7 Ways to use the Raptor Rickshaw dolly

Here is arguably the simplest configuration of the Raptor Rickshaw Dolly-- really just a push-cart with a seat on it. This is ideal for operators who are still wanting something of a handheld look, but with the mobility benefits of a dolly.

You may be thinking, "wait, this is basically the same exact configuration as the last one!", and you'd be right, but the one difference might be more important than you'd imagine in some situations, like when using a Steadicam or EasyRig. If you're wearing some type of bulky vest like that, there's a decent chance you'd find the seat back more of a hinderance than a help.

This configuration highlights another common use case for Rickshaw-style dollies, a fixed tripod head. Here, we've taken advantage of the Raptor Rickshaw's built-in Mitchell mount and attached our tripod head to the ProAim collapsible riser. This is a great option for a very wide variety of shooting scenarios!

One limitation you'll find in Configuration 3 is that you're stuck at a fixed height for the duration of the move. One way around this is with the Matthews Elevator, which allows you to add vertical movement to your shot. On a traditional dolly like a JL Fisher or Chapman, this height adjustability is often an essential component of the look and feel they produce, and the Elevator is a low-cost (and much lower-weight) way to achieve something similar.

If what you need is extra horizontal movement, it's very easy to attach a slider! We're once again using the ProAim collapsible Mitchell mount riser, which is supporting the 4-foot MYT Works slider. This configuration would probably only come up in a handful of niche shooting scenarios, but hey, why not!

Configuration 6: Black Arm

On some types of terrain, you may want something like the FlowCine Black Arm to help stabilize the vertical movement of the camera. Here, we've combined the Black Arm with the DJI Ronin 2, but you could just as easily attach an underslung head like a Cartoni Lambda, a remote head, or plenty of other options.

Configuration 7: "Bungee Rig" For Gimbals

This configuration is designed for a standing operator to ride on the dolly so that they can easily control a gimbal, which is supported from above via bungee cord, rope, webbing, etc. With this setup, there's no need to wear an EasyRig in order for operators to pilot the gimbal for extended periods. This setup also makes it easy for operators to dismount the gimbal from the Rickshaw, whether they're stepping off the dolly to continue the move, or handing it off to another operator who's standing at the ready.

In our setup in the photo here, we've made use of a really handy new speedrail kit from MotoCrane. This speedrail kit uses special couplers that secure the sections of pipe with bolts that run all the way through as a failsafe, giving you an incredibly sturdy connection. This kit comes in a single rolling case, which hold 4 couplers, ten 4' sections, and two 2' sections of speedrail, plus the necessary hardware.