Building a Cage for the NEX-5n

R

reaver

Member
I've been having one hell of a time trying to find a cage that would work well with my NEX camera. I thought about buying something designed for the BMPCC, but the very few of them would actually work. I was initially going to buy the Wooden camera cage for the BMPCC, but after looking at it, opted to build something myself that would be cheaper, and that I was 100% sure would suit my needs. I would like to share the results with you folks.

IMG_20140219_073504.jpg

Personally, I think it turned out perfectly, and suits my needs EXACTLY.

Here's the list of components that I used.

Tripod baseplate (x2) ~$33
1.5" Smallrig Threaded Rods (x2) ~$13
Small Hot shoe mount $10
Small Rig Hot shoe handle $40

The whole thing, not including plates and quick releases (which I already had, and have based everything around the Arca-swiss system) cost me less than $100. I'm very happy with the result.

Just wanted to share.
 
* Are you sure there's a camera in there?
* do you attach it to the top side of the camera somehow, or just to the bottom?
 
Ha. Yup! I'm definitely sure there's a camera in there! ;) I have an anti-twist plate on the bottom of the camera, which goes into an arca swiss clamp. The NEX-5n doesn't have a hotshoe on top, so it's only attached via the base of the camera.
 
I have two more setups that the date goes onto. I've got a full shoulder rig, and a smaller, lighter rod system. I'll post some more pictures today of different angles.
 
What's not to love when you can make something yourself, meets your needs perfectly, and doesn't cost a bundle!

Dave
 
@Dave - Exactly! That's what my thinking was. The only thing I've discovered I need to add is another post on the side. The top plate has a tendency to turn since I can't get the top screw tight enough, but that shouldn't cost me any more than 15 bucks.

Here are some more pictures I took before I left this morning:
IMG_20140220_071812.jpg IMG_20140220_071802.jpg IMG_20140220_071736.jpg

And the full shoulder rig, for laughs:
IMG_20140219_203315.jpg

It still cracks me up that that TINY little camera transforms in the that monstrosity. It shoots great video though!
 
reaver said:
The only thing I've discovered I need to add is another post on the side. The top plate has a tendency to turn since I can't get the top screw tight enough, but that shouldn't cost me any more than 15 bucks.
Click to expand...

That's what I was expecting: if you don't attach the cage to the top, the whole thing is going to flex.
There's a tiny 2.5mm screw for the nex-specific flash, but I have found no adapters suited for a project like this. I have a 3D printer, though... or you could just use this, then cold-shoe-to-something.


BTW, I like the last pic: looks like a very well balance rig
 
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It's really well balanced. Its only a tad bit front heavy, though I think when I pick up a new audio recorder, it'll probably be perfect.
 
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