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DIY Fig Rig

A fig rig is used to create simple stabilization for a camera. It is often likened to a steady-cam, but is often used over a steady-cam for it's mobility and portability. The basic setup for a fig rig is that there is a place to mount a camera inside a larger "ring." Some are shaped like circles and others are shaped like squares. However, they both work the same way. The outer-ring absorbs the normal human tremor and helps stabilize the camera. It's quite easy to make one at home and increase the production value of your films.

Things You'll Need

  • 10 feet of 1-inch PVC piping
  • 4 1-inch PVC pipe joints
  • Hand saw
  • Epoxy
  • Quick release plate and head
  • Grip tape
  • Duct tape
  • Pencil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut 5 equal lengths of PVC Pipe. There is not a set size that the fig rig should be, so use your best judgment for the camera you are using. A safe bet is 1.5 feet, and bigger means more stabilization, but don't get carried away.

    • 2

      Using the 4 joints, put a dummy together. Don't use the epoxy yet, just make sure that everything is the right size. Take this time to note that there wouldn't be a way to mount the middle piece if you glue the whole thing together. Mark the two pieces of pipe you want to be the right and left pieces.

    • 3

      Measure about 1/3 of the way up the length of the right and left pipes. Use the drill to drill a 1-inch hole in each side. Try to only drill through one side of the pipe without coming out on the other. The hole will face into the center of the rig.

    • 4

      Begin assembling the rig again, but this time use the epoxy to hold it together. Put the top and bottom together with one of the sides with hole drilled in it using 2 corner joints. Make a second piece with the remaining side and two remaining corner joints. Do not attach these pieces to each other yet. Make sure the hole you drilled in the side is facing in toward the center of the rig. Allow all of this to dry while completing the next step.

    • 5

      Take the fifth piece of PVC pipe which will be the camera mounting piece and measure it to find the center. Place the quick release head dead center in the length of pipe, mark the right and left side on the cradle. Cut out the center of the pipe using the saw and glue in the head into the new opening. Use the duct tape to hold the head in place while the epoxy dries. The duct tape may be removed once the epoxy is dry, or it can be left to help hold it together. Allow everything to dry before continuing to the next step.

    • 6

      Allow everything to dry, then put the pipe with the cradle into the hole on the side with the top and bottom without epoxy yet. Essentially, this will make a misshapen E or W of some sort. The hole may need to be slightly enlarged; the pipe should fit snugly into the hole. Try placing on the other pipe with the hole and corner joints, if the corner joints don't fit snugly around the other piece, cut down the pipe in the middle until it all fits together -- enlarging the second hole if necessary. Once it all fits together, begin gluing the center piece in, then the other side. Use duct tape for extra support while it dries and optionally afterward for more support.

    • 7

      Add grip tape to all four sides for added handling ability.Hook your camera up the the quick release plate, attach it to the head and give the DIY Fig Rig a test drive.

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Film Production

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