Indie-Dolly Systems IND.CTD Universal Dolly for Indie Dolly Tracks

Comments about Indie-Dolly Systems IND.CTD Universal Dolly for Indie Dolly Tracks:

In filmmaking, it is must to adjust focus during shots, especially today's super 35mm filmmaking. I don't think autofocus(mean, autofocus during recording) will be utilized in cinema cameras in the close future. Manual operations are necessary in filmmaking. This ride-on dolly definitely eables camera operators to concentrate on their subjects.

There are tons of other dolly products in the budget film industry, but most of those are disqualified for sophisticated camera operations during tracking shots. They don't allow a camera operator to ride. If operators are forced to manipulate focus (+pan/tilt) and camera movement(tacking) simultaneously, their sensors are easily overloaded. Cameraman has to concentrate on his/her subjects but not their own feet!

In addition, most of them are supposed to run directly on the ground (or floor) with three or more wheels attached to them. This is truly ridiculous. I have rarely seen such smooth surfaces in locations. Even in interior shots, rooms are usually carpeted with soft, and irregular surfaces. Results are, of course, unstable and irregularly shaking. Rail system is necessary for smooth dolly shots.

Though my rating is five, I don't give the same point to the rail product from this company. It's expensive. I always use 1-inch pipes I bought in Home Depot or Menards.

Finally, don't think that dolly shots can be substituted by stabilizers (such as Glidecam). Rail dolly and stabilizers are different. In terms of stability, rail dolly is still the winner.

Comments about Indie-Dolly Systems IND.CTD Universal Dolly for Indie Dolly Tracks:

Yes, as others have stated, it is quite a puzzle to first construct it (though if you look, there are video tutorials on how to construct it online), but once you get it fully assembled, it is a breeze to use. It is remarkably smooth and absolutely silent, two musts for a good dolly. I highly recommend getting the platform kit as well, because they make the already well-built and stable dolly even better by more-evenly displacing the weight and giving you a wider range of space to place your feet. The included case was a big selling point for me, it really makes transporting safe and efficient. If I had to issue one complaint though, it would be the seat. Originally this dolly came with a metal seat that I've heard was dreadfully uncomfortable. They've upgraded to what seems to be a standard bicycle seat. Which, while fine for comfort, lacks in its ability to lock down. The seat rotates and wobbles freely on top of the pedestal it stands on. It's not a terrible issue, because once you are sitting on it you won't notice the wobble much unless you shift your weight often, but it is a slight issue.

Slight hiccups aside, this is a quality piece of equipment. Is it right for you? All depends on what you are going for. If independent films are your game, and a track dolly is a frequent player, then for the cost, the Indie-Dolly is a wise purchase.

Comments about Indie-Dolly Systems IND.CTD Universal Dolly for Indie Dolly Tracks:

This dolly is super smooth. The setup is easy, yet a little lengthy. My main issue with this dolly is the seat however. It doesn't support significant weight in a comfortable, reliable manner for a camera op, but overall the dolly is great. I would state to everyone that this is a great buy.

Comments about Indie-Dolly Systems IND.CTD Universal Dolly for Indie Dolly Tracks:

Not perfect, but pretty **** sweet. You'll want to make sure you have some cribbing and wedges... this track is low to the ground -more so than American brand classic round or square rail... we set up on gravel and had a hard time with stones hitting the wheels.... the velcro to pull the track tight might need some tweaking and extra straps from what is provided... BUT that said.. the track is REALLY smooth... just don't pretend that this dolly is as solid as a super pee-wee or fischer... it simply doesn't have the girth or mass.... but for quick set up location work for the indy filmmaker, would take this over a doorway simply for it size weight and ability to throw it in the trunk. Overall a really good product.

Comments about Indie-Dolly Systems IND.CTD Universal Dolly for Indie Dolly Tracks:

Even better than I thought when I first opened it. Solid contruction....quick to setup and super smooth!

Comments about Indie-Dolly Systems IND.CTD Universal Dolly for Indie Dolly Tracks:

This unit is great for the price. Easy and quick to set up, very portable, smooth as silk movement. The trick to getting a smooth ride is leveling and shimming the track, proper adjustment of the wheels on the track, and proper positioning of the insert legs. See online instructions for wheel adjustment.

Comments about Indie-Dolly Systems IND.CTD Universal Dolly for Indie Dolly Tracks:

This is a fantastic dolly system for the price. I recently purchased this for some shooting that I am doing and had it all set up, out of the box, in less than 10 minutes. The track pieces fit together quickly and easily, and the dolly ride was silky smooth.

If there is one area that I would like to see some improvement in a future version is in the seat. It is slightly unsteady when you are sitting, testing your balance at first. However, after you get used to it (which will happen about the second or third time you sit on it), its a non-issue and does not impact your ability to get clean, smooth shots.

Kudos to Indie Dolly for a well built, compact, portable, and most of all silky smooth product.

PS: To date, all of my shooting with the dolly has been on concrete and generally 'smooth' surfaces. I have not needed to set up the track in undulating or bumpy situations and therefore can not comment on its ability under those conditions.

Comments about Indie-Dolly Systems IND.CTD Universal Dolly for Indie Dolly Tracks:

For run and gun production that wants to add some real value, this dolly packs up lightly and compactly and works great.

Comments about Indie-Dolly Systems IND.CTD Universal Dolly for Indie Dolly Tracks:

yes.. it can be a bit of a chinese puzzle to put together the first few times, but after you get the hang of it, no problems. i have used the other "portable" foldable dollies and this is by far the best. much heavier than the others BUT.. you can ride on it! you can't on others. try doing smooth precise moves while walking the dolly along!! not sure what the other reviewer was referring to in the bumpy department...mine is great

Comments about Indie-Dolly Systems IND.CTD Universal Dolly for Indie Dolly Tracks:

This is a cool dolly for travel. I found that no matter how level you get it,it still has a bumpy ride. Also the price is high for what you get. One other thing I did like was set up time despite the bumpy ride. Oh ya if you don't have Internet at the time of set up you may be really not satisfied because there's NO instruction manual only a downloadable video online. Good luck!!