19Feb Test Drive SpiderTrax Clone – Korean Dolly
The original SpiderTrax Dolly is no longer available via PhotographyAndCinema.com, but the Korean company Konova copied the design pretty much dead on. This would be the better alternative aside from making one on your own. Here’s some friends working with the dolly during Valentine’s day. They let the dolly control all the camera movements with no fluid head. Since there wouldn’t be any panning involved during the motion, they mounted a simple Heavy Duty ball head normally used for photography.
Professional Heavy Duty Ball Head Quick Release
By just using the wood flooring, table tops, counters, and other flat surfaces, they were able to achieve a variety of different movements you can’t replicate with just a straight slider. For areas that might not be completely smooth, you can carry a roll of Heavy vinyl plastic (comes in rolls) found at any hardware or fabric store. This Vinyl material will even allow you to run on firm carpet. If you haven’t had time to make one or if you’re not rockin’ a rotating dolly yet, this gives you an idea of how versatile it can be. It’s an extremely inexpensive tool that can boost your entire video production with these unique movements. [Thanks Guys]
Rotating Video Camera Skater Dolly
48 Comments
Trackbacks
- Clone Central – India » CheesyCam
- DIY SpiderTrax Rotating Dolly » CheesyCam
- Konova’s Mini Video Photo Fluid Head » CheesyCam
- Very Clever DIY SpiderTrax Rotating Dolly » CheesyCam
- ikan 3 Wheel Skater Dolly » CheesyCam
- Camera Dolly Skater – Three Wheelin’ » CheesyCam
February 19th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
These type of wheel dolly needs a very smooth floor or surface to wheel on? what if there’s any bumps on the floor like tiles? where theres a gap between each tiles?
February 19th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
@Inflamess – In the last paragraph I wrote that you can use Vinyl material found in hardware stores. It’s like a really heavy table cloth cover, that’s thick. Or you can also check out the stuff they use for rolling office chairs on carpet. It’s a heavy plastic that can still be rolled up for transportation.
February 19th, 2011 at 2:41 pm
I got myself one of these. Not had the chance to try it out properly as yet but was wondering about what I could carry round for a flat surface, that wasn’t so heavy. I found a office chair protector on amazon.uk that might be useful http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Diamond-Office-Carpet-Chairmat/dp/B000BGJU18/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1298150909&sr=8-1
but not found any of the vinyl material you are talking about. Think I’ll just head round a few shops on Monday and see what they have about.
February 19th, 2011 at 5:25 pm
looking fierce. but their ebay ad doesnt mention how much weight this baby can handle? I got a Gitzo GH3780QR – which can handle the Titanic, which I thought I would try with this. But from one of the pictures they had, they had mounted quite a lot on it, so I guess it should be able to do at least 5-8kg?
February 19th, 2011 at 5:31 pm
@EDIN AZIZ – It’s all metal on Roller Blade wheels and skate bearings. Roller Blade wheels support human bodies and propel them fairly quick on rough terrain, A medium camera should be no problem at all.
February 19th, 2011 at 5:45 pm
EMM – lol those facts totally slipped my mind.
February 19th, 2011 at 5:52 pm
@Matthew Woodroffe – Here’s the link to one of the heavy rubber mats: Deep Groove Corrugated Rubber Runner Mat 36
The top side is corrugated, but the back side is completely flat. It’s a heavy rubber mat that will allow the dolly to roll fairly smooth. Can be thrown down on the street, dirt, sand, tile floor, carpet, or wherever you need a smooth flat surface.
February 19th, 2011 at 5:56 pm
Just bought one of these last week. Looking forward to it.
Rick
February 19th, 2011 at 6:17 pm
I ordered one of these puppies three weeks ago and am still waiting for it to show up. I was planning on ordering a slider as well, but based on the turnaround time I’m not so eager. Nonetheless, once I get some time to play around with it I will definitely upload a few sample vids to my Vimeo page. That is, if it shows up!
February 19th, 2011 at 9:04 pm
Ordered one today. Looks pretty good for the money!
February 20th, 2011 at 7:35 am
This is the type of video I was waiting for convincing.
February 20th, 2011 at 7:42 am
@Emm,
do you think that in several ways, a dolly like this can replace the need for a slider in many instances?
It seems to a degree, that a slider while not necessarily a one trick pony, can just pan horizontal (and vertical inclines modified) while the dolly seems to be able to do so much more.
I’m on a budget, so I’m thinking that a dolly makes more sense initially, rather than duplicating purposes with hardware.
Any thoughts?
February 20th, 2011 at 8:06 am
@Armand – Eventually get both. Depends what you need right now, but these dollies add camera movements thats hard to replicate any other way. Changes the whbole dynamic of a video. Just like anything else, dont overdue it. This video is an exaggeration of movements as a example of how it c,an be used.
February 20th, 2011 at 8:11 am
Thanks for the feedback.
Yes, I was watching the video like ‘coooool’
Then I imagined my video spiraling out of control with 360 degree shots every 20 seconds. (must use sparingly)
Side note: I offered $105 on the best offer for $115 price, and it was turned down. LOL, these dudes must want between $110-$114.99 for a best offer to be considered.
I’ll just buy it outright.
February 20th, 2011 at 10:20 am
looks like the flip out viewfinder would really be handy here.
February 21st, 2011 at 4:08 pm
Hi Emm
I’m a really big fan of your blog. I own the flycam nano and the 24 dollar support. Now, I’m buying the KONOVA slider and the KONOVA skater dolly. I would like to put in all of these products some quick release plates and I would like them all to be the same so I can use the same quick release adapters and therefore be very quick and practical when I shoot. Which quick release plate would you suggest? keep in mind that I would like a fluid head on the slider, and a ball head on the skater dolly would be fine.
Thanks!
February 22nd, 2011 at 1:38 am
@Paola – Hmm, there isn’t really a quick release solution for the heads I use 717AH. So you might want to go all Manfrotto if quick release systems are important. The Manfrotto 701HDV would work, and then you can use the Calumet QR adapters here: http://cheesycam.com/quick-release-adapter-it-is-compatible-with-manfrotto/
February 22nd, 2011 at 10:18 am
can I also use the 717AH plates for my flycam and the shoulder support? Would you suggest this?
February 22nd, 2011 at 10:25 am
waht I mean is will the 717AH plates fit the plate on the flycam and teh shoulder support? I ask this because I bought a manfrotto ball head plate to use on the shoulder support but there is a little piece that gets in the way and won´t fit right. So, I don´t want to keep buying things that won´t fit right.
February 22nd, 2011 at 10:51 am
@Paolo – There isn’t a quick release adapter to work with those 717 plates.
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:44 pm
Emm…
How long did it take you to receive your unit? I’ve been waiting for close to three weeks.
thanks
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:28 pm
@cendrick – Anything overseas usually takes a while, and there’s usually no tracking numbers. You could send them a message to see if there were any problems.
February 28th, 2011 at 6:36 pm
Can someone tell me how thick the plate is? Also, can it hold a 501 head and AF100 with lens, light, and mic with ease or will it sag in the middle??
March 2nd, 2011 at 7:38 pm
Just received mine today. Here’s some initial thoughts:
Pros:
- Well built and mostly metal (the Konova stuff seems to be solidly constructed overall; I have the bearing slider, too; the knobs to adjust the wheels are made of plastic)
- Easy to adjust
- Smooth operation (at least on hardwood floors and tables)
- Came with a nice bag (that will only fit the spidertrax with nothing attached)
- No tools needed
Cons:
- The engraved markings (to help identify wheel adjustment) weren’t painted in so it’s difficult to see
- No instructions (it’s simple to operate out of the box but it would be good to know how to replace/clean the bearings if needed)
I attached a Manfrotto 501 tripod head and it can handle the weight. After some quick tests, I can say I’m pretty happy with it. It’s a great addition and allows for some creative camera angles. Another great find, Emm!
March 2nd, 2011 at 7:55 pm
Also, there’s no ‘brake’ function so you gotta keep an eye on it so it doesn’t accidentally fall off the table or roll down a hill
March 3rd, 2011 at 4:49 am
I got mine today too and I think its awesome for the money. Very well made. I agree the markings can be better, but the bag it came with is slick and I wasnt expecting it. Konova FTW again!
March 8th, 2011 at 4:23 am
Just purchased one. Their ebay posting said they have “MORE THAN 10 AVAILABLE”! The seller (konovacamera) said that they are “OUT OF STOCK” and I might have to wait DAYS before they ship it! Check back on their ebay posting and still said that they stll have “MORE THAN 10 AVAILABLE”!
March 19th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
i got mine in today and boy am i disappointed! two wheels were disconnected and one wheel has a missing part so it cant connect! i emailed the guy about it..waiting for a response.
March 22nd, 2011 at 10:43 pm
How much have you guys been winning the auction at?
March 30th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
Just wondering about this ball head, the Fancier FT6664
, so how does it stack up to say the Manfrotto 494 Mini Ball Head or the Manfrotto 496 Compact Ball Head? Both of the Manfrottos have friction adjustment, what features does this Fancier have? Seems like it can hold more weight and lock down better due to all them fancy knobs, also I see 360 degree reference marks on the Fancier… Think you could tell me about it, would like to decide by tomorrow’s monthly B&H order…
March 30th, 2011 at 12:50 pm
@HD-tography – Yeah the Fancier is bigger and might be able to hold more weight. The problem I’m finding with using smaller heads is the vibration from rolling or sliding around. If the camera is stationary you could get away with using a smaller ‘mini’ ball head.
April 25th, 2011 at 1:40 am
@EMM
Which Ball head do you do you recommend then?
Thanks
April 25th, 2011 at 3:56 am
@getem – If you’re not doing any panning, the ball head in the article works great. I have it on the slider too.
June 14th, 2011 at 4:59 pm
Hey Emm! Check my first prototype:
http://photosistudio.com/RafasSkaterMiniDolly.jpg
My friends help me with a CNC machining and some welding, for a couple of beers. In my city (SLP, México) it’s hard find some decent wheels, so I use this small rubber wheels, works just fine. Soon a video sample.
June 14th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
@Rafa Torres – Looks good. Those caster wheels might not be the smoothest though.
June 14th, 2011 at 8:45 pm
Thanks! Wornking on that. Soon a video, testing this SkaterDolly, a Car Rig and a SnorriCam. Stay in touch!
June 14th, 2011 at 9:28 pm
Here’s the video: http://vimeo.com/25117319
July 22nd, 2011 at 11:12 pm
Emm,
The plate from the Ball Head, is it compatible with 717AH fluid head? Thanks.
July 23rd, 2011 at 12:04 am
@johnson – It is not compatible.
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:13 am
Emm. do you still digg this unit? Im thinking of getting one. but wanted to know if you have used/tried anything better. thanks
-paul
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:14 am
@Pauljakob – Hang tight for about a week, I’ll have something you might be interested in. (oops..said too much)..LOL.
August 24th, 2011 at 8:57 am
haha! will do man. Thanks bro