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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Portable dolly

Stephen Pruitt said:
Hi there, Jamison. . .

I used to own the Axis Dolly. Let me tell you about that thing. It is BIG and HEAVY, built like a brick-you-know-what, and impossible to use on a table. The pneumatic tires he sells for it are utterly worthless, as they are not sufficiently round and it just wobbled from side-to-side. I sold it right away.

What we have now, and absolutely LOVE is the Omni-tracker. It's just an amazing piece of kit and gets the best shots. All you need is a smooth table, or, if readily available, an 8x4 sheet of MDF. Throw that down on a surface and away you go. It works PERFECTLY with the RED. I also have the Manfrotto hi-hat that allows me to use my O'Connor fluid head with the Omni-tracker.

I'd give this my highest possible recommendation. And the laser pointer that comes with it is just da bomb. It's amazing. Just plop it on, point the laser, and away you go. Perfect tracking every time. Attention guys: This is my wife's favorite piece of gear we own.

Stephen
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Hi Stephen. Thanks for the words of caution and the recommendation. That laser pointer does look like an excellent way to align the wheels.
 
Anyone tested the microdolly?
 
You want a dolly that you can ride, I think, unless you have to pack it up a mountain on foot. Riding gives the dolly more mass and makes it smoother and you can do a better job pulling focus, framing, and zooming if you don't also have to push the dolly at the same time. Of course, you can push and walk beside our dolly if you want.

I've had 700 pounds on my dolly, no problem. It will hold operator, assistant, and tripod. It's pretty indestructible. I've sold 3000 of them in the last 17 years with not a single return.

Sliders are nice but they only go a few feet. Same with skaters. Good for short moves with minimal crews though. A compact mini jib will often do these short moves, and a lot more . . .

You are going to be disappointed with any hard rubber flexible track unless it is on surfaces that are quite smooth to begin with, so no grass, sidewalks with cracks, gravel, rough pavement, etc. I tried some roll up rubber track and it isn't worth it, in my opinion.

You can build your own track dolly if you want, and we sell wheel sets and track connectors for those that are handy and want to save dollars.

www.longvalleyequip.com
 
I've rented the microdolly. Not sure how much to buy it. It's terrific.

The singleman indie dolly is also very nice. Around $1000, not as portable.
Might be able to take more weight?
 
Last edited:
One more Vote for Indie-Dolly
 
Dollies:

Dollies:

Omni-tracker, CAM TRAM, and just received my 8-ball slider.

Omni is a blast for exotic table top....Cam Tram is great for wide angle shots .....haven't fired up the 8 ball yet . Used to own a cameleon - but now love all these "dollies" that are out now.

kirby hamilton
www.kirbyhamilton.com
 
Great options.
Hard to choose. ;)
 
I've got the Microdolly - it was around $2700, definitely pricey. High quality, well-designed and crafted aluminum, very lightweight - just a few pounds, so it's great for travelling. No problem on flat surfaces or relatively smooth ground, sets up in three or four minutes. I'm moving toward getting one that you can ride, so I may sell it.
 
Rob Culpepper said:
I've got the Microdolly.... I'm moving toward getting one that you can ride, so I may sell it.
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Yeah, that's why I'm leaning towards the Losmandy Spider dolly. I'd like to have the PUP500 dolly, but it's got a price tag of $15k + accessories. It's a step between a spider or microdolly and a phantom or fisher dolly.
 
I´ve already have a panther but i need now a easy, fast and rock performance dolly.
Just for quick shots.
After so many options i will now "break my head" and get a decision.
Thanks for all the answers.
 
Agree with the posters about a riding dolly, there is nothing like it if that is what you are after. I've always been a fan of the Pee Wee and the Italian knock-off of it (forget the name). But, the original post was about "portable" and "fast", that's why I feel that the Microdolly tops the list. For riding and still portable I have the Matthews briefcase dollies and they double as doorway dollies. Much heavier, but can use "real" track. I had aluminum track custom made so I can still fly with the Matthews package, but it adds at least 100lbs to the package compared to about 6lbs of the microdolly - and with todays tighter weight restrictions on flights, every pound becomes an issue. The great thing that this thread is providing is proof that there are a lot of great options out there today - and what a wonderful option that is.
 
If you are looking for a medium-expensive riding dolly, look no further than the PD-1, but it definitely takes up the space and is quite heavy. For portability and price, I'd go Long Valley. I may buy one of those myself. We bought Doug's wheels for use on our own custom-made ladder dolly, and like them very much.

Stephen
 
I can get you one just PM me if your interested.

Luis
 
I bought the very first Matthews ED Dolly off the production line....it was called the RED DOLLY originay, but then they changed the name to Ed Dolly......wonder why????

anyway it is fantastic and very versatile, and with a dolly channel can be popped straight onto a track

Also Elemack Spyder dollies are great, they are proper dollies, if you know what i mean, and can be picked up for a good price, also consider the cricket which i also have, they are briliant, and elemack won an Oscar for the design.

link to the RED dollie http://www.msegrip.com/reddolly.html

If you are looking for a Spyder, try Tony Covel, he manages to get hold of them every now and then, and won't sell you just any old piece of junk.
 
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