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Homemade shoulder mount?

topic posted Mon, February 25, 2008 - 8:58 PM by  Jason
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I've been looking at the Spiderbrace - www.spiderbrace.com/ - as an inexpensive shoulder mount. It's under $100 and the reviews look good. Though I wonder if I could build something similar with some plumbing supplies from the hardware store and a monopod head. Anyone try making something like this?
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Jason
offline Jason
SF Bay Area
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  • Matthew
    Matthew
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    Re: Homemade shoulder mount?

    Tue, February 26, 2008 - 8:21 AM
    I went through the home depot process for a while - afterward I realized I had spent $140 and 6 hours (plus all the tools, drill press, etc. I had to borrow) for something that looked like it came from . . . . Home Depot.
    If you look around, there are plenty of capable manufacturers making this stuff for $150 - $250. The advantages of having the cut metal deburred and having stuff powder coated can't be overstated.
    Although I love the DIY aesthetic, there is something to be said for professional demeanor - if you want people to treat you seriously and professionally.
    Having tried a STACK of Steadicam ripoffs, I am so overwhelmed by the capabilties and flexibility of my Steadicam Merlin, I really can't say enough about it.
    And I have a $800 8' jib rig that is absolutely divine.
    I guess what I am saying is spend the extra bit of cash (though not TOO much).
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    • Edward
      Edward
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      Re: Homemade shoulder mount?

      Tue, February 26, 2008 - 9:53 AM
      Well, yeah, there's truth there. The rig in the original post was $69 or so, which is somewhat reasonable.

      But for a lot of folks (and sometimes this is me, too), we have more time than money. Spending a couple weeks building a jib that I designed with $80 in parts from Home Depot makes more sense than spending just under a grand.

      Don't get me wrong, though -- when my time becomes more valuable, i switch over quite readily to "I'd rather pay for it now in cash and spend a couple weeks using it." 8)
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