FS7: Another Baseplate/Shoulder pad/Rig thread for FS7 thread

dcarstens said:
I'm not happy with my Titla cage rig. The front cage portion doesn't sit flush against the body, due to it attaching to the baseplate on the bottom jutting out a few millimeters. This applies outward pressure on two of my lens adapters' foot supports (Metabones and Commlite), which I worry may cause the E-mount to flex and go out of alignment.
Beyond that, the rear V-mount plate only has one DTap, which is used for to power the camera body. There are additional 5, 8, and 12V barrel connectors, but they don't do me much good as I have DTap cables for any monitor or transmitter accessories. The one barrel connector I can use is the 12V, which powers my Atoms Shogun.

Too much hassle to ship back to Hong Kong. Would anyone like mine?
Click to expand...

I wish I had known you were getting rid of one. LOL

I bought the Tilta rig and am happy with it so far. The multiple D-tap is a minor issue. You can either switch out the battery V mount for a better one or use a cable with multiple parallel D-tap plugs. The cable is relatively cheap and easy. I had one from my F3 rig. If I was going to use V mount batteries I'd probably switch out the V mount, which is also relatively cheap.

I noted the same issue for both my Metabones adapter and Commlite adapter. As far as the front cage goes about 2 minutes with a grinding wheel along the edge and the front part fits flush. It's only a little bit to take off. Grind on the inside edge, touch up with some black paint and it isn't visible.
 
image.jpg

I added the bar adapter to the rear of the Chrosziel plate so I could put a V-Mount on. I bought a D-Tap to Sony barrel connector so I could power it with my PagLink batteries.
 
Mandy from Zacuto here. We've been reading your concerns and hopes about the FS7 and baseplates/rigs for it and have designed some unique accessories like our Rosette Minimount to make the most of this new hot camera. The FS7 Recoil is our balanced shoulder solution that really makes the most of the Sony accessories like the camera grip and top handle. Check it out here: http://store.zacuto.com/sony-fs7-recoil/. For a limited time, we are offering a free VCT Tripod Plate. And, if you want a turnkey rig with a Gratical HD EVF too, we're offering a complete package with additional savings- $1400 in savings!

We'd love to chat and answer your questions either in here or on the phone or email. sales@zacuto.com (312) 863 3456

Thanks - Mandy
 
I picked up my FS7 yesterday and tried it on our existing Tilta BS-T03 shoulder mount/bars system on a Sony VCT-14 plate.

It worked - kinda - but I actually think the FS7 works for me without an additional shoulder thingy. I slid the FS7 integrated shoulder pad back a bit and it all fits very snugly with the hand grip kept high up near the lens.

Having read this thread developing over the past few weeks, while I awaited the new camera, I was under the impression that it would need pimping out with extra metal. Each to their own, but I think it works out of the box. I found the whole thing twisted off to the left when it was on the additional shoulder mount. Also worth mentioning - I don't really need rods on the front. I have a lightwight Genus clip-on matte box for filter duties and no need for follow focus etc.

In my opinion, the vanilla FS7 is a huge ergonomic improvement over the Canon C Series cams which we were using before - C100 with Blade plus occasional C300. However, on the FS7, I think a quick release mechanism, rather than the screw-in rosette clamp for the articulating arm will improve the FS7 greatly - maybe something will appear on the aftermarket eventually - something like those Shape spring-loaded rosettes would be nice.

It's a chunkier beast than I thought. I've ordered a Tilta FS7 battery plate to hold my V-Locks on the back (hoping to bolt my Hawk Woods battery plate on to the metal bracket instead of the Tilta one.) Makes it an expensive bit of metal, but it looks less agricultural than Hawk Woods' offering, in my opinion - and it costs less to boot.

Ben.
 
Interesting that you mention this, Ben.

I as well have been debating the relative merits of a baseplate vs no baseplate. I'll be accumulating several for inclusion in my reviews but was discussing all of this with Juan Martinez (a nice perk of being both journalist as well as living in NYC area is access to all of the manufacturers). Juan really feels that most users can adjust the built in pad as you stated and then hold camera close to cheek. We also discussed such other options as adding a rosette extender (Tilta makes one for under $50 and there are others) to make it easier to hold your right arm at 90 degrees or even using a small bean bag. If you need front rod support, then a mount such as the fixed base or quick base by Wooden Camera might do the trick.

I think it all depends upon what type of kit is most comfortable to you.

Ned Soltz
 
Do a single full day shoot with it on the shoulder and make a decision. There's no way I could work like that. The Zacuto QR play is an excellent and comfortable quick on, quick off solution for me.
 
A quick update. Did a run and gun job today with no tripod so was all on the shoulder for a good few hours using a COntax Zeiss 28-85 on a focal reducer mount. The WC Fixed base and Zacuto QR shoulder pad with rails attachment was comfortable and excellently balanced for the whole day.

So nice to have this sorted. Only update is I might get a left hand side handle too, but didn't need it today. Am going to be shooting a live streaming event on Monday with lots more stuff attached to the camera so will report in on how it fares in that environment.
 
Movcam's entry into the shoulder and cine build up kits. image.jpg Multiple configurations are available. You tube video shows renderings of options. With multifunction baseplate it looks like you get great flexibility.
 
I just shot three 14 hr days and it was all hand held. I used the Zacuto QR shoulder pad once and then took it off, raised the camera too much for me. Made the VF too close to the camera, since with camera up higher, the camera hits my ear. It just compounds the problem. Of course you could buy the Zacuto VF but I am in the business to make money with gear not just keep spending on parts to make a camera work that already works fine.

With stock shoulder pad and it was excellent. I had the extension unit on with a Pag battery, my Lectro SR, Sony light (excellent purchase HVL-LBPC), and either the GL Optics 11-16 or 18-35. I am not sure if I will keep the Zacuto QR since it spent 2-3/4 of the days in a bag.

By the way the light is much better then my Zylight 90, which I have used for years.
 
Last edited:
Paul it's amazing that your experience is the exact binary opposite of mine. Just goes to reinforce just how personal everyone's setup preferences are.
 
Ben,

It is a nice shoulder brace but I do not like how much it raises the camera. After thinking about it I will give it another try on my next job with a few modification.
 
I just got that short tilta rosette extension and I really like what it does. By putting the arm further out the angle is easier to hold .
Also, because the arm is now in two pieces the extension gets the other part of the arm away from the camera and then its easy to turn it "up" and easily rest the camera on a table without falling over. In the same position I can now keep the arm on the camera in the orca 12 bag as well.
Sorry I don't have time for pics. I've been using the westside AV shoulder brace and like it although the shoulder pad itself is not very comfortable. It is a little front heavy but i don't know that that's bad as I like where it puts the lens and controls.
I'll ask Olof if the pad can be changed.
 
Paul Cronin said:
Ben,

It is a nice shoulder brace but I do not like how much it raises the camera. After thinking about it I will give it another try on my next job with a few modification.
Click to expand...

I did a big long live job with it on Monday and in my initial configuration that was a bit of an issue just due to my viewfinder placement causing my to crick my neck to use it. Rearranging that side of it and having it a lot lower down made it a lot more comfy for me.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top