Stuff we learnt making our DIY Cable Cam…

1) Choose a very slick wheel/pulley, the less rolling resistance the better. We used a set of rollerblade wheels with good quality ABEC 5 bearings in. £79.99 new. On sale for £25, bargain.

2) Braking mechanism is really important. The forces of the unit running into the knot at the end of the rope were enough to bend the steel frame of the cable cam. We used a towel laid over the rope at least 10ft from the knot, this worked perfectly. Some people suggest using a double rope.

3) A camera keeper is very useful for when you are setting up shots – ie a tether for the camera so it can’t go sliding down the rope accidentally. It can also be used to help you haul the camera back up to the top for the next take.