New DVX100 base plate (photo)

[ulisses]

Hello,

We finished our first version of laser cutted .DVX base plate in stainless steel. Now we will do minor adjustments to best fit the DVX original screws (under base plate) and round the corners a little more.
We are using it in our camera and it is strong, it's thiner than the original ABS plate:

http://www.santofilme.com.br/images/base1.jpg

Thats it, comments are welcome.

Ulisses

[ttt]

that looks pretty good! how thick is that plate?
nice work, no more cracked bases...
t :grin:

[ulisses]

1.2mm, original is 1.6mm (if I remember correctly)

Thanks,
Ulisses

[235 Studios]

It looks great.

And now for an obvious question- Why? What is the benifit?

(Sorry, I just don't get it, the bottom of both my DVX's have been holding up great, and don't seem any worse for the wear.)

Oh, and is this something you'll be making available?

[AZsspvideo]

Why?

[ttt]

It looks great.

And now for an obvious question- Why? What is the benifit?

(Sorry, I just don't get it, the bottom of both my DVX's have been holding up great, and don't seem any worse for the wear.)

Oh, and is this something you'll be making available?

he did that because his stock base was damaged and posted previously here...
damaged DVX base (http://www.dvxuser.com/V3/showthread.php?t=30240)
t :laugh:

[235 Studios]

ttt-

Thanks, it all makes sense now.

[ulisses]

This base is stronger than the original.
I used the DVX in devices that needed a little more pressure than usual (steadycam, plus mattebox, etc) and I found my ABS base damaged.
Removing the ABS base from camera you can see how weak it is (mainly in the joins, since it is made from two welded ABS parts)
Maybe I'll get another original base (for future when selling the camera), but for all my jobs I'll be using this stainless steel base, it will be always new and solid.
Soon the second version will be ready and available for anyone interested.

Thanks,
Ulisses

[dvpixl]

COOL. now i know that it happens.

[HorseFilms]

Looks good! If I ever trash mine, I'll be in touch.

[MattinSTL]

Let me know when you get that second version available... I don't feel like looking up my old thread, but trust me the damage can/does occur. I was at a shoot using a Bogen/Manfrotto monopod... and in case you don't use one, the Manfrotto monopods have a dual screw which is a 3/8" screw surrounding a 1/4" screw. The idea is that if you need the 3/8" then it goes directly in... and if you need the 1/4" then the 3/8" pushes down out of the way as the 1/4" is allowed to secure the camera. Well after using this monopod dozens of times the 3/8" screw started to bevel the edges of the hole (in the ABS bottom plate)... finally this situation resulted in a broken nut (the one inside the DVX which tripod plates and monopods screw into)... and a frustrating day.

This plate would prevent that from happening... and if you saw just how little "meat" is holding your cam from being tossed to the ground you'd really see the value in this plate. I'd be willing to get one and just turn my DVX back to stock when/if I wanted to sell it.

[pheboglobi]

Yes, please let me know too. Most people that I know who have this camera have had the tripod mount cracked at some point (some as many as 4 times!). I've had it happen once too, and the repair guy said it is the most common problem he gets with these cameras and so he has the part in stock all the time.

So I'd be more than willing to get those plates for my cameras, and I know plenty of others that would as well.

[MrBirdBoy]

Hey,

Are these for sale ? I have not broken mine, but with 6lbs of MB, FF, Radio Mics, wires, lights ... knocking into stuff on a steadicam I would be WAY Happy to do it Now. My camera clocks in at over 10 lbs. 7 cents of plastic is not good enough to my Pookie baby. ( wow, how gross was that ?)


Let me know ...

Steve
steve@birdboypictures.com

[Barry_S]

Ulisses is working on a 2nd gen design now and yes, he'll be selling them. I'll be doing a review as soon as he's finished, but I agree--the tripod socket/bottom plate is the weakest part of the camera. I think this is going to be a a really nice mod for the DVX.

[PDX_DVX]

Would the base plate be under 100 dollars? If so, I too would be interested in one. My base hasn't cracked, but I would take comfort in a stronger plate. Does taking off the existing plate expose any electronics inside the camera?

[ulisses]

Hi,

This week we are finishing the 2nd gen and soon it will be available for sale. I can say it will cost under 50 dollars.
Also, we are working in tripod screws enhancement for the DVX, but I can't say more right now.

Thanks,
Ulisses

[pookie_old]

Of course, Panasonic may very well consider this (rightly) as a user modification, and consider any warranty to be void as a result.

I would have thought this would have been looked into by now, as it would require "official" approval by Panasonic (a modification to the warranty wording), before it would be advisable for anyone to modify their camera.

A $50.00 fix may cost big $$$ in the end if your warranty is voided.

[Slimothy]

Couldn't you just put the old one back on and say you never modified it?

[pookie_old]

Whether you could get away with that is unlikely, but possible.

But if you're going to sell the thing, you need to make it very clear that replacing the baseplate is likely to void your warrenty for future repairs, as it's a user modification (no matter how good an idea it may seem).

Take a chance with your warranty?

Now, there is a Panasonic rep here from time to time, who may say no problem, but unless Panasonic approves the mod officially, on paper, only do it "after" your warranty exipres.

[Barry_S]

In the U.S., there are laws that cover product warranties and unless a user added product modification is responsible for a problem, the manufacturer is still obligated to honor the terms of a warranty. The baseplate replacement is such a superficial modification, I don't see how it would affect your warranty. As others have mentioned--If you're nervous, just put on the original plate when you send in the camera.

[pookie_old]

Ummm.......oh dear.

[jbr]

Hi,

This week we are finishing the 2nd gen and soon it will be available for sale. I can say it will cost under 50 dollars.
Also, we are working in tripod screws enhancement for the DVX, but I can't say more right now.

Thanks,
Ulisses
Hey Ulisses,

Any further update on your new plate and also the tripod screw adapter? Just wondering. I have not heard anything else in the past month.

Thanks.
david

[ulisses]

Hi,

Sorry for the delay... busy with many productions.

- The base plate is ready and it is very nice, 3 versions were made until the final product;

- We have the Tripod screw adapter second version, we reduced the total weight and just finished a screw to fix the base+adapter direct in the DVX tripod mount. I hope to get it finished before october.

As soon I get it finished, both options will be shipped to Barry / Jarred for a review.

Thanks,
Ulisses

[mikou]

Hi there,
Do these babies ship yet?
i want one...I want one...hell I want two, just in case...
Keep us updated.
M.C.

[235 Studios]

hell I want two, just in case...

In case of what? From the looks of the base plate if it failed, more then just the plate would be damaged .... :evil:

[ulisses]

Hi,

My partner in the project had an accident with a blade on his hand, a surgery was necessary but things are coming back to normal, the basic plate is ready and next Monday I'll send it to Barry/Jarred for the review and sale.
The version with tripod adapter will take a few weeks more to be finished, so I'll be sending the basic plate first.

Thanks for the patience,
Ulisses

[mikou]

'In case of what? From the looks of the base plate if it failed, more then just the plate would be damaged ....'

Well, in case I got a second dvx100 of course...:-)

[ian lucero]

What's the word on this? Interested in possibly getting one. Great job!

[RyanT]

yeah I think I might be interested in getting one as well, my base plate cracked and I just ended up epoxying the crap out of it, not too much of a good fix : (

[MrBirdBoy]

Hey, Are they for sale. I have much stuff adding weight to the old girl!

Steve
steve@birdboypictures.com

[x-angel]

fortunately for me, I am know a good metal place here in San Antonio, so one I get mine, I might do this mod, just as a safety precaution.

BTW..this metal place did the Oklahoma City Memorial metal work (The 9:01 and 9:03 Gates), and they have already made some other fab. piece for me when it came to my car.

[DavidD]

Do you think you can cut aluminum with a reciprocating saw?

[x-angel]

well..that depnds on the gauge (thickness) of the aluminum. I think most reciprocating saws can cut up to 1/8" thick. You can do a little thicker if you are careful.

If you have a ryobi, make sure to set to like a speed of 5 or 6 so the blade doesn't get stuck.But be careful, since you might cut into it. Use a straight edge so your cuts are nice and straight.

If you have a grinder, thats great too since you can smooth out the edges.

I fab pieces for my car project all the time.

If you want to do this, this is how I would go about it.:

Take the plate off and trace your design onto a piece of cardboard, the cut that cardboard and place it on your metal. Trace the design and start sawing.

Now..since you trace the design twice, it might be a little big , fret not...since you can grind it down precisely, especially if you have a grinder like I do.

You can pickup a nice little ryobi grinder at Home Depot for like $30 and the grinding wheels are like $2 a pop. That little thing has saved me on several occassions, especially when I screw up on a weld.

Another tip, after you cut and grind (That sounds like the title to a bad hip hop song), I would coat it with some black rustolem primer so it doesnt get rusty. Even if you think there is no water in the air, aluminum will prove you wrong every time.

AFter all that you would just have to put the trip mount in there, and drill the screw holes.

Needless to say, I will be bulding a lot of my own gear when I get back (from overseas). With a saw, grinder, and welder at my disposal, I should be able to build just about any thing. hmmm.. a 20 ft telescoping jib sounds like a interesting project.

[mikou]

Hey Ulysses,
Are the plates ready for shipping now?

[bilgami]

where are the pics to these plates?

[ulisses]

Jan 15th we start shipping... first ones will go to DVXUSER admin.
Our jobs were very busy in the end of 2005. Now everything is back to normal.

Thanks and I'm really sorry for the delay.
Ulisses

[Barry_S]

Ulisses-- I was wondering if you were still planning on the baseplate. I figured you just got busy--like all of us. Anyway, I'm still up for doing a DVXUser review. Glad to see you're moving ahead with things.

[Kyle Shim]

Ulisses
where do you make these baseplates? I really need one. It looks perfect!
My screw mount is cracked, and I need something that can reinforce or replace it. Somebody help me!

[mike dawson]

I would really like to buy one from you asap

Thanks

Mike Dawson

[marlenedegrood]

Any chance of reposting the link to the photos?

[Filmjunkie677]

Yeah, I'd like to see the photos as well.

[Filmjunkie677]

What's up with this... It's passed the 15th and no word.....

WORD.

[ulisses]

Hi,

I'm sending the base plate to Jarred and Barred right now, so soon you can see the Barry review and order through DVXuser. Tomorrow I post new pictures.

Thanks and sorry again,
Ulisses

[mike dawson]

can I order one now?

[Filmjunkie677]

awesome, thanks ulisses!!!

[ulisses]

Hi Mike,

Not yet, the orders will be through DVXuser / PAYPAL.

Thanks,
Ulisses

[dbarak]

Will you be including instructions with the base plates?

[ulisses]

Hi,

Here are the updated DVX Base photos !!!

http://www.santofilme.com.br/images/base1.jpg

New finishing, extra holes to fit the original DVX screws.

http://www.santofilme.com.br/images/base2.jpg

Instructions and screwdriver will ship together for easy replacement, only 5 screws to exchange the base, less than 3 minutes and you have a new and strong base in stainless steel.



NEWS !

And here a preview from our new project, suggested by Jarred for better connection, a new base with 1/4" hole and a 3/8" hole for the DVX:

http://www.santofilme.com.br/images/new_holes.jpg

It is the first test, it's made in one metal part (probably all black) and with the 2 holes for professional tripods. It will be ready in about 1 month and we will send to Jarred / Barry as well.

So, people interested will have the 2 options: only the stainless steel base or a metal base with extra 1/4"and 3/8" holes.

Thanks for your support,
Ulisses Simionato

[Filmjunkie677]

You rock.

[dbarak]

Can't wait to get the two-whole base!!!

[ulisses]

I'm testing the center of gravity for the two holes version, standard plate already sent for review.

Thanks,
Ulisses

[TimTyler]

Hoping these will be available soon....

[mikou]

Just bumping this up...
Will the review be available soon?

[Filmjunkie677]

Any word on this??

[Winston Vargas]

Because when you mount things like 35mm or 70mm adapters and support it's all supported by the tripod screw which is supported by the base. It makes perfect sense because mine is already coming loose. The other thing to worry about when you have those adapters ,matt boxes and wide angle adapters mounted on this camera is the lens mount. That's why it needs support, front and bottom.

[Winston Vargas]

Great job.. It's needed. This camera can't take a lot of abuse.

[Winston Vargas]

The problem is that a cracked plate from insufficient support is not covered under the warranty.

[marlenedegrood]

I'd get one in a heartbeat.

[overnighttolondon]

Still no word?

Also, this is just the plate right? My nut is cracked (not stripped, actually cracked right down the middle), any thoughts on repair/replacement for that? What do you think it would cost for authorized repair?

[mdlis]

I just busted my nut too...seriously.

[mdlis]

Any update yet?

[overnighttolondon]

Just bumping again

[Take_1]

What is the status on these things? I need to buy one right away.

Thanks.

[Logan LeBlanc]

Hey Boss!!!! Look! THE PLATES, THE PLATES!!!!

I want one as well!!

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Jarred just recommended this to me but it seems like its not available.

[Drinkstoremember]

What's going on with this anymore, I want one.

[mikou]

bump...

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

I want won of these but obviously couldn't wait for this guy.

So if you are like me and just busted the nut in your DVX100a and just need to fix that
the part number is "VMD3345", and you can get it for $11.57.

you can get one at
Specialized Communications Corp.
800-359-1858
andrewh@spec-comm.com
www.spec-comm.com (http://www.spec-comm.com/)

and of course directly from Panny

[ulisses]

Guys,

I sent the plate both to Jarred and Barry in February, for a review and a page in DVXuser for sales.
Since March, I sent many private messages / emails to both without answers, maybe a communication problem. I'd like to have the DVXuser help as offered by Jarred, but sincerely, I don't know what to do right now.
At least I need a position from Jarred or Barry about it, so I can continue with the process or find another way to sell the base plates.

Sorry for the delay,
Ulisses

[ReneH]

How hard can it be to make a metal plate with a couple of holes?

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Guys,

I sent the plate both to Jarred and Barry in February, for a review and a page in DVXuser for sales.
Since March, I sent many private messages / emails to both without answers, maybe a communication problem. I'd like to have the DVXuser help as offered by Jarred, but sincerely, I don't know what to do right now.
At least I need a position from Jarred or Barry about it, so I can continue with the process or find another way to sell the base plates.

Sorry for the delay,
Ulisses

uh ... ebay?

[Jared Meyer]

Seems like this is just the right kind of item to include in the DVXuser store. I'd keep trying to arrange that with Jarred if I were you.

[ulisses]

I'll try a little more with Jarred and Barry until the end of this week, if no answer I'll do something else, since both plates are ready to go.

Ulisses

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

why don't just sell them here ... in this thread ... like with Paypal.

I took donations in a thread with paypal.

[ulisses]

Thanks for the suggestions ! I'll have a way to sell it soon.

Ulisses

[mikou]

Have you found a way yet?
Thanx for keeping in touch.

[mungk]

Does it come in black?

[ulisses]

Until Friday I'll post new photos for both versions (with and without new tripod mount). For now it is stainless steel, but it can be made in iron and black finished.
I could get in touch with Jarred, looks like a DVXuser shopping page will be possible.

Thanks,
Ulisses

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Glad it's working out for you :thumbsup:

[ulisses]

Hello,

here are the 2 versions...

A simple plate (model A - stainless steel):

http://www.santofilme.com.br/images/base1.jpg

And with new tripod mount (model B - stainless steel):

http://www.santofilme.com.br/images/tripod_DVX_inox.jpg

It has 4 new holes (2x 3/8" and 2x 1/4"), so can be used in professional tripods with 2 screws, like the standard JVC HD100 and Sony bases.
The DVX center of gravity can be changed selecting the desired hole to screw the tripod plate, good if you have a mattebox, etc.

We have the options for stainless steel and iron (black finishing), both are very resistent and use the 5 standard DVX100 screws for fixing it.

No more damages attaching tripod bases in the DVX.

The prices will be:

SIMPLE PLATE
Model A1 - Stainless Steel: US$ 29,00 + S&H
Model A2 - Iron (black): US$ 34,00 + S&H

PLATE WITH NEW TRIPOD MOUNT
Model B1 - Stainless Steel: US$ 44,00 + S&H
Model B2 - Iron (black): US$ 49,00 + S&H

I'm talking to Jarred to add the DVX selling page ASAP.

Thanks,
Ulisses Simionato

[mikou]

Good stuff...
Start packing one for me :-)

ps: You WILL ship worlwide won't you? (no is NOT an answer, I've wanted one of your plates for months...)

[Lake Films]

I want to buy one, can you e-mail me the info?

Lakefilms@aol.com

[ulisses]

sent you an email Lakefilms...

yes, I will ship worldwide... you can reach me at ulisses@santofilme.com.br

Thanks,
Ulisses

[Justin Kuhn]

Does the HVX suffer from the same problem, and will you be making an assembly for it as well if so?

[ulisses]

I didn't checked the HVX base quality, if necessary we could release a HVX version.

Thanks,
Ulisses

[ulisses]

Hello,

Here is the Model B2 - Iron (black):

http://www.santofilme.com.br/images/tripod_DVX_black.jpg

Thanks,
Ulisses

[Logan LeBlanc]

Hey ulisses, can you explain what the difference is between the plates besides the obvious cosmetics. I mean how does the basic one work?

[ulisses]

The basic one, model A, replaces the DVX original plate. So you continue to use the camera builtin tripod mount. I developed that base because my original plastic plate was damaged. The original plastic is thin and weak, any extra pressure will break it:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=29992&highlight=ulisses

The second one, model B, has new tripod mount as Jarred suggest with 4 new tripod holes (independent from the camera tripod screws). It is strong and meet the standard for professional tripod with 2 screws (1/4 and 3/8), 2 pair of holes are available, so you can adjust the center of gravity.

Both units are made in stainless or iron, of course stronger than the original DVX plastic base and weak tripod mount.

Please ask if you have any doubt.

Thanks,
Ulisses

[Logan LeBlanc]

Is the model b unit spray painted black or were they anodized. I am very interested in the B unit.....B b b b b b B UNIT!!!!

[ulisses]

The black is a thermal treatment, not painted... so it won't chip.

Thanks,
Ulisses

[overnighttolondon]

Great! I've been looking forward to this for a while.

Couple questions:
1. I'm assuming Panny didn't choose plastic because of conductivity issues, like there's nothing underneath that we'd short out or mess up with a metal base. True?
2. Does the B model require the original DVX nut to attach? My nut is cracked in half - I know the part number if I need to replace it (VMD3345), but if the B plate just connects with the little screws and bypasses the original hole altogether, I'll just leave it as is.

Thanks
Nick

[ulisses]

Hi Nick,

1.No problems about conductivity with the inox or metal versions.
2.My plate uses only the 5 little screws to attach, very simple and don't use the original tripod mount.

Thanks,
Ulisses

[bilgami]

how can i order one?

[dbarak]

Just PM or email Ulisses. I can vouch for the quality of the plates. I got mine last week, and it's great!

[bilgami]

I did the email and it came back to me with errors so i pmed him and nothing yet i guess he is busy but i cant wait to hear from him.

[Justin Kuhn]

The screwhole on my HVX is set in a small metal plate that's less than an inch on each side. Is this the case with the DVXs that cracked? I'd probably be interested in an HVX version of the plate at some point, if so...

[bilgami]

Any one have an extra plate they wanna get rid of?

[bilgami]

I got the plate today sooner than expected always a plus couldnt put it on cuz i was out the door to leave for work but its sturdy and has a good wieght cant wait to put it on tonite.

thanx

[ulisses]

If someone have problems with ulisses@santofilme.com.br, here is an option:

santofilme@uol.com.br

thanks,
Ulisses

[ulisses]

Here is a page with more info about the plates:

http://www.santofilme.com.br/baseplate/baseplate.html

Thanks,
Ulisses