How safe are universal C cage that attach to the hotshoe mount on cameras?

[analogs]

I am considering using a universal cage for my GH5 as I want to use an arca swiss system in it and I need the innner height. The cages I have seen attach to the bottom of the camera and also at the hotshoe mount of the camera for a solid structure.

My concern is, with the weight of the cage, portable audio recorder, mic, g3 wireless receiver, field monitor, shoulder rig, follow focus, matte box, portable light - how safe would it be to grab the rig by the top handle and move with it?

Has anyone heard of issues with the hotshoe becoming defective or breaking due to the stress of just carrying it by the top handle? I mean, when moving the rig around by the top handle, you are most likely to place stress on that hotshoe connection point?

If it is unsafe, what would be the minimum for it to be safe? ie. just cage, camera, mic...

I am trying to build something light, but want to know what my limitations are if I use a universal c cage with the hotshoe connection point.

Thanks.

 

[Grug]

The point of the cage is that it becomes the structure from which you then mount your accessories. It would have to be made of supremely shitty aluminium for the flex from a few added accessories to bend the top of the cage enough for the hotshoe to get damaged.

 

[analogs]

The point of the cage is that it becomes the structure from which you then mount your accessories. It would have to be made of supremely shitty aluminium for the flex from a few added accessories to bend the top of the cage enough for the hotshoe to get damaged.

Hi Grug,

I have those bulky C cages as shown below, that when full loaded with accessories and I grab the top handle and or swing it from the top handle when moving, I can feel the flex, bounce or movement coming from the C section.


This is why I am a little concerned on investing in these types of C cages.

 

[Alex H.]

The cage’s primary load bearing should be anchored under the camera, with connection to the hot shoe only in addition for more stability.

“Universal” camera cages always have extremely annoying compromises and aren’t always as sturdy. A cage made specifically for the specific camera body actually becomes an extension of the camera. Why not go with something with a more solid design and construction, and a better and tighter fit?

Like THIS.