This is the making of a motion control animation rig, all operated with the animation software Dragonframe.
This piece of hardware allows me to program camera movements in stopmotion and timelapse as well as to animate props and create hi-res product shots and cinemagraphs. In some applications I can even automate my workflow!
These normally cost many hundreds to thousands of pounds, but this unit was developed for a fraction of the cost with all components bought on Ebay, parts fabricated on a 3D printer, all using open source technology.
The 2.0 version had a Nema 32 Geared Stepper with a specially designed and 3D printed coupler for the slider that allowed to use Dolly movements on a fully vertical axis.
Also wanted to be able to pull focus and zoom while the camera moves, all synchronised frame by frame.
For this went back to Ebay and added to the rig a video tripod head, a rail rod system and a follow focus.
Operating all these in unison can be achieved by having a dedicated easing curve for each desired action/motor on the animation software.
