F3: "Hulkanizing" with 3ality Body Armor...

Back to 3ality porn...


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More images here: http://sisoje.zenfolio.com/p576232443
 
Pix gets sound via SDI, no it's just a matter of where you are plugging your headphones - pix or camera...

the handle is great, it can hold 15 mm rod inside, and full of acc fixing holes, which is very useful.
 
It's a pretty impressive mod to the F3. My personal concern at the moment is whether it is worth putting another $2500 plus installation (I think Abel is charging $260-- which is reasonable) into the F3.

Ned
 
nsoltz said:
It's a pretty impressive mod to the F3. My personal concern at the moment is whether it is worth putting another $2500 plus installation (I think Abel is charging $260-- which is reasonable) into the F3.

Ned
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If you just need the top plate (and IMO it's the top of the F3 that really needs cleaning up - the side handle section never really gets in my way, I use it to keep cables out of the way) it's half the cost. And the installation is pretty straight forward (if you're willing to do it yourself).

The manhandle is too tall at the moment (it was designed to clear things like the top of the flip-up screen on the FS700), but with a lower-profile handle, you'd have a simpler, less awkward camera box to rig up, pack down and manoeuvre around set. For me, that's worth the investment (as I intend to keep the camera, and just want it to be easier to work with on set) but others' mileage may vary.
 
Regarding cost: yes, it is an investment in to a 2 year old camera. But, by doing this i am sure i will enjoy this piece of gear for another at least 2 years (no urge to go 4K, 5K,... yet). Camera becomes far more functional this way and easier to work with. This is strait from "operators view"... I think It is much more viable option than dumping it for cheap just to buy a newest one. And, I did not pay near the sticker price for this. I will not disclose my cost, by who ever is interested in doing this should explore the pricing directly with 3ality. Believe me, they are good guys willing to do business.

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Regarding manhandle: i was under impression from the photos that manhandle is too tall. I even started looking for alternative from Wooden camera and etc... Once installed, I changed my mind! it is a proper height in relation to the top plate once you add any pieces to it (like I did, see my photos). It balances perfectly with the lenses I use, and most importantly packs good in my old bag...

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Oh, did I say that finally this camera looks COOL!!!
 
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Dig the pix!! Camera porn, for sure. What is the hardware in front of the top rods that is holding the EVTF? (which the Solid Camera Mount is attached to). Looks like a nice solution!
 
LeavingTheCandy said:
Dig the pix!! Camera porn, for sure. What is the hardware in front of the top rods that is holding the EVTF? (which the Solid Camera Mount is attached to). Looks like a nice solution!
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Thanks!
The hardware that is attached to the front of the top plate is this:

http://elementtechnica.mybigcommerce.com/elements-universal-15mm-lightweight-rod-bracket/

I recycled pair of old 15mm extension rods, and then Solid camera 15mm evf adapter plate was mounted to host solid camera evf holder...

Done!

Camera is in the bag with everything but dp4 mounted. Once out, I just "slide" evf on the rail and connect hdmi cable (waiting for another eBay find: coiled hdmi, to make it even easier...).
 
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Andrew Stone said:
Steve did you figure out a way to deal with the headphone jack so it is operative?

Great shots BTW.
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Yes!
did a shoot on Thursday at (of all places) steel mill... Had to do "talkin head" with no sound person. I monitored sound via sound outputs on the camera (below 2 xlr inputs). I had to get a simple 3.5/RCA adapter, to hook up my headset in. No volume adjustment, but it was sufficient (even at the noisy place I was shooting) to do the job...

All together, even with loosing all benefits from OEM side plate I was able to "reprogram" the kit to have all features back...
 
Tomas Riuka said:
Yeah, this is RPP lens.

p.s. I didn't have a chance to send my F3 to install armour, so instead they sent me instructions video and i made it myself. Not that hard, actually if you do everything wisely step by step.
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Curious since you did it yourself, how the headphone jack is connected. Many manufactures use a ribbon cable, but if it is just a two wire connection one could reconntect the headphone jack fairly easily. Even a small machined box to mount it would not be that bad. If it is a ribbon cable that is a different story.
 
Backfocus92 said:
Curious since you did it yourself, how the headphone jack is connected. Many manufactures use a ribbon cable, but if it is just a two wire connection one could reconntect the headphone jack fairly easily. Even a small machined box to mount it would not be that bad. If it is a ribbon cable that is a different story.
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All your questions, answered in these 3 clips...

 
There is indeed a ribbon-cable that connects onto the top board that I assume is for the buttons, tally, IR, and headphones.
Technically speaking, you could probably build a little box to live on the top plate to run the cable to. However, I just monitor via external recorder or my sound guy! :grin:
 
Hulkanizing the F3 - My experience....

I am a recent newbie to the F3. I too was able to buy a fully equipped low-mileage unit for a big discount, under $6k!!!! Amazing.

Anyway, I wasted no time buying the FullArmor kit from ET, and did the installation myself. No biggie. Just follow the steps.

The biggest surprise is that because of the F5/F55, Element-Technica is having a HUGE (silent) clearance sale of all of their "F3 specific" gear at an amazing 70% off!!!

The Full Armor kit and Manhandle was only about $1200, reduced from $4,000!

I also added the base plate & shoulder pad, only about $350! (Regularly $1,100)


The sale is only while supplies last, so hurry if you want some great gear at firesale prices.

Regarding audio monitoring, I use the PIX240, so it's easy-peasy.

I have also "upgraded" my PIX with a new compact battery and power option called the Enduro Power, made by my company. This kit replaces the consumer battery system that normally comes with the PIX and replaces it with a unique machined aluminum billet. This new addition to the PIX adds twenty+ mounting points for sturdy PIX attachment to any grip gear. The Sony consumer battery is replaced with a professional Anton/Bauer or IDX battery which also powers the camera via a D-TAP to XLR power cable. I mount the PIX to my camera via 15mm rods and a small rod kit from "Wooden Camera". I'll post some pictures soon of the entire rig in action .

Information about my PIX accessory and a similar item for the CD Gemini & Odessey can be found here:

http://www.oceanvideo.com/enduro-home.html

Here are a few shots of the F3. (My PIX is out on rental)

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I had a quick look on their website but couldn't find the sale prices you mention. Do you have to call them for these or am I just looking in the wrong place? Just out of interest, can you just get a side plate and use it with your berkley top plate?wouldnt want to lose headphone jack if possible. Thanks, Sparky
 
Nate Weaver said:
Yeah. It's not a thing they're loving I'm sure, selling parts at fire sale prices.
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I'm sure we F3 owners feel their pain now that the camera and F3 accessories have devalued. Just wondewring if we have to send the camera (F3) into Sony for maintance work will they work on it as is with the body armor attached or does an owner have to remove the body armor?
 
scocklin said:
I'm sure we F3 owners feel their pain now that the camera and F3 accessories have devalued. Just wondewring if we have to send the camera (F3) into Sony for maintance work will they work on it as is with the body armor attached or does an owner have to remove the body armor?
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Honestly, I would feel far more pain if I had to dump my F3 (for dirt cheap) to buy the "next shinny toy"... Since all the craze started happening (mainly on Internet forums), I was able to purchase all parts needed to complete my sweet camera for discounted prices (being new from 3ality or from "nervous" F3 sellers). Nothing is wrong with that, I am happy.
As far as body armor and service at Sony, I was assured at 3ality and AbelCine numerous times that this modification DOES NOT affect warranty and if you look at it at the core there is no real changes to the "insides of the camera" (just unplugging two connections). This process reminds me of my passion of modding my MINI COOPPER. Basically any aftermarket parts that I installed on the car and engine never had "an issue" when taking the cat to the dealer for service. I was instructed that as long as I am not "playing" with car's software or opening the the engine and changing the parts with in, I am good to go...

Back to F3, if you look at the installation videos process is fairly simple and for the Sony service technician would not be an issue to remove it.
 
Tata Steva said:
Honestly, I would feel far more pain if I had to dump my F3 (for dirt cheap) to buy the "next shinny toy"... Since all the craze started happening (mainly on Internet forums),
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Thanks, I agree with you 100% and I'm still getting great images out of my F3 and the clients are happy. The life span of the new cameras are much shorter these days compaired to Betacam times. Thanks for the info on Sony, I give Element Technica a call tomorrow and see what they have left.
 
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