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How to Make a Track Mount

Using a track mount when using your video camera prevents the unlikely shakes you get with a handheld footage. It also makes the tracking movements in your shots more steady and fluid even if the camera operator is constantly on the move. This portable piece of camera accessory is usually placed on the camera operator's shoulder when shooting. Although there are professional track mounts for retail and for rent, making your own can save you a lot of money.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 caps
  • Oil
  • Driller
  • 2 pieces 1-1/2-inch machine bolts
  • 1/2-inch steel pipe, 12 inches long
  • 1/2-inch steel pipe, 4 inches long
  • 2 pieces 1/2-inch steel pipe, 6 inches long
  • 2 T joints
  • 90-degree joint
  • 3 pieces 1-1/2-by-5/16 steel washers
  • 1/4-inch wing nut
  • 3 machine nuts,1/4 inch
  • 2 lock washers, 1/4-inch
  • 5-lb. free weight
  • Hair spray
  • 2 bike handle bar grips
  • 1/2-inch foam tube
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Instructions

    • 1

      Drill through the two caps. Add a small amount of oil to lubricate the drill bit and ease on the friction during the process.

    • 2

      Insert one of the bolt pieces, along with a lock washer, through the end cap. Keep the bolt on top; then tighten with the nut.

    • 3

      Add the wing nut and washer; then use another nut on top. This way, you keep the washer secured in place when not in use.

    • 4

      Place one of the washers on another bolt; then place the 5-lb. weight on it. Add another washer and cap; then tighten the nut.

    • 5

      Connect the 12-inch steel pipe to the weight; then connect its other end with the first T joint. Also, connect one of the 2-inch pipes with the ends of the T joint. This creates a single pipe consisting of the T joint and the short and long pipes.

    • 6

      Connect the 90-degree joint with the second 2-inch pipe; then connect the 4-inch pipe to the other end of the 90-degree joint.

    • 7

      Connect the 4-inch pipe with the second T joint; then connect the 2-inch pipe with the same T joint.

    • 8

      Add the two 6-inch pipes to each T joint connection.

    • 9

      Spray some hair spray onto the area of your 6-inch pipes where you will place the bike grips. These two pipes will have one bike grip each. These bike grips will serve as your final mount's handles. The hair spray initially works as a lubricant; then it also helps glue the bike grips on place once it dries up.

    • 10

      Slide a bike grip to each lubricated 6-inch pipe.

    • 11

      Tighten and secure all the pipes and components in your mount.

    • 12

      Tighten the caps of the mount; then attach your camera the way you would in a regular tripod. You will place the camera on top of this mount with a front that has two pipes for each hand to grip and a longer pipe placed over the shoulder. The end of the long pipe on the shoulder has the 5-lb. weight. The camera should be mounted on top of the two pipes the hands can grip to.

Film Production

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