yrpfilms
Well-known member
So I set out to create a DIY swing away adapter for my Chrosziel Sunshade.
I kept getting stuck because I just couldn't figure a way to replicate the "hinged" side rail mounted design of the traditional swing away.
So I started to think out of the box and came up with this simple design.
Its not rocket science but it hits all of the points I needed:
1. Strong enough to support matte box, flags and filters without wobble.
2. Modular. So it isn't permanently attached to anything and easy to pack away.
3. Lightweight.
4. CHEAP
5. When I "swing" it away, it stays on the rig away from the lens without having to set it down anywhere.
6. It "pulls out" from the lens, not just swings to the side.
7. Sturdy.
8. And as a bonus I wanted it to be able to be mobile. So i could attach it to different points on my rig and have it serve the same purpose.
9. Be able to build it using already made parts...I dont own or have a friend who owns a CNC mill....
And here she is:
(any upgrades and improvements are welcome. Enjoy Everyone!)
STEP ONE
I purchased a Chrosziel Sunshade. They run somewhere in the ballpark of $50-$125 depending on the auction. I got a nice sturdy one in pretty good shape for $75 with free shipping.
STEP TWO
I drilled a small 1/4" hole on the right side of the mattebox and attached a Hot Shoe Bracket Plate to it with a 1/2" length hex bolt and 1/4" locking washers.
I'll sand this down and matte black it.
STEP THREE
I Purchased an Articulating Arm on Ebay . RJ Camera Store in China sells pretty nice ones for $39 with Free Shipping.
At one end is a 1/4-20 screw. I attached a 1/4-20 coupler (you can buy these at the local hardware store for less than $1. And then I attached a Hot Shoe Mount. I purchased a "pro" version which means there are two locking washers and it is a bit longer. They run under $5.
on the other end is a 15mm rod adapter.
...I think you can guess where this is going!!!!
STEP FOUR
I insert the hot shoe adapter into the hot shoe bracket on the matte box...pop the 15mm rod adapter into my 90 Degree clamp and KAZZAM!!!
I've not yet field tested this, but I know for sure that it hits ALL of my criteria.
It is very strong. The articulating arm allows me to put my 90 degree bracket anwhere I want.
Here it is with my 35mm lens infront of my camera:
And here it is mounted behind the camera with my 135mm lens:
Hope this can spark some ideas!
I kept getting stuck because I just couldn't figure a way to replicate the "hinged" side rail mounted design of the traditional swing away.
So I started to think out of the box and came up with this simple design.
Its not rocket science but it hits all of the points I needed:
1. Strong enough to support matte box, flags and filters without wobble.
2. Modular. So it isn't permanently attached to anything and easy to pack away.
3. Lightweight.
4. CHEAP
5. When I "swing" it away, it stays on the rig away from the lens without having to set it down anywhere.
6. It "pulls out" from the lens, not just swings to the side.
7. Sturdy.
8. And as a bonus I wanted it to be able to be mobile. So i could attach it to different points on my rig and have it serve the same purpose.
9. Be able to build it using already made parts...I dont own or have a friend who owns a CNC mill....
And here she is:
(any upgrades and improvements are welcome. Enjoy Everyone!)
STEP ONE
I purchased a Chrosziel Sunshade. They run somewhere in the ballpark of $50-$125 depending on the auction. I got a nice sturdy one in pretty good shape for $75 with free shipping.
STEP TWO
I drilled a small 1/4" hole on the right side of the mattebox and attached a Hot Shoe Bracket Plate to it with a 1/2" length hex bolt and 1/4" locking washers.
I'll sand this down and matte black it.
STEP THREE
I Purchased an Articulating Arm on Ebay . RJ Camera Store in China sells pretty nice ones for $39 with Free Shipping.
At one end is a 1/4-20 screw. I attached a 1/4-20 coupler (you can buy these at the local hardware store for less than $1. And then I attached a Hot Shoe Mount. I purchased a "pro" version which means there are two locking washers and it is a bit longer. They run under $5.
on the other end is a 15mm rod adapter.
...I think you can guess where this is going!!!!
STEP FOUR
I insert the hot shoe adapter into the hot shoe bracket on the matte box...pop the 15mm rod adapter into my 90 Degree clamp and KAZZAM!!!
I've not yet field tested this, but I know for sure that it hits ALL of my criteria.
It is very strong. The articulating arm allows me to put my 90 degree bracket anwhere I want.
Here it is with my 35mm lens infront of my camera:
And here it is mounted behind the camera with my 135mm lens:
Hope this can spark some ideas!
Last edited:
rogar-BigGrin(DBG)