While helping out a couple of buddies research production gear in preparation for making their own no-budget indie, we came to a quick realization that there was no way we were going to afford any of the expensive moviemaking toys that we had on our wish list. Heck, we could hardly afford groceries! :(
After searching for alternatives, it was the resourcefulness of other fellow low-budget filmmakers that saved us! Through all of these different designs for camera jibs, cranes, dollies and stuff, it made us realize that we were one step closer to actually making a movie. Now if we can only afford a RED camera ;)
So in essence, DIY Film Gear is a collection of homemade production gear and film equipment that's helped me and so I'm just paying it forward. Good luck on your film projects and please drop a line and let me know how it's going. I'd love to post your progress! And a piece of advice before you start production...duct tape. Lots of duct tape.
Oscar
The Flystand is a homemade camera stabilizer similar to the Glidecam. Made of aluminum, rubber grips and the usual washers and bolts, this looks like a sturdy design as shown in the video tests. This site comes with design plans, assembly steps, photos and test footage.
This is a hybrid camera/dolly design. It's big, bulky and looks heavy, but it comes with PDF design plans courtesy of the designer. This PVC pipe, wood and metal bracket jib was made for about $75 bucks.
If you're ever working on a set with a grip truck and in need of a make-shift crane, here's a jib design made with spare parts that you can find in a lighting grip truck like c-clamps, combo stands and sand bags. It's made for lightweight cameras, but the site doesn't give weight specs...still worth the look.