubber grips on top to help protect things as best as they can. There is also a hole in the middle that can take a \u00bc\u201d-20 screw on both brackets. The mounting screws have holes on the bottom of them, to screw things into them.<\/p>\n

2 \u2013 Sponge Handle Holder Grips with 1\/4\u201d -20 screw and hole ($6.83 each)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"sponge<\/a>
Sponge handle grip<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Adding sponge hande grips make the rig much more comfortable to hold.<\/p>\n

\"sponge<\/a>
Sponge handle grip on frame<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I found these sponge handles (almost 4 and 3\/4\u2019\u2019) grips that can be use to screw into a point and shoot camera, and attach it to your belt loop when not shooting. They have \u00bc\u201d-20 screw on one side and an opening on the other when you detach the belt ring. You can put two together and make one long 4 handle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

2 – Metal Shoe Mount Adapters ($1.68 each)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"metal<\/a>
Metal shoe mount adapters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You need something to hold the top of the accessory frame together. These shoe mounts are going to act like a nut on the end of the mounting screws at the top of the DIY accessory frame. When you are setting up your accessory fame, mount these items, from the top down first. Set your shoe mounts in the right direction you want and then screw into them. They have a \u00bc\u201d-20 hole on the bottom, you can put them on a tripod, or any other pole with the same size screw.<\/p>\n

2 – 1\/4″ Camera Tripod Screw Adapter to Flash Hot Shoe<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"quarter<\/a>
Quarter inch tripod screw adapter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Now to attach the frame to the tripod. I used two more mounting bracket screw adapters for the frame. One to go into the top and one for the bottom.\u00a0 \u00a0Theses screw adapters also have\u00a0 a hole in the bottom of them to screw into the tripod.<\/p>\n

\"frame<\/a>
Frame base<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I got two more mounting bracket screw adapters that were\u00a0a \u201clittle taller\u201d than the ones that came with the brackets.<\/p>\n

I used them for the bottom bracket and I screwed them into the bottom of the grip handles. I just moved the original screws in the bracket to the end, and unscrewed them and replaced them with the new taller ones.<\/p>\n

I put the original mounting bracket screw into the center hole on the bottom bracket in order for the tripod plate to be screwed into it. As you can see, there is a \u00bc\u201d-20 hole in the bottom of each screws. The other screw went to the top bracket middle hole. I had another cold shoe adapter hanging around and added it to the top middle screw on the top bracket. That gave me an accessory point there.<\/p>\n

With the mounting bracket screwed in the middle of the bottom bracket , I now screwed it into the camera\u2019s bottom. (Or unless you have a release plate there) Do that first<\/span><\/strong>, then attach the tripod plate to the bottom of the bracket.<\/p>\n

With the mounting bracket screwed in the middle of the bottom bracket , I now screwed it into the camera\u2019s bottom. (Or unless you have a release plate there) Do that first, then attach the tripod plate to the bottom of the bracket.
\nWhen you get all of the parts, you can start to assemble your DSLR accessory frame and stabilizer rig. Just don\u2019t over tighten the rig mounting screws.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\"frame<\/a><\/p>\n

If you add the two extra screw adapters to the brackets, by slowly screwing them in; you have your accessory frame and stabilizer nearly\u00a0ready to go. You can add a camera to the bottom bracket and screw that in first, then you can attach a tripod plate to the bottom of it. Then you can use your tripod as a table to hold your frame, so you can rest yours arms in between your movie shots. Now, if you\u2019re just interviewing people, then you are set to go when your frame is sea worthy, and you\u2019re ready to shoot.<\/p>\n

Alternative Method <\/strong>
\nIf you are in a hurry and have all the other components, and don\u2019t have the top mounts, then you can get a \u00bc\u201d washer and wing nut for the top bracket to hold it in place. Find it at Home Depot. ($1.88 each pkg.)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The finished accessory frame and stabilizer rig!<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"finished<\/a>
Finished, but bare.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One thing about this build is that when you are finished, you can unscrew everything, take it apart and fold it flat for travel or until the next time you need it.<\/p>\n

This mounting accessory frame above has the two cold shoe mounts on the top corners to lock the frame in place, (Add a 3rd to the top center screw.) and has both extra screws added to the center hole of each bracket. You could add two more screws to the top if you wanted. You can add them to the long holes on the top. You could put a small shotgun microphone up there. Don\u2019t pimp it out too much. (Weight?)<\/p>\n

Extras<\/strong>
\nYou can add a quick release plate to the bottom bracket, ($10 or less on eBay) that will allow you to slide out your camera to change batteries quicker.<\/p>\n

\"Quick<\/a>
Quick Release Plate<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We test for integrity of the frame before doing any shooting.\u00a0 We want to make sure it is sturdy enough to do the job and that all parts are functionng well.<\/p>\n

\"Handholding\"<\/a>
Handholding<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This is a DIY frame accessory stabilization rig. It was an \u201cexperiment.\u201d It was less expensive than other rigs, but it also may not be as solid as them, so test it out before use and don’t overload it.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget to run the neck strap through your arm or around your neck when doing hand held shots for camera safety. You need to make sure every time you use it, it is put together correctly and tightened correctly. You must be the judge. Test before using.<\/strong><\/p>\n

One more thing again, do not over tighten this DIY!\u00a0 <\/strong>That can cause parts to break.<\/p>\n

Now that you have seen my design, you can see that knowing how to be creative with your equipment can help you come up with inexpensive, but helpful tools.<\/p>\n

Good luck!<\/p>\n

Thanks for your time, hope this helps a little, tell me what you think? Leave a comment below!<\/p>\n

Until next time,
\nAndr\u00e9 Campbell 139 West Productions<\/p>\n

About the author:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Andre’ Campbell is an award winning, producer, director, editor & writer. He got his start in documentaries at KHJ channel 9 (now KCAL) in Los Angeles. Then he moved into working in Hollywood on Films, television and commercials; a great training ground for learning to produce content.<\/p>\n

He has worked as an online film editor, while working at ABC-TV Channel 7, as a news video editor cutting news packages.
\nHe has produced and directed eight documentaries, and his last one received a “Certificate of Reconnection”<\/i><\/b> award from the State of California for production. Andrea has also Produced and\/or Directed six shorts films. He has received to-date fourteen awards for his production efforts.<\/p>\n

Andre’ has written 4 books that are on Amazon, and two are on Filmmaking. Presently he is working on his fifth book.
\nHis website is: 139WestProductions.com<\/a><\/p>\n

FOOD FOR THOUGHT<\/strong><\/p>\n