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Camera users of NS, input needed for this

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kfilenda
Posts: 509 - Karma: 72
Alright, here is what I got:

Click for larger image

It is a modular slider that utilizes multi-functional pieces to create a range of video motion products. It is tripod mountable or can be used on a flat surface with the use of optional "legs" for each end.

Currently there are four core pieces (one not shown) that can be used to make a slider, crane, cable cam, rig for follow focus and mattebox and more to come.

I am trying to get some user feedback as to who would be interested in a product like this, currently the parts are being water jetted and are expected back later this week. The initial prototype should be done within two weeks if plans go accordingly.

Some things I am working on for the slider include a drag inducing system to control the feel and speed, manual crank capabilities and in the long-term, servo controlled movement.

I am working with manufactures and pushing for $199-$249 for the bare slider and required components shown (More towards $249)

What kind of interest would you have has a user if you could purchase a kit that includes the parts to build the listed devices and more?

Would you rather just get an assembled slider...or whatever device you ordered?

Please provide some feedback.
Dec 10 2012 7:08PM
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.qzyxya
Posts: 1479 - Karma: -26
Wow that looks awesome. Having it able to be a slider, crane,and a cable cam is a pretty sick idea. Probably wouldn't buy it since I already have a slider but I'm sure other people would
Dec 10 2012 8:08PM
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dunesquirrel
Posts: 464 - Karma: 70
definitely would consider it!
Dec 10 2012 8:12PM
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panojibber.
Posts: 1041 - Karma: 683
Make a promo video for it, or have someone else do one, put it on kickstarter/indiegogo and you're set!
If it does everything you say it does for $250 (plus whatever the extra parts cost), I think a lot of people would be interested.
Dec 10 2012 8:24PM
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Eggbert
Posts: 329 - Karma: 46
if it seriously does all that i would consider getting a patent, or someone will just come along and rip you off.......

i can help you out. ive written patents before.
Dec 10 2012 8:38PM
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kfilenda
Posts: 509 - Karma: 72
I am in the process of researching patents now, please PM me if you have any suggestions/help to go through such a process. The $250 would be for the slider, definitely would cost a little more to do everything, very dependent on manufacturing costs right now, but I am trying to make it so you can have all the options to get professional level shots in a lightweight, affordable, well built fashion.

Like I mentioned earlier, the prototyping is going on now, so once I can use it and see how user friendly it is, a kickstarter is the route I would most likely pursue to get things going, as of now, all costs our out of my pocket.
Dec 10 2012 8:58PM
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Linked
Posts: 325 - Karma: 216
if you had the option of changing slider lengths or joining to rods together would be so nice, and if you could sell this for about or under $250 I think a lot of people will buy it
Dec 10 2012 9:03PM
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Brentizzle
Posts: 1584 - Karma: 1,871
After seeing your diy glidecam and other slider you made (which I was wondering if you have any tips on building one just like that) I have high hopes for this.

I think the most useful two parts of it would be the ability to have a slider and a small crane in one. I think if you perfected those two aspects you would be a bit better off.
Dec 10 2012 9:05PM
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Eggbert
Posts: 329 - Karma: 46
youre gonna want to research the hell out of patents, because there are probably a shit ton for sliders, jibs and other similar stuff.

if i were you, i wouldnt publish any more pics till you file for a provisional patent ($110). With a provisional patent though, you can't add anything once it comes back from the examiner, only take stuff out of it, so it needs to be pretty fucking airtight, and then have a lot of other extra shit on top of that.

the drawings should be pretty easy because im assuming that the 3d models can be converted to technical drawings

the claims are the hardest part. if you get sued or are suing someone, this is the only part that will be brought into court, and its where patent lawyers make their money

all the rest is fluff (but still very important).

slao, the whole US patent system changes on March 13, 2013 so you might want to look into that, and if you decide to file under first-to-invent get your shit together and get writing
Dec 10 2012 9:12PM
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kfilenda
Posts: 509 - Karma: 72
Yeah, my biggest concern is the previous ones that have been filed, I believe Cinevate had one that originate in 1957 and they've just kept on going...yeah this rendering is the only "picture" I have out there, but because I wanted to generate discussion and see what people would think I posted it.

Provisional patent was looking like the route, but not having the ability to amend it is what really scares me.
Dec 10 2012 9:24PM
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Eggbert
Posts: 329 - Karma: 46
if yours is different then you shouldn't have a problem. you can cite other patents as references. this tells the patent examiner 'hey. there are other sliders out there, but mine is different and better, here's why:' then you prove why its different in the claims. the independent claim can even be the one from the original slider if you want.
Dec 10 2012 9:29PM
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.qzyxya
Posts: 1479 - Karma: -26
This. It would be sick if you could like go to home depot and get longer or shorter poles. And be sure to put lots of 1/4 20 holes and mounting options on the ends and sides.
Dec 10 2012 9:35PM
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jkauffman22
Posts: 2592 - Karma: 1,150
I'm so interested
Dec 10 2012 9:39PM
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WhatPlantsCrave
Posts: 20 - Karma: 15
interest is sparked
Dec 11 2012 2:27AM
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Gknow
Posts: 627 - Karma: 358
If a promising demo was released would definitely consider heavily for the price and comparability. You could easily charge 400 and it'd be reasonable. Look into Kickstarter
Dec 11 2012 10:56PM
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kfilenda
Posts: 509 - Karma: 72
Considering both, the manufacturing costs are what dictate all of this, right now prototype pieces are getting done and a few other parts of the design have been 3D printed to check for clearances and functionality, those pieces will eventually be machined.

I am really pushing for the manufacturing to wrap up late next week.

I want all of this to happen before a kickstarter so I can have demos and the physical "product"
Dec 12 2012 12:05AM
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