# 3D Printed Camera Slider
## Overview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbgCHubxCK0
In this project, we'll show you how to use a supported slide rail and 3d printed parts to make a portable slider.
Our 19" (500mm) slide rail is made of stainless steel features plenty of mounting holes that can support up to 5 pounds. The sliding ball-bearing platform slides smoothly along the railing.
These 3d printed feet slide onto the ends and secured into place with machine screws. This keeps the sliding platform from coming off the railing. 
## Parts & Supplies
- [Supported Slide Rail](https://www.adafruit.com/products/1861 "Link: https://www.adafruit.com/products/1861")
- [Slide Railing Platform](https://www.adafruit.com/products/1866 "Link: https://www.adafruit.com/products/1866")
- 4x #6 32 x 1 in screws with nuts
- 2x #6 32 x 3/4 in screws with nuts
- [Fluid Video Head](http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-128RC-Micro-Fluid-Connector/dp/B000JLO6RS/)
- [3/8" to 1/4" Adapter Screw](https://www.adafruit.com/products/2392)
- [Shoe Mount / Bracket](https://www.adafruit.com/products/2410)
- [Swivel-Head Pan Tilt](https://www.adafruit.com/products/2464)
- [1/4" Screw with D-Ring](https://www.adafruit.com/products/2629)
## Tools
• [3D Printer](https://www.adafruit.com/search?q=3d+printer)
• [Screw Driver Set](https://www.adafruit.com/products/822 "Link: https://www.adafruit.com/products/822")
## Prerequisite Guides
• Build Plate Preparations
# 3D Printed Camera Slider
## 3D Printing
The legs and plate mount are printed in PLA, but can easily print in ABS for heaver camera loads. No supports or rafts are required for printing. Print the plate with the 1/4" tripod hole groove facing upwards.
[Download STLs](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:387208)
**Build Plate Preparations**
There's a great [video tutorial](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDnBXpFa7DY "Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDnBXpFa7DY") by Dr. Henry Thomas who demonstrations a great technique for preparing acrylic build plates for awesome prints. Wipe down the plate with a paper towel lightly dabbed in acetone. Use another paper towel and apply a tiny dab of olive oil. Wipe down the plate so a small film of oil is applied, this will allow the parts to come off the plate easier. # 3D Printed Camera Slider
## Assembly
## Mounting Plate
Start off by prepping the mounting plate. Insert the #6-32 nuts into the plate grooves. They should have a tight fit, you can use your thumb or the handle of the screwdriver to pop each one into place. The nuts will secure the screws that will hold the railing platform to the fluid video head.
## Camera Screws
You will need a [1/4''-20 male thread](http://www.amazon.com/Smallrig-Tripod-Monopod-Release-Camera/dp/B00AIJ60FM/ref=pd_cp_p_1) to attach the plate to the fluid video head.
If your video head has a smaller thread you can use a 1/4" to 3/8" converter.
## Attach Mount to Tripod Head
With the screw nuts facing down on the fluid head, attach the 1/4''-20 male thread screw with a flat head or a coin. 
## Screw it Flush
Make sure to fasten the 1/4''-20 screw until it is flush with the surface of the plate. [Edit Slider](http://www.123dapp.com/123D_Design/DIY-Camera-Slider/2534276)
## Install Platform to Slider
Slide the platform onto the slide by having the railing push out the plastic holder. Info:
## Tripod Head to Platform
Turn the video head upside down and align the plate to the railing platform. Keep it level by moving the platform to the middle of the rail. 
## Secure Platform to Tripod Mount
Add the four #6 32 x 1 in screws and tighten each with the screwdriver. 
## Slide Railing & Platform
With the platform securely mounted to the slider, it should freely slide along the railing. 
## Install Legs to Railing
Position the legs onto the ends of the railing and slide them in until the hole on the railing and legs line up. They should have a snuggle fit when attaching them. 
## Secure Legs to Railing
Tightly fasten two #6 32 x 3/4 in. screws with nuts to hold each leg on to the rail. 
## Add Screw Nuts
To ensure the screws don't get loose, add screw nuts to the bottom of the legs. 
## Grease It Up
If the slider isn't smooth enough for your liking, you can try using a few drops of [Reel Butter Bearing Lube](http://www.amazon.com/Ardent-Reel-Butter-Bearing-Lube/dp/B001H54MCO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404698646&sr=8-1&keywords=Ardent+Reel+Butter+Bearing+Lube "Link: http://www.amazon.com/Ardent-Reel-Butter-Bearing-Lube/dp/B001H54MCO/ref=sr\_1\_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404698646&sr=8-1&keywords=Ardent+Reel+Butter+Bearing+Lube") for making it really smooth! # 3D Printed Camera Slider
## Usage
## Slide Tips
- Position your hand over top of the platform and apply force down while sliding - pushing / holding the camera causes shakes and stutters.
- Practice easing in and out at the beginning and end of slides.
- Get multiple takes sliding back and forth.
## Framing Tips
- Frame up your shots with the length of the railing in mind.
- Hide behind something to reveal shots makes slides feel longer.
- Pan while sliding across your scene to cover more in the shot.
- Avoid wide shots that may appear to have no movement when sliding.
- Get close up to mid range shots for best results.
- Use a lens with a zoom.
- Try different angles like up and down / backwards and forwards.
- Take note of the weather conditions. Too much sun can cast nasty shadows casted by the camera
## Slide it up!
There's lots of room for improvement. You can add another railing for making it longer. Try adding a motor to make it into a automated slider! # 3D Printed Camera Slider
## Customization
## 123D Design Project
All the parts are completely editable in 123D Design. The project file includes a sample of the slider railing, two different sizes and the original paths. 
## Customizing Legs
You can easily adjust the height of the legs by editing the facing in the 123D Design model. The default legs are 104mm wide, but can be as slim as 62mm. [Edit Slider Legs](http://www.123dapp.com/Project/DIY-Camera-Slider/2534164)
## 123D Design Steps
- Select the object and click on one of the faces on ends the legs.
- Hover over the gear icon to select the Press/Pull option.
- Click on the interactive arrow to increase the height of the object or enter a value in the distance input box.
- Export the STL by selecting the option in the top 123D menu.
## Customize Mounting Plate
You can easily adjust the 3d part in 123D Design. Simply push the groove down by an increment of .2 or .4 millimeters.
- Select the object and click on the face you need to manipulate.
- Hover over gear icon and select Press/Pull.
- Enter a value in the distance input field or interactive with the arrow manipulator.
- Export STL by selecting it under the top 123D file menu.
[Edit Mounting Plate](http://www.123dapp.com/Project/DIY-Camera-Slider/2534164)
## Featured Products
### Linear Bearing Supported Slide Rail - 15mm wide - 500mm long
[Linear Bearing Supported Slide Rail - 15mm wide - 500mm long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1861)
Do the CNC electric-slide! To the left, now to the right. Now you have no excuse for not building that CNC robot. This is a 'supported style' 15mm wide slide rail makes adding linear motion control easy. This product is the slide rail itself only, it works perfectly with our
No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1861)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1861/guides)
### 15mm Diameter Linear Bearing Pillow Block - Wider Version
[15mm Diameter Linear Bearing Pillow Block - Wider Version](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1866)
Make your robot or CNC move on our [15mm Supported Slide Rail](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1861) with this sliding ball-bearing platform. The slider is a bit larger than [the other slider](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1860) we carry for
No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1866)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1866/guides)
### 15mm Diameter Linear Bearing Pillow Block
[15mm Diameter Linear Bearing Pillow Block](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1860)
Make your robot or CNC move on our [15mm Supported Slide Rail](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1861) with this sliding ball-bearing platform. The slider is 60mm x 35mm and has four holes tapped for M4 machine screws so you can attach pretty much anything you want. This slider has a...
No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1860)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1860/guides)
### 38 Piece Screwdriver Set
[38 Piece Screwdriver Set](https://www.adafruit.com/product/822)
Look, over there at that thing! Take it apart! You can now attack just about every kind of box or enclosure that needs undoing with this 38-bit screwdriver set. This set is fine quality and excels at disassembling games, phones, cameras, and other small portable electronic goodies.
What...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/822)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/822/guides)
### 1/4" Screw with D-Ring - for Cameras / Tripods / Photo / Video
[1/4" Screw with D-Ring - for Cameras / Tripods / Photo / Video](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2629)
_Whaddya got a screw loose or something?_
This is an industry standard **1/4" Photo Screw** with a handy D-ring for tightening purposes. This will fit standard tripods, cameras, photo lights and more. The D-ring flips up to make it very easy to adjust by...
No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2629)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2629/guides)
### Swivel-Head Pan Tilt (PTZ) Shoe Mount Adapter
[Swivel-Head Pan Tilt (PTZ) Shoe Mount Adapter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2464)
This **Swivel-Head Pan-Tilt (PTZ) Shoe Mount Adapter **allows you to attach something with standard 1/4" machine screw mount to a camera's shoe mount, with free range of motion! Loosen the side screw and the ball-joint is free to move all around, then...
No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2464)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2464/guides)
### Camera Shoe Mount / Bracket - Connects to 1/4" screw
[Camera Shoe Mount / Bracket - Connects to 1/4" screw](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2410)
This small and useful **Shoe Mount / Bracket** lets you take something with a 1/4" machine screw (standard in video/photo work) and turn it into a 'shoe mount'! It's very handy for mounting LED photo lights (as seen in our example), flash adapters, video...
No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2410)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2410/guides)
### Flashforge Creator PRO
[Flashforge Creator PRO](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2742)
The **Flashforge Creator Pro** is the latest addition to FlashForge’s Creator family, built upon an open source platform.
Based on proven design of the Creator X chassis, the Pro is now enclosed so you can print ABS better and more efficient than ever. The upgraded...
No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2742)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2742/guides)
## Related Guides
- [HalloWing Case](https://learn.adafruit.com/hallowing-case.md)
- [Raspberry Pi Zero Stand](https://learn.adafruit.com/raspberry-pi-zero-stand.md)
- [Forecast the Weather at Home with a No-Code Barometer ](https://learn.adafruit.com/dps310-analog-barometer.md)
- [PyBadge GamePad](https://learn.adafruit.com/pybadge-gamepad.md)
- [Neopixel Cosmic Turtle Necklace](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-led-magnetic-pendant-necklace.md)
- [CircuitPython Sound Box](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-sound-box.md)
- [32x32 Square Pixel Art Animation Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/32x32-square-pixel-display.md)
- [3D Printed Camera LED Ring](https://learn.adafruit.com/3d-printed-camera-led-ring.md)
- [Circuit Playground Password Vault](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuit-playground-password-vault.md)
- [Dual Extrusion 3D Printing](https://learn.adafruit.com/dual-extrusion-3d-printing.md)
- [Kitty Toe Bean Keypad with Color TFT](https://learn.adafruit.com/kitty-toe-bean-paw-keypad-color-tct.md)
- [Ride & Rock - DIY Bike Stereo System with 20W Speaker](https://learn.adafruit.com/ride-rock-diy-bike-stereo-system-with-20w-speaker.md)
- [CircuitPython OctoPrint Controller and Monitor](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-octoprint-controller-and-monitor.md)
- [DIY 3D Printing Filament](https://learn.adafruit.com/diy-3d-printing-filament.md)
- [Boombox Beach Bag with Audio Amp and Speakers](https://learn.adafruit.com/boombox-beach-bag-with-audio-amp-and-speakers.md)