FS5: Minimalist grip relocator? (for handheld and Letus Helix Jr. use)

[mcbob]

Recently got one, and fit/function is good but I do find myself wishing that the grip were repositionable to some degree depending on balance/lens. Ideally, this would be something that fit directly to the camera itself with a minimum of rod faff (similar to the FS7 grip arm, but smaller and maybe sturdier).

Additionally, I'd like modularity to also put the grip on a Letus Helix Jr.

I don't like the look, setup, or price of the Zacuto grip relocator.

It looks like there are threaded holes in both the body and grip to adapt each to an arri rosette, but there is no threaded center hole. I see the Vocas rosette adapter, but that also doesn't look like it has a threaded center hole.

What are some of the current best options?

 

[diegocervo]

This is exactly one of the problems I have with this camera.
I'm waiting patiently for Smallrig to deliver this baseplate, which should be sturdy (and cheap) enough to attach the Sony grip on one side and a wooden handle on the other. They make excellent short dogbone arms which I own and I have been using extensively in the past.
http://www.smallrig.com/SMALLRIG-Sony-FS5-Camcorder-Baseplate-1827.html
http://www.smallrig.com/SMALLRIG-Rosette-Style-Dogbone-Arm-1242.html
http://www.smallrig.com/SMALLRIG-Dogbone-ARRI-Rosette-Arm-1666.html
http://www.smallrig.com/SMALLRIG-ARRI-Style-Rosette-1589.html

 

[plasticam]

Look at this on Cinecsophilia http://cinescopophilia.com/18k-gold-knob-fs5-sony-crony/

I make a Dutch arm that works with it - all Arri standard parts. The arm is $195 and the Crony grip adaptor is $145. The arm can be straight or angled to your spec so you can get your grip alongside the lens which is
optimal for tucking your elbow into ribs. I'll post link to Dutch arm after lunch - it's a recent topic here on DVX

 

[mcbob]

Plasticam, thanks, I saw that... does your adaptation allow easily back-configuring the camera to grip-on-body should the need arise?

 

[plasticam]

hi PBCG

Yes indeed you can revert in two ways. ONE just remove the 4 screws from Crony adaptor and your back at square one - status quo ante- grip unchanged. OR
TWO I'll have rosettes that fit FS5 camera so both camera and grip are Arri rosette and no need to revert. Camera rosette will be $65 I think.

EDIT: I'm ordering parts for the camera side rosette right now. The part should consist of 3 parts
1. a neoprene sealed gasket that protects and covers the entire bayonet socket.
2. a machined acetate disc sandwiched between the gasket and rosette to receive the Sony registration pins and hold and internal M6 threaded socket.
3. ARRI stainless steel rosette

 

[plasticam]

The two parts below are purpose built to solve the need for a true MINIMALIST rig. A flexible, lightweight and above all comfortable answer for extended handholding work.

First is the brand new Crony 2 for the FS5.



$145 shipped. This is the best way to get your FS5 into ARRI rosette mode so it can be used with aftermarket standard arms. It's a DIY install that takes under 5 mins, and requires only a phillips microdriver. Ready to ship. (A mating rosette for the camera will be shipping next week for $65)

Next you need a good arm like our new DUTCH ARM. This is a double rosette arm, adjustable for length and angle, AND as a first in the industry it INSTALLS at an angle that corrects for the outboard
tendancy of knobs and scruff to push you arm and elbow out into an uncomfortable orbit. The DutchArm brings your grip back alongside the lens and can even position your grip under lens center- which myself and the shooters testing agree is most comfortable. It comes with an adjustable kickstand so camera can still be placed on flat surfaces. If you want to try a couple of different angles we'll send you all three options and you can keep them all or just your preferred correction. We make a 2 inch offset to bring grip toward lens 2 inches, a 3 inch and 4 inch (under the lens). It's all new so we'll work with you to dial in the right fit. For the demo kit your card is billled an extra $125 for the 4 extra pieces and you receive a full refund on return. If you choose an angle in between what we provide we charge $45 to cut the arm to your spec. We want to open up the options to a little outfitting- literally fitting you to what feels best for your body and style of work.



$195 for 2,3 or 4 inch offset DutchArm. $320 for a set of three to demo. ($125 refund on return)

I grabbed a couple shots today with FS5 - below the arm length is retracted



and fully extended


bare Arm with FS5 grip


No baseplate and rods required. Any need for a left side grip is reduced or eliminated because the camera gains inherent balance.

 

[Chadfish]

The two parts below are purpose built to solve the need for a true MINIMALIST rig. A flexible, lightweight and above all comfortable answer for extended handholding work.

First is the brand new Crony 2 for the FS5.


No baseplate and rods required. Any need for a left side grip is reduced or eliminated because the camera gains inherent balance.

So I'f I see this right, Once I put the gold knob on the FS5 grip, I'll be able to go back and forth between the body and the DutchArm with no tools?

 

[plasticam]

Almost Chadfish, but to be operational you'll need the camera side rosette as well. Otherwise it would still work fine but you'd need to remove the GoldKnob (2 min with a screwdriver) to place grip back on camera.