Buying a GorillaPod is easy too, but making one is just fun, and it works out cheaper than you can imagine. Here is an inspired version of the GorillaPod from Instructables. But this one is much cheaper, and less sticky. The method used by "theRiaa" was my base idea, I have just replaced the insulation tape with a "PVC Plastic Non Stick Tape" and a Duck Tape.
You Need:
- Duck Tape
- A PVC Non Stick Tape (find in your plumbing store)
- Copper Wires (as thick as you like, it should bend), you can use Aluminium Wires as well.
- A 1/4" [get the mm definition] bolt, from your local hardware store.
- Nuts to match the Bolts.
Virtually these are not rocket science ingredients, so it is just a walk to your hardware stores away, and costs less than $1. You might have the Duck Tape in your home already (I did).
Now the first job is to cut the Copper Wire into 3 pieces of same length. I suggest cutting it to 15 cms long, use your pliers to cut them. Once you have the 3 pieces cut, you have to make a loop at one end of them [refer image below].
Insulate the 3 Legs with the PVC Tape, so that they look "Cool" -:)
Once you have the loops done, place it near the Bolt Head and start insulating it with the Duck Tape, and when you have insulated with 5 to 7 layers, place the next "leg" and start to do the same, then add the 3d LEG and do it till you are satisfied with the thickness. It should be a sturdy insulation now.
You can now use the PVC Tape to insulate a few rounds over the Duck Tape, so that it does not stick to your hand on every usage. This is very simple to do.
Make sure you do not "Over Twist" your camera on to this Flexible Table Top Tripod. If you have a plastic thread on your camera, you need to be double careful not to over thread the Bolt to your camera.
This idea holds good for a Compact Digital to a Point-And-Shoot Digital camera that weighs about 600 Grams. I tried mounting a 200 Grams camera (Kodak C653) and a 600 Grams Camera (Canon Powershot S3 IS) and it was stable.
Make sure you check the copper wire before you buy it, it should be a good thick wire that can bend as necessary but tuff. This is the one major thing you need to see before you buy, else you shall topple your camera while on mount. Better carry your camera while you buy your "bolt". Good Luck in creating your Flexible Gorillapod.
I would like to call this with many names, you can suggest some if you like:
- FlexiPod
- Tabletop Tripod
- TreePod
- GorillaPod
- MiniPod
- TentaclePod
- "you suggest, I will add it here..."
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