Progress on NanoFlash Mount for AF100

olof

olof

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I had some time this AM and yesterday to mess with this idea.

It is pretty simple, I just remove the handle on the right and I made a "shim" that really is a bracket. Then there are 2 different NF mounts that go on it. The handle bolts back on with the original screws.

Now the battery is something I will work on in the next few days. On this setup in the shots the 2 cell is just velcroed to the NF. But I think the placement is where the "incapsulated" battery with a switch should go. More on the batts later.

Comments please.

AF100NF1.jpg
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AF100NF7.jpg


These are very quick and dirty photos. These will be available at my store soon. The production brackets will be anodized black and more refined.

If you are in a hurry to get a set, contact me directly.
olof@westsideav.com
603.383.9283

Now I am going to shoot some test footage. NF and SD comparo.
 
Okay, first of all, I think the idea of making a little shim, is rather brilliant. That way you can still have the handgrip if you want. But I don't know about having it stick out like that, it seems to make the overall unit rather bulky. THe measured distance from the left edge (with LCD open) to the right edge (of the battery of the Nano) seems like it's all getting very long. I've been using a Nano with the AF100 and been struggling with how to mount it; a Noga arm works but it's a little wonky, your idea here looks like it would be usable in studio configuration but I don't know what it does for balance and handheld; it seems to me the way I'm leaning right now is the angled hot shoe mount for handheld work, and if it was in a studio config it just seems like a box in place of the handgrip would be an ideal mounting place. But, looking at your config here, one advantage you've got over the mounting box is that at least the operator can see the menus without having to crane his head around to the opposite side of the camera...

I dunno, let's hear what other folks think.
 
Personally, I prefer not to have anything attached to the top hand grip when shooting hand-held because I like to be able just to grab the camera and go without worrying about knocking anything expensive/precarious. I agree that the shim makes a lot of sense but I also agree that the angle is too great, making it very easy to bump the rig. I think it needs a more substantial back addition and plate so that you can mount wireless receivers, the nano and a V-lok/AB plate. This would also give a base for a shoulder pad and tripod plate.

Our AF101 arrived today (I don't know how many other units are in the UK) so I'll have a look this evening and see if I can come up with constructive suggestions.
 
Thanks for the feedback.

I don't know if it is apparent here. But there are 2 different NanoFlash arms in this setup, one that puts the NF on a 45 degree angle so it can be viewed from behind in a studio config. The other stays much closer to the camera. So it fits in my run bag all assembled.

There is also going to be a shoulder brace that attaches to the same "shim" and I have a separate rod system coming as well.

The position of the NF is based on my very successful design for EXcams and Canon Cameras. ERgonomically it is ideal for shouldering, it helps prevent the left tilt all these cameras with the VF in the back have.

I will be doing much more testing in the next few days.

What I try to do with all my gear is make very rugged systems that are light and compact and ergonomically correct after all I make it to use myself.

The electric power went out here this afternoon so I had to go play hockey on the local pond. But I will be back working on this tomorrow.

I had time to do a little testing this afternoon before the power loss. And I was very impressed with both the nanoFlash footage and the native SD footage, I on purpose tried to make a noisy shot lots of grays 30-60 ire. But playing the footage back on my Pro SDI monitors (JVC DT) through FCP 7 AJA Kona setup, the footage was beautiful. I am very happy with this camera. More on that later.

I was going to take the 100 to the pond but I decided to play instead. All work and no play....
 
Another note.

This is part of a system that can hold wireless receivers, batteries etc.

Below is a photo of my EX1 system that I use. The EX1 had a huge problem that the AF100 brilliantly does not have, the single 1/4" tripod attachment screw had a tendency to tear out, the plate system with wing and NF arms and shoulder brace was an outgrowth of my stronger base plate that attaches to the bottom of the EX1, I also developed this system for many other cams.

I am really exited about the AF100 and I like the way it has really rugged attachment points.

SharynFlag.jpg
 
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You're right, I didn't realize there were two different brackets there. The flat one might be a fairly ideal situation...
 
That would always scare me, I know there's some pretty strong Velcro, but I would still always be weary
 
I offer IDX V-mount plates and AB Goldmounts with power for both the NF and camera as well as on cam light with these batteries.

The smaller batteries like the SWit in the photo above is held by velcro and if you do heli shoots we add elastometers to the velcro (fancy word for heavy duty rubber bands, these type of mounts are rugged and very affordable).

Below is an EX3 with IDX batt.

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Okay, this is long overdue, but I have to say it --

I love Olof's Nanoflash bracket. It is totally a must-have.

Olof sent me one for review... well, forever ago. And like so many things, it slipped through the cracks, then I got sick, and ... blah, blah blah...

Okay, so anyway -- the Nano is great and tiny and all, but how do you mount it? I had the top-handle shoe mount thing that Filippo Chiesa was using, but ... yuck. I mean, yeah, it sits up there, but then it's in the way of the handle and the little mount gets loose and whatnot. When I saw what Olof was doing I thought... eh, I dunno, looks too big and bulky, looks like overkill, makes the camera look like it's too long, etc... but he took a leap of faith and sent it to me figuring, I guess, that once I actually saw it, I'd change my mind.

Yes, I did indeed. Yes indeed.

This bracket is great. First, the idea of it fitting in like a shim is excellent -- it takes up practically no space, and it's solid and rigid and it doesn't compromise the handling of the camera at all. Second, with the Nano mounted on the side like that, it's pretty much out of the way, fits nicely in the camera bag, and a little one-foot SDI cable is all you need. And now instead of being "one more thing to juggle", the Nano is just always there, ready to go. It's really well thought out.

Next nice surprise -- after I got my follow focus in, the camera+nano is now perfectly balanced left to right. The follow focus cancels out the weight of the Nano and now it doesn't tip either way when carrying it, which is verra nice.

But the main reason I'm writing this now, is because on Wednesday I got called to do a job in Phoenix for FlightLine, and we needed the AF100. And as I was traveling light, I had to strip it down to fit in a carry-on bag, and I picked up the AF100 and thought ... aw, man, now I gotta strip off the handle and unscrew and pull off the Nano bracket... but NO! Because Olof thought of that. The actual Nano bracket attaches to the camera in two parts, and all you have to do is loosen some thumbscrews and take off the Nano portion, leaving the shim nicely intact -- and it takes up practically zero additional space that way. And as we were figuring out how to mount the AF100 onto the tracker truck, Jay looked at the existing holes of Olof's bracket and thought ... hmmm.... maybe we could use these -- and I bet they would have worked just fine. We didn't end up using them, we used a Noga arm contraption from beneath, but I have no doubt Olof's bracket would have worked to hold the camera even from there.

In summary -- if you've got a Nano and an AF100, get Olof's bracket. It's a well thought out, well engineered, well constructed, heavy duty, and it's made by someone who understands what professionals need and the way things should work. And even though he sent it to me to review, I'm not sending it back -- I'm buying it (at full price, of course) - it's that good.
 
Barry_Green said:
In summary -- if you've got a Nano and an AF100, get Olof's bracket. It's a well thought out, well engineered, well constructed, heavy duty, and it's made by someone who understands what professionals need and the way things should work. And even though he sent it to me to review, I'm not sending it back -- I'm buying it (at full price, of course) - it's that good.
Click to expand...

I'm mostly shooting documentary, but also a healthy dose of advertising, & editorial.

Even though I don't own a Nano I bought Olof's shoulder mount. I already own numerous shoulder rigs, & O'Conner grips, but prefer Olof's for fast paced work, especially when shooting on the other side of the planet, & must travel light.

The shim adds only a bit of width to to the camera, while the shoulder mount makes long handheld takes much steadier. Plus it weighs nothing, & the shoulder mount easily fits into slim backpack pockets.

Can't wait to see his other offerings.

Regards,
Bern Caughey
 
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