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Build a PVC Fig Rig

by esotericsean on July 21, 2006 Table of Contents Build a PVC Fig Rig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro: Build a PVC Fig Rig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 1: Look at a real Fig Rig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 2: PVC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 3: Extended steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 2 3 4 4 4

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-a-PVC-Fig-Rig/

Intro: Build a PVC Fig Rig

A Fig Rig is a circular camera mount designed to simulate the look of a steadicam. Manfrotto sells them for about $400. Make an even better one for under $10.

Image Notes 1. 1/4" bolt and lots of washers :) 2. we added another pipe across the top, it gives the whole thing a lot more support and looks more complete, too. 3. a 4-way pvc connector on its side allows you to be able to stand the rig up!

Image Notes 1. hold rig here 2. hold rig here

Step 1: Look at a real Fig Rig

A Fig Rig works by spreading out the center of gravity across the rig. Instead of the camera capturing all your hand movement, your hands are away from the camera, but at the same level so you not only get smoother movement, but more control as well.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-a-PVC-Fig-Rig/

Image Notes 1. hold rig here 2. hold rig here

Step 2: PVC
So, how to make one? Go down to your local hardware store and buy some PVC, connectors, and some red hot blue glue. For the tripod connector, get a long 1/4" machine bolt and some washers and nuts that fit. PVC caps work really well, you just need to drill a couple holes. When using the PVC glue, be sure to do it outside or somewhere where there's a lot of air (it gives off a lot of fumes, you'll see). Good luck! If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them. http://www.takezer0.com/

Image Notes 1. 1/4" bolt and lots of washers :) 2. we added another pipe across the top, it gives the whole thing a lot more support and looks more complete, too. 3. a 4-way pvc connector on its side allows you to be able to stand the rig up!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-a-PVC-Fig-Rig/

Step 3: Extended steps

some more suggestions: buy a 10' length of pvc and cut it later, cut all pieces before any glueing (the glue dries fast) and lay out pieces. to cut pvc, use a pvc cutter (pump handle tool). check out our video podcast on filmmaking over at Take Zer0: Free Online Film School

Related Instructables

BMX Camera Grip by fungus amungus

PVC FIG RIG by Twist

Improved Steadicam for under 40 dollars! Also boom mic attachment! by compatta

Camera Stabilizer by muindimzuri

How to make a movie... For cheap by connorbennett

Steadicam Merlin Demonstration (The Geek Group) (video) by thermoelectric

Comments
28 comments Add Comment

Brother_Bear says:
Since we don't get this kind of PVC tubing in Sweden il make mine out of wood

Apr 8, 2007. 3:24 PM REPLY

shylock says:
No PVC tubing? How come?

Nov 13, 2008. 3:55 PM REPLY

Brother_Bear says:

Nov 13, 2008. 11:39 PM REPLY Well we do have PVC tubing just not the plumbing kind you yanks have. and the kind we got is kinda flimsy and weight aslong as its not to much a good thing in a steadycammish project.

Catflavor says:

Feb 19, 2009. 7:19 AM REPLY In Sweden you have PE-Xa (cross linked polyethylene) which is usually used for underfloor heating (nice and springy, but maybe too flexible for this project) If you want something which will keep the shape you bend it to, try PAL pipe (as above with an aluminium layer which makes it formstable). You can get both of these from plumbing suppliers.

CementTruck says:
What about tweaking a Hula Hoop, or some flexible copper tubing?

Apr 17, 2007. 7:01 PM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-a-PVC-Fig-Rig/

Brother_Bear says:
I'm thinking that'll be to flimsy. I would rather make it from half hard rigid copper tubing instead and solder it together.

Apr 23, 2007. 4:46 AM REPLY

lordofthedonuts says:

Aug 22, 2007. 6:39 PM REPLY I've just made mine with a 24in hula hoop with a wood bar in the middle, its strong, sure i can bend it, but its not easy, the wood bar in the middle help a lot to give it strength. I tie-wrapped some gray copper tubing insulation to it and, i'm considering bicycle cork tape it'll be more comfortable. The only thing is the 24in rim is too big for my small Canon Elura 100 (it's like 4x3x2.5 inche).

laernmoer says:

May 15, 2007. 10:15 AM REPLY I would think you could try using a bicycle rim, if you can find a used one in decent condition. Take out the spokes and mod it.

esotericsean says:
hey, that's a really good idea.

May 15, 2007. 10:21 AM REPLY

pielroja says:
I made mine with a direction wheel of an old car and a piece of wood

Jul 10, 2008. 4:53 PM REPLY

wacamoledip says:
this is really cool i was about to go buy one for around 300 bucks but now im not!!

Jun 29, 2007. 11:12 AM REPLY

dancmarsh says:

May 22, 2007. 4:45 PM REPLY Here's an idea, why not go to a junkyard, get a decent looking steering wheel for next to nothing and use that. It would already have grips etc.

bethehammer says:

Apr 14, 2007. 11:45 AM REPLY Nice Job! Also, many of the consumer camcorders come with small remotes... mounting it to one of the grip areas would allow you to control the zoom feature, record, etc... Thanks for Sharing! Feb 6, 2007. 9:15 AM REPLY Man the idea of the fig rig sounds great but wouldent you be sacrefising the use of zoom due to the fact that if you have both hands on the side bars you canot acess the zoom control.

mr bkilled says:

esotericsean says:

Feb 6, 2007. 9:48 AM REPLY very true, but most professional camera systems come with a remote control that can be attached to the rig. the original fig rig has an attachment that you can buy and connect to your camera to be able to control it (shown in the picture).

chr says:

Dec 9, 2006. 6:03 PM REPLY If you need to film something more smoothly than handheld, and don't have the time to make a rig. Try filming with a tripod attached. Fold the legs out, but dont extend them lengthwise. Find the center of gravity on the tripod with the camera connected, and hold the rig at this spot. Works great. Jul 24, 2006. 8:19 PM REPLY It's similar to leverage. A large movement at the circumference causes small movement near the centre. This rig still needs a camera counterweight and gimbal. It could also use a 'cross' attachment at the bottom for floor shots.

mensmaximus says:

dannytheman says:
I agree with mensmaximus. However can someone suggest how that can be created.

Nov 21, 2006. 11:14 AM REPLY

Twist says:
I built one of these recently. Awesome!

Oct 16, 2006. 2:03 PM REPLY

Twist says:
Could I get a parts list? This would be great for my next movie.

Aug 14, 2006. 1:49 PM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-a-PVC-Fig-Rig/

TheDugger says:

Jul 31, 2006. 5:47 PM REPLY The PVC rig looks functional, and unattractive. Have you thought of building one by bending PVC. I ran into this site that shows how to bend PVC using heat and sand. http://www.pvcworkshop.com/bendpipe.htm

esotericsean says:

Aug 4, 2006. 1:57 PM REPLY wow, that looks great! we're building a camera dolly right now and that would be a lot cheaper than pre-angled aluminum pipe. thanks :)

fungus amungus says:

"A Fig Rig works by spreading out the center of gravity across the rig" You can spread out the center of gravity now?

Jul 22, 2006. 4:41 PM REPLY

esotericsean says:

Jul 23, 2006. 3:49 AM REPLY i'm sure you get the idea. instead of placing your hands on the camera (at the camera's center of gravity), your hands are spread out, keeping the center of gravity in the center.

enero says:
Sounds good, how about some more detailed pictures (or at least one full picture) and measurements?

Jul 21, 2006. 11:32 AM REPLY

esotericsean says:
took another picture and made a little video :)

Jul 21, 2006. 7:47 PM REPLY

saites2001 says:
Your video doesn't seem to be working.

Jul 22, 2006. 12:15 PM REPLY

esotericsean says:
yeah? seems to work okay for me.

Jul 23, 2006. 3:45 AM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-a-PVC-Fig-Rig/