FS7: Alternative to using the grip

[bengiles]

The Zacuto prototype shown in the video is interesting. If only they would lose all the red anodized bits.

The parts I've ordered should do exactly the same thing as the Zacuto prototype - but converting the Sony grip to a rosette mount with lateral twist, so I can continue to use that, rather than a 3rd party handle.

 

[bengiles]

The grip has been rosetted...

Quick release lever allows easy tweaks. Same clamp at the other end allows for "clockarm" style lateral movement.

Will update after shooting with it next week.

 

[Ben Scott]

Good work Ben.

 

[morgan_moore]

That looks really neat well done

S

 

[epicdream]

Yeah, echoing the above sentiments, loving your work there!

 

[Mertzwiller]

+1

 

[bengiles]

Some updated pics. I popped into the office today to prep for a 3 day shoot this next week and tried the new grip rosette.

First impression is very positive - just being able to twist the grip laterally a few degrees feels much more comfortable and sustainable on the wrist.

I may need to swap the locking lever at the grip end of the clockarm - while it's useful to make quick tweaks, it's a tad bulky.

 

[JPNola]

Nice job, Ben!

You accomplished what should have been the Sony design from the start.

Just a thought- is there any reason to have a quick release where the grip attaches to the rod? Seems that it could be done away with and you would still have all the same range of positioning of the grip. Eliminating that quick release would clean things up a bit.

 

[bengiles]

is there any reason to have a quick release where the grip attaches to the rod? Seems that it could be done away with and you would still have all the same range of positioning of the grip. Eliminating that quick release would clean things up a bit.

No reason, other that that I had a spare lever knocking around. You're right - it's too bulky at the mo at the grip end and prevents the arm folding up for storage. I'm thinking maybe some kind of low profile knurled knob, so I can still quickly rotate the grip on the rosette when that's occasionally needed.

 

[morgan_moore]

Could you put the handle on the camera rod?

It might also reduce the torque force on the right hand as the camera would be less desperate to lean left.

Even try the left rod which would mean no fouling of the lever and have the handle right under the cofm of the camera.

S

 

[bengiles]

Good idea, Sam. Will try it out. Back in New Broadcasting House for 3 days this week!

 

[bengiles]

Update: The ability to twist the grip is definitely helping, but I'm still not getting it far enough away from my body, when using the Chrosziel or FS7 rosette on which to mount the arm. I'm going to try mounting a rosette clamp to the camera rods and get it right up front, as per Sam's suggestion.

In the meantime, one thing that is working is a replacement lever, in place of the small allen bolt that secures the EVF/mic rod:



This is a very useful mod. Here are the (UK) details if you want to try one:

www.berger-tools.co.uk | GN302-30-M3-10-SW Adjustable hand lever straight BLACK

 

[midwestjourno]

Hey Ben - I'm looking to follow your lead on this, but move the FS7 grip to a tilted handgrip bracket like this one from Vocas (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/871953-REG/vocas_0390_0106_tilted_handgrip_for_15mm.html) and then attach the wood sphere I used on the other side. Would you be able to detail how you were able to get a rosette bracket on your FS7 grip?

 

[bengiles]

I bought rosette plates from here:

http://www.berger-tools.co.uk/series.asp?CategoryID=23&SeriesID=1042&PartID=43823 (The exact spec is GN187.4-32-60-E-ST )

Make sure you buy Arri-compatible rosettes, not RED.

The clock-arm clamps I got from http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360678590220?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I drilled out the thread on one of the clamps, so they go on either end of the "clock arm".

The screws on the FS7 grip rotating mount are difficult to remove. You will need exactly the right size of screwdriver, or you'll mash them - Phillips size 0 (PH0.)

I then got a fabrication company to drill the rosette plate to the same spec as the FS7 arm:



At the moment, I'm running the whole arm off a Lanparte 15mm rod to rosette adapter, just to get some distance:



However, I can't say it completely resolves the problem.

Which is: whichever way you roll it, the FS7 is simply too short. If you put the COG on your shoulder, you'll be reaching behind your face to adjust anything. I think Sam's idea of focusing with the right hand and gripping with the left may have some legs.

 

[Killick]

I wanted to top this, and was wondering if you ended up testing your grip mounted directly on a camera rod? My biggest issue is how far away from the camera body the grip ends up being with either the sony or shape extension arms. I really want the thing right up under the lens. Every time I take my left hand off of the bike grip I have mounted to focus or zoom, the camera tilts from the uneven weight distribution.

If your engineering solves that problem I would pay good money for you to fabricate one for me, in all seriousness.

 

[Killick]

For example, if I can get the smart grip where the bike grip is in these photos I feel like I would have the perfect handheld rig for my purposes.

 

[Viddovation]

As this thread is alive again... previously I did some testing on alternate lanc (remote port) control of the camera. What I learned was that control was possible, but the lanc port is effectively input only - it doesn't output any camera data (the lanc protocol itself has room for such a feature, but it doesn't look like they bothered programming it).

For my purposes I want to be able to get camera data. I've moved my research to the usb/wifi connection, which does offer output of a large amount of data/metadata.

 

[bengiles]

I wanted to top this, and was wondering if you ended up testing your grip mounted directly on a camera rod? My biggest issue is how far away from the camera body the grip ends up being with either the sony or shape extension arms. I really want the thing right up under the lens. Every time I take my left hand off of the bike grip I have mounted to focus or zoom, the camera tilts from the uneven weight distribution.

If your engineering solves that problem I would pay good money for you to fabricate one for me, in all seriousness.

I can't fabricate something, unless there was a request from lots of other users, and someone else has already bought the spare rosette from me, but I've detailed how to do it above. Here are some snaps, showing how it might be positioned the way you want it:

 

[Alan Dater]

Update: The ability to twist the grip is definitely helping, but I'm still not getting it far enough away from my body, when using the Chrosziel or FS7 rosette on which to mount the arm. I'm going to try mounting a rosette clamp to the camera rods and get it right up front, as per Sam's suggestion.

In the meantime, one thing that is working is a replacement lever, in place of the small allen bolt that secures the EVF/mic rod:

View attachment 101238

This is a very useful mod. Here are the (UK) details if you want to try one:

www.berger-tools.co.uk | GN302-30-M3-10-SW Adjustable hand lever straight BLACK

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I too have the ratchet lever on my fs7. It works very well. BTW you can get them here in the US at J.W.Winco,
http://estore.jwwinco.com/default.aspx?page=item%20detail&itemcode=3N10AL0K
This is the one you want $5.33.

Alan Dater
Marlboro Productions

 

[Mknobil]

Hello!
Will the Fs5 grip work with the Fs7 electronically? Would wonderful to put the Fs5 grip on a short arri Dogbone.
Not an unrelated question .. Is anyone else having trouble with the Fs7 grip "skipping" under stress? that is to say, the rosette jumping from one grove to the next?

Many thanks for your thoughts!!

=mark=
Pittsburgh? Pittsburgh!