Dolly Move on a budget

[James B.]

I need to make a short (15ft) straight line dolly move on a limited budget.

I was wondering if anyone reading this has tried any of the many tripod dolly + track combos and might make a recommendation?

More than I'd like to spend but here is just one example on ebay

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-VARAVON...ra-Video-Slider-Load-50kg-110lb-/261369110459

 

[Ben Scott]

I think you'd be better off making a skater dolly and using 2 x 15ft pipes

 

[Evin Grant]

Long valley Supertack dolly...
http://longvalleyequip.com/dolly.php

I've had mine for 7 years and it's one of the best investments I made in camera movement. You and an AC can ride it which makes a huge difference in long moves.

 

[Bob Gundu]

James, since you're in Toronto you can borrow my orbit dolly which can ride on any pipe. Just buy some cheap PVC pipe in whatever length. I have a collapsable 12 foot length solution as well. Let me know.

 

[Elsie N]

I like the way this one moves if you could find a way to guide it.

No track though.

 

[Douglas Underdahl]

Hey, thanks Evin.

Anybody want a discount on a Dolly and Track?

Doug
longvalleyequip.com

 

[Simon Knight]

ive just ordered a Komodo Dolly Slider.... for £150 its a cool bit of kit!

 

[James B.]

I like the way this one moves if you could find a way to guide it.

No track though.

Thanks. I already have a similar inexpensive Pearstone tripod dolly but the problem with any tripod dolly solution without tracks is that you need a PERFECTLY smooth surface.

 

[James B.]

Thanks for the generous offer! That looks like a decent piece of kit and certainly better than my $40 Pearstone dolly with regular caster wheels Perhaps something I should invest in. I may take you up on your offer as I don't have the shot planned until the 1st week of May. I might just opt for a simple 2 man+ 2 wheel moving dolly solution, with the operator standing on the dolly and supporting the camera with an inexpensive handheld stabilizer like a Glidecam. Also considered renting a doorway dolly.

 

[James B.]

James, since you're in Toronto you can borrow my orbit dolly which can ride on any pipe. Just buy some cheap PVC pipe in whatever length. I have a collapsable 12 foot length solution as well. Let me know.

Using tracks, tubing, do you get buttery smooth results? Looks like a versatile piece of kit!

 

[Gary Paul Walker]

James, since you're in Toronto you can borrow my orbit dolly which can ride on any pipe. Just buy some cheap PVC pipe in whatever length. I have a collapsable 12 foot length solution as well. Let me know.

Sorry to jump in on this thread, but this is the sort of solution I could use - where can you pick up an 'orbit dolly' I had a scout around but couldn't find anything that matched...

 

[Terry VerHaar]

Orbit Dolly is a product from Digital Juice. I have seen refurbished ones available recently from them for $895.

http://www.digitaljuice.com

 

[Matt W.]

Rent.

 

[Brandon Kelly]

make one!! pvc rails any length. skateboard wheels mounted to 90 degree l brackets and a square piece of plywood for the top. Cost me around $100 and works great.

 

[Gary Paul Walker]

make one!! pvc rails any length. skateboard wheels mounted to 90 degree l brackets and a square piece of plywood for the top. Cost me around $100 and works great.

Lol Brandon - if only you knew!

I saw a video on youtube way back wen (I think it was something like Backyard Filmmaking or something). I followed the guide but got less than perfect results - and nearly drilled a hole in my hand....

I did look at the pre-done bases from proaim, but couldnt really judge their strength so decided to pass on them.

 

[Gary Paul Walker]

Orbit Dolly is a product from Digital Juice. I have seen refurbished ones available recently from them for $895.

http://www.digitaljuice.com

Ah Terry, as always a well of info! Thanks for the link - shamefully I was not aware of these people :/

 

[Gary Paul Walker]

Rent.

Normally I would rent, but its going to be a tough shoot, and I really can't guarantee that the kit will come out the other side unblemished (and the rental house I typically go with were sticklers for gear cosmetics)

 

[David W. Jones]

Might also check second hand stores for a wheel chair.

 

[Brandon Kelly]

Lol Brandon - if only you knew!

I saw a video on youtube way back wen (I think it was something like Backyard Filmmaking or something). I followed the guide but got less than perfect results - and nearly drilled a hole in my hand....

I did look at the pre-done bases from proaim, but couldnt really judge their strength so decided to pass on them.

Haha, well yes, you need to make it perfect and measure everything precisely or it isn't worth the time.

 

[Gary Paul Walker]

Haha, well yes, you need to make it perfect and measure everything precisely or it isn't worth the time.

Lol Bingo!

Please allow me a pretentious 'oooh I am an artist and paint with light' statement to cover up the fact that I am dangerous around any powertool, nail, piece of wood or saw