An incredible DIY DSLR RIG step by step with parts and tools found in Lowe's, Home Depot and Walmart

A DSLR rig essentially is a system that buids up the DSLR into a film making camera and can be configured according to the shooting needs of the camera man.
Most common rigs start with the baseplate which attaches to the camera. You then build this up by inserting rods whereupon you add all the extras. The baseplate and rods take all the load of your added accessories.
My old diy design required some spot welding thus making it difficult for most DIY'ers. Now I have sourced all my parts and tools from Lowe's, Home Depot and even one item from Walmart. This design will no longer require welding, instead you need a metal hack saw, a drill, preferably a drill press, a way to hold the pieces while cutting, either clamps or preferably a vise and a rivet tool. Now U.S. based diyer's can acquire their parts easily.

Take note that the industry standard for rail rods are 15mm, the "rods" cheaply available at lowe's and home depot are 12.7 mm aluminum or steel tubes so for those starting from scratch and dare to have their own "standard" like me, you can use the cheaply available tubes as rods for your DIY rig. If you have an existing rod system and need compatibility just change the bit for the drill so it will accept the 15mm rods.

Click on images to enlarge.

Click on images to enlarge.

Click on images to enlarge.

Click on images to enlarge

Step by step photos and more DIY tutorials posted here: ramasolaproductions.com/5.html

Text, images, and video by Ted Ramasola