# Overhead Camera Rig
## Overview
https://youtu.be/D65RHeS7K3U
## Top Down Photography
This project uses t-slot 20mm x 20mm aluminum extrusion beams (sometimes refered to as "2020") to build a framing system that can be used for mounting a camera, perfect for getting overhead photos.
Overhead photography is the cornerstone of documenting projects. In this guide, you learn how to use 2020 extrusion, hardware and 3D printed parts to build a simple yet modular mounting system.
## Backdrop Photography
This system can also be used to hold up a backdrop for getting glamor product shots. Spring clamps can be used to hold up poster boards, paper or fabric.
The leg assemblies can slide along the t-slotted aluminum extrusion so it's adjustable for just about any standard size of poster boards.
## Dimensions
The overall dimension can vary depending on the length of 2020 extrusions. The height and length of the rig can be adjusted by sliding the leg assemblies or the overhead beam.
- Leg length: 610mm (24in)
- Leg height: 630mm (24.8in)
- Overhead Length: 1220mm (48in)
## Parts
### Part: 2020 Extrusion
quantity: 6
Slotted Aluminum Extrusion - 20mm x 20mm - 610mm long
[2020 Extrusion](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1221)
### Part: T-Plate
quantity: 2
T-Plate for 2020 Aluminum Extrusion
[T-Plate](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1219)
### Part: Corner Brace
quantity: 2
Double Corner Brace Support
[Corner Brace](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1259)
### Part: Coupling Plate
quantity: 2
3 Holes - 20x20 Aluminum Extrusion
[Coupling Plate](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1216)
### Part: M4 x 8mm screws
quantity: 1
(28x required) Button Hex Machine Screw - M4 thread - 8mm long - pack of 50
[M4 x 8mm screws](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1160)
### Part: Slim T-Nuts
quantity: 1
(28x required) M4 Thread - pack of 50
[Slim T-Nuts](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1157)
### Part: End Caps
quantity: 1
pack of 10
[End Caps ](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1156)
### Part: M4 x 14mm screws
quantity: 2
Longer screws for camera L-Plate
[M4 x 14mm screws](https://www.mcmaster.com/92095A193/)
## Optional Parts
These parts can be used to mount a camera or backdrop.
### Part: Spring Clamps
quantity: 1
8-Pack
[Spring Clamps](https://www.amazon.com/HORUSDY-Plastic-Opening-Clamping-Securing/dp/B0BCJL2JB7/)
### Part: L Bracket
quantity: 1
Camera mounting plate with tripod quick release and tripod screw
[L Bracket](https://www.amazon.com/Vertical-Horizontal-Switching-Compatible-Stabilizer/dp/B09RB11GK5/)
## Tools
# Overhead Camera Rig
## CAD Files
## CAD Assembly
The two leg assemblies are made of two pieces of 2020 extrusion and joined using a T-plate and a corner brace.
The overhead beam is comprised of two pieces of 2020 extrusion and joined using a coupler plate.
The overhead beam slots into the leg assemblies using a 3D printed tube coupler.
## 3D Printed Parts
These parts require a 3D printer. STL files for 3D printing are oriented to print "as-is" on FDM style machines. Parts are designed to 3D print without any support material using PLA filament. Original design source may be downloaded using the links below.
- Cross Connector.stl
- Cross Connector(Mirror).stl
- Clamp Holder.stl
[Download CAD source](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/123/478/original/CAD.zip?1692036953)
[Download STLs.zip](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/123/476/original/STLs.zip?1692036716)
## Build Volume
The parts require a 3D printer with a minimum build volume.
- 120mm (X) x 118mm (Y) x 34mm (Z)
# Overhead Camera Rig
## Assembly
## Leg Assembly
To build a leg assembly, start with two pieces of 2020 extrusion, a T-plate, and a corner brace. Get eight M4 x 8mm long screws, and eight slim M4 T-nuts.
1. Position the two extrusions in the form of a "T".
2. Place the T-plate over the two extrusions and line up the mounting holes with the center T-slots.
3. Insert and position the slim M4 nuts into the T-slots. Align the T-nuts with the T-plate mounting holes.
4. Insert and fasten the M4x8mm long screws.
5. Place the corner brace onto the assembled extrusions.
6. Insert and position the slim M4 nuts into the T-slots.
7. Insert and fasten the M4x8mm long screws.
**Repeat this process for a second set of legs.**
Info:
## Overhead Beam Assembly
You'll join two lengths of beam to create the wide overhead span. Get two pieces of 2020 extrusion, and two coupler plates. Use six M4 x 8mm long screws, and six slim M4 T-nuts.
1. Position two pieces of 2020 extrusion end to end.
2. Place a coupler plate over the two extrusions and line up the mounting holes with the center T-slot.
3. Insert three M4 slim T-nuts and line up the mounting holes.
4. Insert and fasten three M4 x 8mm long screws into the T-nuts
5. Repeat process for the second coupler plate.
## Spring Clamp Holders for Backdrops
Use the clamp holders to secure a backdrop to the overhead beam. Slide the clamp holder onto the t-slot with the long flap oriented in the desired position. Place the top of the backdrop onto the long flap and use a spring clamp to keep it in place.
Warning:
## Cross Beam Assembly
Get the two leg assemblies you already made, one of the 3D printed cross connectors, two M4 x 8mm long screws, and two M4 slim T-nuts.
1. Orient the cross connector and insert a leg assembly through the y-axis.
2. Insert the overhead beam through the x-axis on the cross connector.
3. Insert the M4 slim T-nuts through the T-slots and line up the mounting holes.
4. Insert and fasten M4 x 8mm long screws to secure the extrusion to the cross connector.
5. Repeat this process for the second leg assembly.
## Adjust Rig Length & Height
The leg assembles can slide along the overhead beam to adjust the width of the rig. The overhead beam can slide along the leg assembly to adjust the height of the rig. Use the screws in the cross bracket to lock the legs and overhead beam.
## Attach Camera
Get the L-plate camera mount, camera and two M4 x 10mm screws and slim T-nuts. Attach the L-plate camera mount to the overhead beam using the M4 screws and slim T-nuts. Use the L-plate included tripod screw to secure your camera.
## Final Build
Congratulations on your build! You can finish things off by capping the ends of the beams.
The rig can be broken down and stored away by removing the overhead beam from the two leg assemblies.
## Expanding features
Since this build uses 2020 extrusion, it's open to more capabilities! Want to mount LED panels or an external display monitor? Create your own mounting plates and brackets!
## Featured Products
### Slotted Aluminum Extrusion - 20mm x 20mm - 610mm long
[Slotted Aluminum Extrusion - 20mm x 20mm - 610mm long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1221)
Oh boy, now you have no excuse for not building that robot! Nothing is easier or faster than building with extrusion and we've added 20mm square aluminum extrusion and components to our catalog. This product is the extrusion itself. Made of aluminum, its exactly 20x20mm square and has...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1221)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1221/guides)
### T-Plate for 2020 Aluminum Extrusion
[T-Plate for 2020 Aluminum Extrusion](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1219)
Attach various pieces of 20mm slotted aluminum extrusion together with this 5-hole T-shaped plate.
Measures 60mm long x 60mm wide, 4mm thick. 5.3m drill holes 20mm apart so you can use M4 or M5 screws. You'll want to use 10mm long screws to attach this to 20mm extrusion.
No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1219)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1219/guides)
### Aluminum Extrusion Double Corner Brace Support (for 20x20)
[Aluminum Extrusion Double Corner Brace Support (for 20x20)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1259)
Brace yourself! You'll definitely want to pick up a couple of these double corner brace supports when working on a project with 20x20 extrusion. They're nice and solid, made of cast aluminum so they are stronger than extruded corner supports. Four holes, two in each corner allow you to...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1259)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1259/guides)
### Coupling Plate - 3 Holes - 20x20 Aluminum Extrusion
[Coupling Plate - 3 Holes - 20x20 Aluminum Extrusion](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1216)
Attach various pieces of 20mm slotted aluminum extrusion together with this 3-hole plate.
Measures 60mm long, 18mm wide, 4mm thick. 5.3m drill holes 20mm apart so you can use M4 or M5 screws. You'll want to use **10mm long screws** to attach this to 20mm extrusion.
No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1216)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1216/guides)
### Button Hex Machine Screw - M4 thread - 8mm long - pack of 50
[Button Hex Machine Screw - M4 thread - 8mm long - pack of 50](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1160)
Cute as a button, these button-head hex screws are what we suggest for putting together a project with our slotted extruded aluminum. Use a 2.5mm hex wrench to attach/detach. This length is good for attaching something about 2mm/0.08" thick to 20x20 extrusion.
Comes in a pack...
No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1160)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1160/guides)
### Aluminum Extrusion Slim T-Nut for 20x20 - M4 Thread - pack of 50
[Aluminum Extrusion Slim T-Nut for 20x20 - M4 Thread - pack of 50](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1157)
An essential for working with slotted aluminum extrusion, these slim metal nuts slide into the side-slot of the extrusion. The slightly oval shape means that as they screwed-into the nut jams against the slot.
This product comes as a bag of 50 slim T-nuts, with M4 threads. If you...
No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1157)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1157/guides)
### Aluminum Extrusion End Cap (for 20x20) - pack of 10
[Aluminum Extrusion End Cap (for 20x20) - pack of 10](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1156)
Finish your project in style with these snap-on caps. Made of a soft plastic, they'll make your project look more professional. Comes in a pack of 10 and fits onto the ends of our 20x20 aluminum extrusion.
![]()
No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1156)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1156/guides)
## Related Guides
- [Timelapse Spy Camera](https://learn.adafruit.com/timelapse-spy-camera.md)
- [QT Py S2 Round Display Compass](https://learn.adafruit.com/qt-py-s2-round-display-compass.md)
- [MIDI Laser Harp with Time of Flight Distance Sensors](https://learn.adafruit.com/midi-laser-harp-time-of-flight-sensors.md)
- [3D Printed Unicorn Horn](https://learn.adafruit.com/3d-printed-unicorn-horn.md)
- [How to Make Animated Graphics for Hologram Displays](https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-make-animated-graphics-for-hologram-displays.md)
- [Really Simple Animatronic Tail](https://learn.adafruit.com/really-simple-animatronic-tail.md)
- [Raspberry Pi Selfie Bot](https://learn.adafruit.com/raspberry-pi-selfie-bot.md)
- [Case for Circuit Playground](https://learn.adafruit.com/case-for-circuit-playground.md)
- [Bajoran AirPods](https://learn.adafruit.com/bajoran-airpods.md)
- [UV Brush Cleaner](https://learn.adafruit.com/uv-brush-cleaner.md)
- [3D Printing on PRINTinZ: Flexible Build Plate](https://learn.adafruit.com/3d-printing-on-ninjaplate-flexible-build-plate.md)
- [DIY Custom American Girl Doll Prosthetics](https://learn.adafruit.com/diy-custom-american-girl-doll-prosthetics.md)
- [Raspberry Pi Face Recognition Treasure Box](https://learn.adafruit.com/raspberry-pi-face-recognition-treasure-box.md)
- [How To Place an Essential, COVID-19 Related Order at Adafruit ](https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-place-an-essential-covid-19-related-order-at-adafruit.md)
- [Cases for Sparkle Motion](https://learn.adafruit.com/cases-for-sparkle-motion.md)