Looking for a support system for GH4

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digifruitella

Active member
I'm looking for a quality baseplate / support system that can support a follow focus for Zeiss Contax lenses. I've been looking into the Zacuto DSLR plate but I don't know of anything else.

Does anybody have experience using Contax glass on GH4 with Speedbooster and a support system that fits everything? I would like to buy a follow focus to go with it so any recommendations on that really helps.

Thank you
 
We build a solution, that does what you are asking. We are also pursuing patent protection on a number of innovations and are withholding information on a few accessories and keeping everything quiet for the moment. We build a kit that's available now only via word of mouth, and the system is working on multiple $100m movies currently shooting.

There's a thread with a few spy shots elsewhere in this GH4 forum if you want a hint, or you can contact me directly through a PM here, Facebook message or the Hot Rod Cameras website.
 
277 views, one response? Nobody has any experience with DSLR baseplates AT ALL? nevermind the Zeiss Contax combo already? Zacuto Baseplate worth it? anything else?
 
Most users opt for cage systems, a number of which have provisions for LWS rods.

I have older, & larger, Zacuto dSLR baseplate sitting on a shelf. The HDMI support is not the best.
 
Alright, baseplates aside for a moment - what do you recommend as a cage system to fit my desired combo of GH4 and Contax lenses. I need rods, I need to be able to connect as much as possible to this system and still be able to put it on a tripod. I kind of need help but don't know where to look and I'm looking to make this purchase like this month.

A quick search - I found this. http://suggestionofmotion.com/blog/panasonic-gh4-cages/ - I like the second system; The Minimalist. Personally the price doesn't bother me as I'm looking to invest into something solid, and it seems to satisfy certain needs for me, like the rods. But is it worth all that cheddar, or is there a cheaper option out there not listed here that maybe you know of Bern, or anyone else?

Yeah that was quick. I think I found what I'm looking for. Thanks Bern.
 
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Murph100 said:
Have a look here : http://dslrvideoshooter.com/category/reviews/rigs-and-accessories/

Wallimex Pro Aptaris XL is pretty cool and will take lots of cameras.
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Most of my shoots happen outside of my home base of Los Angeles & good chunk of those are out of the country. When traveling I mostly use the Aptaris XL because it it's quick to build & breakdown.

I also have Wooden Camera's dSLR Quick Kit with a NATO Rail Top Handle. It's stronger then the Aptaris, but the anti-twist plate blocks the LCD from opening. If using their PL Mount there's a small riser plate attached which lifts the body so the LCD can articulate.

Illya was kind enough to give me an early look at his Kung Fu Kit & it's a well thoughtout system ready to work on any scale production, so I may unload my Wooden Camera at some point & pickup his solution.
 
Bern Caughey said:
I also have Wooden Camera's dSLR Quick Kit with a NATO Rail Top Handle. It's stronger then the Aptaris, but the anti-twist plate blocks the LCD from opening.
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Uh-oh. You're right...

Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_008_Anti-twist-block-stops-LCD-articulation-693x485.jpg


but they say you can remove it - though you lose the anti-twist benefits if you remove it.

Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_009_LCD-free-after-removing-anti-twist-block-693x479.jpg


But can't you then simply open the LCD before you put it into the cage and still use the anti twist lock - or is that not possible?

Curious now about the Aptaris... but does it have rods? looking at pictures on B&H - none. Sorry for being such a noob, I feel like these systems are adaptable and that you can attach to it Rod support, right?
 

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Sorry for the delayed response. Just got back from Saudi Arabia & am jet-lagged.

An anti-twist feature is important when using an HDMI clamp &/or a follow focus. I wouldn't invest in any baseplate, or cage, that didn't offer a solid anti-twist option, HDMI support, plus proper lens centering & axis to rod height.

Both the Aptaris XL, & Wooden Camera dSLR cage, are height adjustable for use with different sized dSLR-type cameras but their placement of this provision can interfere with reaching the focusing ring on some non-cine lenses.

I typically only use a follow focus on cine lenses with a long focus throw, & my next one will likely be Shoot 35's CINEfocus Pro, or an ARRI that the CINEfocus Pro's design is based on.

There's currently a great discount on the CINEfocus Pro. It's only recently hit the shelves so doubt this foreshadows an updated model.

http://www.shoot35.com/CINEfocus-Pro-Follow-Focus-p/cinefocus-pro-followfocus.htm
 
one more question; concerning Aptaris XL, I read a review on B&H where someone says that if you're using a rod-mounted Mattebox that may not center with the lens. Have you had any issues with that? Speaking of rod mounts in general - what do you use with your GH4?
 
The Aptaris cage uses a proprietary quick release plate that (sort of) fits some Satchler & Manfrotto heads.

It's workable on my Satchler FSB-8 & Manfrotto MVH500AH heads, but the lockdown mechanism doesn't seat perfectly. Both these heads are top-load designs. It also compatible with Manfrotto's 577 Rapid Connect, however does not fit Manfrotto's 701HDV head, or Benro's clone, both of which I typically use on monopods.

If you remove the Aptaris' quick release plate the threads underneath are not in-line with the lens axis, rather they're offset on either side by a 1/2 inch, or so. This is the issue the reviewer on B&H ran up against. The solution would be to use Aptaris' proprietary Rod Riser, in which case everything is in-line & height adjustable. It also incorporates a quick-release feature between the cage & riser so they can be quickly attached/detached.

The Rod Riser is the weakest link is the system & under a heavy load can flex a bit. Not a deal breaker, but not as strong as Wooden Camera's, & nowhere near as robust as Hot Rod Camera's system. On the upside Aptaris' Riser is much more compact then Wooden Camera's so easier to tuck in the bag.

I've previously mentioned how Wooden Camera should design a anti-twist provision for cameras with flip-out LCDs, but in use I also have a problem with the bottom plate that attaches to the camera & connects it to the Rod Riser. It work's perfectly fine when the camera is used with an external monitor/EVF, but extends behind the camera so a bit bulky in the bag, & makes pressing your eye to the camera's EVF awkward. Alternatively the Aptaris cage sits flush with the back of the GH4.

I also prefer Aptaris' HDMI support to Wooden Camera's. It only grabs the cable but is so small that the LCD can still open if used with the screen angled upward a bit & when not in use can be pushed forward where it won't interfere with the LCD at all. Wooden Camera's Cable Clamp is a bit too long & I've replaced mine with one from Small Rig. A benifit of this is the Small Rig can grab a Micro HDMI>Fullsize HDMI adapter which acts as a port protector.

Aptaris' top handle is not my favorite either. It attaches via a proprietary rail systems, which has the benifit of being low profile, but is incompatible with the industry standard NATO/Safety rails, so I replaced it.
 
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