A7s Prototype Kit including external power and Odyssey/Shogun mount...

olof

DVXuser Sponsor
I am doing all my testing and playing with a kit prototype.

I find the shoulder brace makes the 24-70 OSS lens super smooth for hand held even at 70 in C mode.

The longer lens in the photos is my Canon FD 70-210 f4 from the 70's. Still one of my favorites, it does not expand and contract as you zoom pump style, focus is on the same ring, all manual of course. My Metabones v4 is arriving later today, so I will play with some large Canon glass tomorrow.

Anyway the kit is made to be super light and sturdy w/o hindering getting to the controls and still being able to use the VF that I think is fantastic in the A7s. As you can see it is easy to add an external monitor/recorder, it uses parts from my FS700 and Odyssey Kits. The shoulder part comes off with one thumb screw as does the monitor mount. All the sockets and controls are easily accessible and the kit will accept 15mm rods if you like to use FF and matte box. And the hot shoe is open with lots of room around it.

The VF foam and suede cover is something I like as I wear glasses, I will be 3D printing these with the suede added, or I can tell you how to make this very easily for less than $10.00.

The power plate can be AB or IDX or as in the photos a FS700 battery. I will have multiple places to mount the battery as well as possible 15mm rods in the back if you want them. But I like really light compact systems more than rods myself. These external batteries can power the A7s as well as added options like recorders wireless mics etc.

There is a very simple lens support built in that is adjustable for different lenses even large Metabones/Canon 70-200 or other foot supported lenses. There is a sliding plate that makes centering on your head easy for different lenses.

I am still refining the kit and adding parts. As you can see I am staying away from the very restrictive and large cage idea, instead I call this the double L kit, the idea is to stay small, no need for an external VF for shouldering. And at the same time it can be converted quickly into a studio kit complete with power zoom and remote focus, I will probably also add wooden handle options with remote trigger.

If anyone here is interested in Beta Testing this kit contact me. I always like a few Beta testers other than myself and Sharyn. Any comments are also welcome.


A7sProtoKit1.jpg

A7sProtoKit8.jpg

A7sProtoKit2.jpg

A7sProtoKit3.jpg

A7sProtoKit4.jpg

A7sProtoKit5.jpg

A7sProtoKit6.jpg

A7sProtoKit7.jpg


A7sProtoKit9.jpg

A7sProtoKit10.jpg


A7sProtoKit11.jpg
 
Last edited:
Indeed, a construction where you can use the camera's viewfinder and use all the controls with your right hand is a very good choice. Looking at the design, particularly without the battery as counterweight, I would be afraid it is a bit top heavy? I would love to help test this but I am in the Netherlands.
 
Indeed, a construction where you can use the camera's viewfinder and use all the controls with your right hand is a very good choice. Looking at the design, particularly without the battery as counterweight, I would be afraid it is a bit top heavy? I would love to help test this but I am in the Netherlands.

Roelf, the idea is if you go on the shoulder, you would not have the monitor/recorder on the left side, they would be relocated to the part on the shoulder, I also am pretty sure there will be much smaller 4K recorders out next year, I can't be more specific yet, but they are coming.

The photos with the Odyssey is what I refer to as the studio configuration. The idea is you can quickly go lean...

We ship to Holland all the time. So contact me if you want to try an early prototype. olof@westsideav.com, we can set up a Skype call.
 
I like the look of your shoulder rig. How are you finding the 24-70 for manual focus? A quick twist and it it shoots from near to far in a tiny fraction of a turn, yet keep slow turning and turning and turning and it never seems to get to where you want it!
 
Olof,

I am so glad you are going through this to create quality accessories for the A7s. And the fact that you're looking for some sort of viewfinder eyecup solution tells me that you guys get it.

I'm currently using the 24-70 F4 lens on my A7s mostly due to the fact that Sony's Auto focus actually works, unlike some of the other guys out there. I find my self not needing a shoulder brace to get steady shots due to the 3 points of contact I have with the camera already. However, knowing that I'll have to move up to an external recorder that is powered externally makes me concerned about keeping it all egronomic.

I would be interested in testing, but I dont plan on getting a 4K recorder this year untill the dust settles. My hope is that a UHD recorder is made small enough that you could just bolt it onto the bottom of the camera or a cage since. Cage would be preferable since I really need a top handle for the A7s. Overall, I want to maintain the smaller footprint which is the real strength of the A7s IMO.
 
Back
Top