Since the last post I have:

• Added a cross bar at the operators end
• Added the guiding rod to keep the camera end level (and also control the pitch)
• Added another 1 metre section so the crane can go higher.

One of the first things I got into was to put in a method to control the pitch of the camera, so i made a lever that I could lock down if I wanted the camera level, but also the option to move the head.

Below you can vaguely see the pitch control rod connecting to the camera head end. I did find this locks up from time to time (when going up high) so some stoppers will have to be put in to limit this from happening.

Also I added a L-shaped cross bar at the operators/weight end which helped stablise the crane at this end, and also somewhere to lock the pitch-lever to.

I found that the crane just was not quite high enough, so I added another section to the middle of the arms. This meant that from the pivot point I had 2.7 metres reach.

I used existing screws to screw on a monitor so I could see the footage and properly frame a shot.

A finished product stands taller than the house roof (almost) and will be more than suitable for any purposes or use I would ever need.

So I reached my goals, and the crane can be dismantled down and is no more than a metre long, and easily stored in the back seat or boot of a car, reaches up to at least 3 metres high and eliminated any wobble.

I might in the future look to adding a loading wire to the top, as I have noticed the square extrusions get a bit of a bend, and if I move the crane to quickly it does then to 'bounce' but much more favourable than the wobble I got on my first attempt at a crane.

Now I just have to find a reason to use it!

My first test shot is below - I have read that it takes years to master how to properly use a camera crane, at least now I can practice - and I need it.

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