F35: Camera cage

A

Archduk3

Active member
Hi!

I know this camera is quite frankly a bit too old for anyone to look into developing anything new for this camera, so if it someone, it has to be oneself.

Working with cinema professionals in LA I have been fortunate to befriend a few people that owns 3d printers, cnc machines, and well, anything you need to make anything. Luckily they have enlisted their help, and I am looking into designing a camera cage for the F35 looking similar to what ARRI made standard for the Alexa mini. First versions will probably be on the heavier steel side, but my goal is to make it as lightweight as possible.

I have a few questions though.

My goal was to build it in so the Odyssey 7Q could be attached to the cage on the “dumb side”, and therefor act as a assistants panel sort of. Or is there a better placement you think?

Second question, and I just want to have this cleared once and for all. If I attached 2 IF boxes to the camera, could I record 4444 in 50p then? Or is the 7Q not possible to record that? (It would alter the design if i could figure out a way to make merge 2 boxes into 1).

Finally.

Are there any diagrams, step by step guides, or videos on how to take the camera apart? I am pretty nifty with a screwdriver, but I sort of want to know if there are any irreplaceable ribbon cables I have to watch out for.

//C
 
UPDATE!

After speaking to a few here, and actual cage makers, the work might be overdoing it, and the size of the 7Q isn't ideal.

And spoken to my AC friends, we have figured out an prototype top handle. Working title FTP-1, to replace the top.

IMG_6584.jpg

The back part is meant to house the AJA 3GM. Or potentially we might repurpose the IF box and remove the the XLR part completely.

Now for this build we have decide on a a few things.

-Using the PIX-E5 for size/weight
-PIX E5 has a quicker and easier storage solution
-PIX E5 is more durable
-TimeCode can be sent in using 3.5mm, and therefore possible to actually match it
-The FTP-1 ledge can be used to house terradek, or MDR, if not housing the AJA 3GM.

C
 
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There are a few of these type of dry dock plates floating around:

IMG_2265.jpg

Personally I try to go the other way, F35 is too tall, I've removed the top dock completely from my cameras which is pretty easy compared to trying to reverse engineer the dock mount.

IMG_2278.jpg
 
I would look at getting a simple cheeseplate on top, then adding something like Smallrig's 1979 top handle (which is a terrific, cine-orientated design, and gives you 15mm rod clamps and a tonne of Arri-locating 3/8" holes). You can rig everything you need to off a handle like that.
 
Grug said:
I would look at getting a simple cheeseplate on top, then adding something like Smallrig's 1979 top handle (which is a terrific, cine-orientated design, and gives you 15mm rod clamps and a tonne of Arri-locating 3/8" holes). You can rig everything you need to off a handle like that.
Click to expand...

Yeah. This is our aim.

Cheese plate, a small rig handle, abs locating pins for more things like MDR.

We are still making a side plate. Because that will be the best way to make a permanent lock-in mechanism for the PIX.

My biggest hurdle right now is figuring out run/stop, preferably from operators side. And then later, time code.

C
 
yachacha said:
There are a few of these type of dry dock plates floating around:

View attachment 141238

Personally I try to go the other way, F35 is too tall, I've removed the top dock completely from my cameras which is pretty easy compared to trying to reverse engineer the dock mount.

View attachment 141239
Click to expand...

I honestly doesn’t think size is too big. And I want to be able to move the IF box if necessary. Some steadicams are different.

Also I am having Fischer cables made so I can use the power out for accessories.

C
 
Update!

The plate has gotten its final form.

IMG_6678.jpg

Also, removed the handle attachment so now I can add a small mounting point for the EVF.

C
 
rip off that gaff tape over the bottom viewfinder port and make yourself a cover while you are at it.

These are 3d printed?
 
Loving the new plates. exactly the direction I would have loved to take my build at the time! (though I like the way Yachacha leveled off the top. )

This is exciting stuff and looks very nondestructive, which I suppose is a plus!

Inspiring man! great work!
 
yachacha said:
rip off that gaff tape over the bottom viewfinder port and make yourself a cover while you are at it.

These are 3d printed?
Click to expand...

That is a future thing maybe. Not that I really care about the gaff being there.

These are the 3d printed mock ups. The original will be CNC.


James0b57 said:
Loving the new plates. exactly the direction I would have loved to take my build at the time! (though I like the way Yachacha leveled off the top. )

This is exciting stuff and looks very nondestructive, which I suppose is a plus!

Inspiring man! great work!
Click to expand...

Appreciate the support! Yeah, making some nato rails on side as well to hard mount the E5 as next step.

C
 
Update.

Design is done mostly.

It will be made a bit skinnier, but it is hard to 3d-print that so mockup is a bit thicker.

IMG_9720.jpg IMG_9721.jpg IMG_9723.jpg

C
 
Wow!! This is awesome! I love the initiative.

Im kinda diggin' the red color haha, (I know that its just the 3d print) but some color options on the final machined pieces could be pretty cool for self expression / individuality, just a thought. Also do you think adding the extra metal would adjust the internal temperature?

I hope you will make these available for purchase : ) I'd definitely be down to support.
 
bigmitch said:
Wow!! This is awesome! I love the initiative.

Im kinda diggin' the red color haha, (I know that its just the 3d print) but some color options on the final machined pieces could be pretty cool for self expression / individuality, just a thought. Also do you think adding the extra metal would adjust the internal temperature?

I hope you will make these available for purchase : ) I'd definitely be down to support.
Click to expand...

As Yachacha is saying, we aren’t covering vents so it should not be any issues.

I am talking to some CNC people right now, and final version might be made in UK by RatWorks, and the. You can order WHATEVER color your want!!

Regardless I’ll make sure there is a source so the community can buy them!

C
 
Archduk3 said:
As Yachacha is saying, we aren’t covering vents so it should not be any issues.

I am talking to some CNC people right now, and final version might be made in UK by RatWorks, and the. You can order WHATEVER color your want!!

Regardless I’ll make sure there is a source so the community can buy them!

C
Click to expand...

Copy that, cant wait! Thanks again!!
 
bigmitch said:
Copy that, cant wait! Thanks again!!
Click to expand...

We are debating going back to the drawing board and remake the top to include several lemo power outputs.

I am currently redesigning my rig to have a wet dock with a box attached on the back, in the box have 2 AJA 3gm recorders, and behind that the battery plate. And the wet dock power is for the AJA boxes.

However, if I go in steadicam there is not enough outputs to power recorder, terradek, and FIZ. The side panel just outputs 4A and that just powers 2 of them sadly.

C
 
UPDATE!

The is no issue but getting the top dock was more work than we thought. We ended up taking apart a SRW-1 to be able to have power coming out

And the top plate is getting it's redesign.

C
 
UPDATE!

Been busy working, actually shot some stuff on the F35. But the cage is coming along.

As well as a powered top handle with 2-pin LEMO *and* P-tap

This side plate below seems almost done, now we are going to send it for prototyping in CNC.

Side_1.jpg Side_2.jpg Side_3.jpg
 
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