Axis Dolly Frequently Asked Questions
Ther were no small ball bungees in my package. Am I missing them?
The Axis Dolly originally came with a set of small ball bungee cords that are seen in several pictures on this web site. Though the Axis Dolly was designed so small ball bungees can be used with it, they didn't serve enough purpose as they don't secure a tripod to the unit, so we decided to no longer use them. In ther future the hole and notch will be omitted from the production of the legs. Full size bungees, as shown in the SECURING YOUR TRIPOD TO YOUR AXIS DOLLY page, are needed to secure your tripod to your Axis Dolly. They are not included with this purchase as different tripods will work better with different length bungee cords. We've chosen to not change the photos and videos that demonstrate the small ball bungee in use to show that they can still be used in case you decide it is something you'd like to add to your setup.
How heavy is the dolly?
The Axis Dolly (with the standard casters) weighs about 30 pounds in its full configuration (for use with a tripod), and about 14 pounds in it's mini configuration (for use with a fluid head or tilt plate).
What are the dimensions of the Axis Dolly?
The Axis Dolly in full mode:
- When folded for travel is 18x27-3/4 inches.
- When open in standard mode, from the Axis Dolly's center point it is 19-5/8 inches to the center point of the casters, 21-5/8 inches to the outer most point of the legs, and 17 inches to the outermost point of the inside of the spreader cups.
- When open in wide mode, dimensions increase 2 inches. From the Axis Dolly's center point it is 21-5/8 inches to the center point of the casters, 23-5/8 inches to the outer most point of the legs, and 19 inches to the outermost point of the inside of the spreader cups.
The Axis Dolly in mini mode:
- Sitting dimensions are 18x16-1/8 inches.
- From center point to caster center is 8-1/8 inches, and to outer most edge of body is 10-1/8 inches.
- From center point of any caster to center point of any caster is 14 inches.
How much weight can the Axis Dolly support?
The Axis Dolly has been tested with 250 pounds of weight on it. It is capable of far more than that, but when we tested it, we ran out of weight. We will soon be testing the full work load of the dolly, and will be posting it here when we do. But if you need to support more than 250 pounds until then, I want to know what kind fo camera you are using!
Is the Axis Dolly only for use with a tripod, or is it also the small dolly?
The Axis Dolly is both dollies in one. It is a fill size dolly that can be used with a tripod. The mini dolly is actually the body of the full size dolly. By removing the casters from the full size dolly, removing the arms of the dolly, then reattaching the casters to the Axis Dolly body, you now have the mini dolly.
How do the standard casters work on carpet, or other surfaces that aren't perfectly smooth?
The standard casters work best on smooth surfaces. They also work well on tight woven carpet that is all one length. On surfaces that aren't smooth, I suggest using the Track Casters on PVC pipe or professional track, or use the Pneumatic Casters which smooth out bumps in the rolling surface very well.
I think I may be missing a part.
If on the off chance you receive your Axis Dolly and it is missing a part, please let us know and I'll get it out to you ASAP. While I am confident this won't happen, we understand that sometimes mistakes are made and we'll do our best to remedy the situation immediately. Your satisfaction with our product and service is immensely important to us!
Can I get a further discount on the Dolly?
I am sorry, but no. The Axis Dolly is already discounted as much as I can.
Why can't I find your dolly being sold anywhere else, like B&H?
Bottom line... I want to keep the price down and within reach of as many people as possible. I've had several offers to buy me out, but the cost of the dolly would be about $1000 more than I am selling it for as they would be marking it up a lot. Distributers that have shown interest loose interest when they find that the profit margin isn't what they want and that they aren't going to make much money on the product. That isn't the goal I have for this product. I want to put a great tool into as many hands as I can, and not limit the purchase of this product to people that have a lot of money to throw around.
How do the track casters work?
All Axis Dolly casters are interchangable and secure to the dolly via a single knob each. Just remove the Standard Casters and attach the Track Casters.
I need the Axis Dolly tomorrow. Can you get it here by then?
That is a possibility, but please call and find out as it won't always be possible. All orders usually ship out 24-48 hours from order completion. We do not ship same day. That being said, I do whatever I can do accomodate the needs of all my customers, and if it is circumstantially possible to get a package to you the following day, I am more than happy to help.
My dolly is rotating strangely in full configuration with my tripod. What's going on?
You have most likely attached the Axis Dolly Legs the wrong way. They need to be attached in an ABC counter clockwise orientation. If you are getting erratic results, you have probably attached the legs in a clockwise orientation. If you are unsure at any time, just follow the orientation of the Axis Dolly Body degree plate labels.
On the resource page of your site where you show how to assemple the axis dolly, on the folded up picture at the top you show leg A and Leg C folded up around Leg B with the handle above leg B. But on the instructions you show the handle position above leg C. I assume it really doesnt matter where the handle is placed. Just wanted to check.
You are correct. As long as the legs are in ABC counter clockwise orientation, the Axis Dolly will always roll true.
How does Axis Dolly compensate for rough surfaces?
If you are rolling the Axis Dolly on a surface that is almost smooth enough, adding weight to the dolly (via sand bags, weights, etc.) may solve your problem. Essentially what you are doing is maximizing the surface area of the wheels touching the ground. The more weight, the more area of contact. The more area of contact, the more you'll smooth out your shot. The easier solution is to use the Track Casters and PVC pipe, or the Pneumatic Casters in some situations.
Can I rent an Axis Dolly for a project if I don't want to purchase one?
I do have one Axis Dolly I rent out once in a while, but the Axis Dolly is inexpensive enough that it is more practical to purchase one. The two people I've rented the Axis Dolly out to decided to purchase it after they received it.
How does this dolly perform on pavement or something that's not exactly smooth and even?
Less than perfect with the Standard Casters, but that isn't what they were designed for. For uneven surfaces use the Track Casters and PVC pipe, or the Pneumatic Casters.
Do you have any less expensive models that may not be as durable?
I’m sorry to say I do not have any other models of the dolly that are less durable. A dolly made from thinner material wouldn’t be significantly less expensive anyway as the manufacturing process wouldn’t be much different. Also, thinner material wouldn’t hold up in its full configuration.
Do you have any detailed PDF's you can send me?
Great question, and the answer is no. However, it makes sense to me that we should have product PDFs, and I'll be making some ASAP.
I noticed that in the videos on your web site you had some smaller DV handheld cameras on the dolly. Would a larger camera (betacam, digibeta or HD camera (VariCam) pose a problem to the Axis dolly due to it's weight and size?
Nope. The Axis Dolly will support whatever you can throw at it. We've tested the Axis Dolly with 250 pounds and it worked flawlessly. We'll soon be testing the full capacity of the dolly, and we'll be posting our results as soon as we have them.
What size PVC pipe should I use with the Track Casters?
The Track Casters are compatible with 1.5 and 2 inch diameter PVC pipe. PVC pipe I believe comes in two wall thicknesses. I suggest getting the thicker wall as it will obviously be stronger.
How large in diameter will the spreader cups accomodate for tripod feet?
The spreader cups have a 3 inch inner diameter.
Are there any other accessories being made for the Axis Dolly?
Yes there are. We have a list of accessories that we are currently designing. The next to be released is the T-Bar. After that we are planning on building a Ride On Seat and Camera Support, a Mini Boom, and a Carrying Case.
May I make a suggestion for an accessory?
Please do!
Do you make custom parts or accessories?
We have in the past a couple of times, but be forewarned that custom parts fabrication isn't inexpensive.
The customs tax from U.S.A to my country is expensive. Is there any solution for that?
Unfortunately... no.
What tripod is best to use with the Axis Dolly?
Split Leg tripods work best as they secure to the Axis Dolly the best. Straight leg tripods work well, too, but you need an under hook on the base of the tripod head, or something else to wrap your securing bungee around.
How well do the small ball bungee cords on the Axis Dolly legs secure a tripod to the Axis Dolly?
Not at all! The purpose of the small ball bungee cords is only to keep the legs of your tripod secure to the outside of the spreader cups, NOT to secure your tripod to the Axis Dolly. Always use bungee cords to secure your Tripod to the Axis Dolly as shown in the Secure Your Tripod section of the Resources page.
What size bungee cord do I need to secure my tripod to the Axis Dolly?
All tripods are different sizes and different bungee cords have different stretch strengths. I'd say 95 percent of the time will call for 48 inch bungee cords, but please see what size works best for your application.
Are these excel charts for setting up radial moves simple to figure out?
They are very easy to understand. The fields that you put your info into are clearly labeled, as are the calculated fields.
Are there higher resolution videos than the ones on your site?
We are in the process of producing an instructional DVD and new example files which will be viewable at half resolution and downloadable at full resolution.
I only need dolly for a tabletop application with the camera directly mounted to it. I don't need this for a tripod mount at this time. Would I just need the Axis Dolly Mini?
Yes. The Axis Dolly Mini is all you would need if you do not want to use the Axis Dolly with a tripod. If at any time in the future you decide that you would want that feature, you can purchase the Axis Dolly Legs and Spreader seperately. Purchasing the whole package at once is significantly less expensive, though.
I have tripods with Bogen 501 and 503 heads. I've never actually removed the heads from the tripods, so I just want to make sure that these tripod heads will mount directly to your dolly. If not, what additional hardware will I need?
Both of the fluid heads you mention have a standard 3/8-16 thread, and will attach to the Axis Dolly using the included knob, or via any standard 3/8-16 bolt of the proper length.
What would be the advantage of a tilt plate over using a tripod head?
The advantages of the tilt plate over a fluid head are:
- It keeps the camera closer to the rolling surface than a tripod head.
- It keeps the center of gravity of the camera over the center of the dolly when tilted for increased stability
The advantages of a fluid head over the tilt plate are:
- You can pan and tilt the camera while filming
- You probably already own one that will work with the dolly
How tall are the Pneumatic Wheels?
The Pneumatic Wheels are 14 inches in diameter, and the dolly sits about 2 inches above the wheel.
What fluid heads are compatible to directly mount to the dolly?
Any fluid head with a flat base. Many ball fluid heads are actually flat base fluid heads with a ball attached. Just remove the ball and attach the flat base fluid head. If you want to use a ball fluid head you will need to use a high hat adapter.
Are you comming out with dolly track for this application?
This is probably the most frequently asked for part, and so we've chosen to acomodate. We've designed a PVC connecting system that we will begin manufacturing soon, which will allow you to carry around segments of track instead of full lenth track.
I saw a picture of the low profile (linear) dolly you used to make. Very cool picture I might add. Is it still available, and how much is it?
I have three of these left for sale. I am not selling these on the web site, though. If you are interested, please call for details.
I own a full-sized Sony DSR450 2/3" shoulder-mount camera. It probably weighs nearly 20 lbs. with an Anton Bauer brick on it. Do you think your dolly would still be stable with this kind of weight?
Axis Dolly 101: bring it on! The Axis Dolly will support over 250 pounds.
I noticed the standard casters have two wheels and look like they could hug a track. Are the standard casters designed for both flat-surface and track use?
They are not, which is why we offer Track Casters for use with track. Though you may be able to use it that way, I can in no way guarantee it's stability. Also, the pressure on the bearings would be of a non-linear nature and that is not how bearings are designed to work. It's best to use the products for the purpose they were designed.
If I want a complete package (the Axis Dolly with all the accessories), can I get a discount?
The prices reflected on the purchase pages are already discounted prices.
When I roll the Axis Dolly on the same path multiple times, it doesn't always come back to the exact starting position. Am I doing something wrong?
This is called "drift". Though drift will be minimal, this may happen as it is unavoidable for anything with wheels, and usually happens with repeated movement. The best way to orient your dolly is to put a piece of tape on the rolling surface centered along two of the wheels. If drift occurrs, reorient the dolly by aligning the wheels center to the tape.
I see you have a special this month. Will the offer be extended?
Rarely do we run the same special pricing 2 months in a row. When we have a big event, such as the release of a new accessory, we will offer a special for a couple months, but the special the first month will offer more savings than the follwing month.
Do you accept returns?
I am sorry, but we do not accept returns for any reason. We do offer a lifetime warranty on body, leg, and caster parts (only the parts made from alluminum). Other parts, such as wheels and bearings may need to be replaced at some point because of normal wear and tear. If something is wrong with your dolly, or there is some defect, please let us know so we can replace whatever part is defective. In this case, return the part, or the whole dolly, and we will replace the part after determining the part defect. We do pride ourselves on a great product, however, and this is a rare occurrence. We've only had one dolly returned becasue the user thought something was wrong with it. It turned out that they had just not assembled it correctly.
You spelled something wrong.
Please let me know so I can correct it.
I have a question that wasn't answered on this page.
Email your question to me at seth@axisdolly.com and I'll do my best to answer it thoroughly. I'll probably also post the question and answer here in the FAQ section.
Email: seth@axisdolly.com
