Single Frame Camera Rise

[Benjamin Sarabacha]

Hello,

 

I'm shooting single frame stop motion with a heavy rig: Bolex REX-5 Super 16mm (with microscope camera rigged through the eyepiece) and a DSLR beside it for preview of exposure and detailed animation. This comes to ~18+ lbs depending on lenses. I am looking for a way to shoot vertical rising shots (like a boom up or pedestal rise), but single frame. This requires the camera to hold it's position each frame. I have a Majestic tripod with a hand crank riser column that can serve, but the trouble is with the camera on top the minimum height of the lens is well above the already tall table. Now, I could raise the table even higher, but that would make animating on it too difficult.

 

Is there any way in which a camera can rise at least 14" (or more) starting from a low position? I was thinking a vertical slider with the locking nut tightened down some to hold it's position? Like this one? But obviously a very sturdy crank solution would be ideal. I thought maybe a pulley on a slider somehow? 

 

Any ideas? 

[Benjamin Sarabacha]

Well, I found on eBay a much smaller Majestic tripod with a decent size crank riser that works perfectly for my purpose. Takes the weight, starts very low and allows for plenty of rise with the geared crank. 

[Aapo Lettinen]

If needing something super heavy duty and extremely stable, one can check if metalworking machinery or industrial automation systems have suitable parts which can be used. For example a large "screw axle" operated by a stepper motor or crank and that moves the camera assembly. Can allow extreme precision too. Kind of same idea than how the small 3d printers rise the printing platform but more sturdy device