CamTram Ladder Supports?

[Christopher Barrett]

Totally diggin' my CamTram. I'm using an extension ladder for track (may move to the Track-in-the-Box). The biggest quandry I have is how to support the ladder at various heights? It seems like a pair of tripods might work well (especially for uneven ground). Getting the ladder firmly attached to the tripods leaves me scratching my head, though.

Anybody already resolve this before I reinvent the wheel?

Thanks!
CB

[Elsie N]

Totally diggin' my CamTram. I'm using an extension ladder for track (may move to the Track-in-the-Box). The biggest quandry I have is how to support the ladder at various heights? It seems like a pair of tripods might work well (especially for uneven ground). Getting the ladder firmly attached to the tripods leaves me scratching my head, though.

Anybody already resolve this before I reinvent the wheel?

Thanks!
CB

Christopher, not sure what you are talking about, but would something like the two ladders shown here help? I'm thinking of a couple of the 19 footers that go to 9' as a breakover stepladder, with the 16' work plank for high shots... but they might work for you in holding your ladder extension.
http://www.littlegiantladder.com/little-giant/little-giant-telescoping-work-plank.html

edit: Just checked the link and found that it takes you to the product page. Clik on the telescoping work plank under "Accessories" to get a picture of what I'm describing.

[Tom Greenberg]

Christopher, I'd try using a couple of Cardellini clamps mounted on 2 Baby stands (casters optional) with grip heads. Or you could use aluminum lighting stands if you needed something lighter weight.

[Shane Kelly]

I've had the camtram from when it first came out and tried pretty much every way of mounting it. The absolute best way, if you are using an extension ladder, is to use adjustable sawhorses like these:

They fold flat and set up in seconds and the legs are indivually adjustable. Also, they have indents on the top so you could place speedrail or even a couple of 2x4's on them. If you are using a ladder, just throw a couple of sandbags on top of the rungs over the sawhorse.They are the fatmax brand and are available at homedepot.
As far a a choice of ladder goes, I bought a 10 ft fiberglass extension ladder and separated the 2 halves. This will give you a nice light and smooth track.

[John Marchant]

I went for a super simple option with my home built ladder dolly, to work with legs pretty much regardless of type. Two square section aluminium bars with a hole in each, a length of threaded rod (studding) with a small plate at one end to mate with the underneath of the tripod bowl, and a couple of nuts. What you see in the picture was the untidy version knocked up during a shoot, but it was easily tidied with a couple of little handwheels. Total spend was beer money :)

[Christopher Barrett]

John, that's exactly what I'm talking about. Tripods are awesome on uneven terrain but I was worried about the ladder twisting. I've got three sets of sticks so I'll give your method a go.

CB

[John Marchant]

Yup - love this arrangement outdoors on rough ground or over obstacles. Used this on steep slopes, in chest deep vegetation, crossing fences, streams all sorts of things. Cheap and effective :)

[Bruce Taylor]

The Track In The Box is what you all need for your camtram. www.trackinthebox.net To see a working demo stop in @ Abel Cine Tech in NYC. They requested one for their showroom floor. We just shipped it today. For those of you that have been looking at the Camtram do yourself a favor. Stop the search. Call AbelCine @ 888.223.1599 and order the CamTram/Track in the box combo. There is nothing else like it on the market.

[Bruce Taylor]

OK... we have the solution! www.trackinthebox.net