Running around in circles over lens support, rods, and baseplate

Mike@AF said:
Thanks for posting those pics. Looks like a nice baseplate.



Those plates look like they'd be too small for the AF100. They're more for DSLRs.
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I bought the older baseplate model he used to make. It has a larger plate from what it looks like. The only big unknown is the thread size. I may get boned on that. Ah well, then i'll buy a plate to rig it. I still saved a lot of dough.
 
Mike@AF said:
As far as baseplate and rods go... Zacuto. I know it's more expensive and may not be what you describe as "affordable".

I was in the predicament of trying to find the right baseplate and rods that I could be sure would work with any camera I get in the future. I tried one and the baseplate was difficult to adjust the height of, I didn't like the camera plate lock (concerned it would come loose), and most of all the rods were too thick for some 15mm accessories. After researching and looking at all the options, the only one that made sense as a long term investment was the Zacuto. Zacuto is widely used so it will be compatible with almost everything out there, and the baseplate is easily adjustable horizontally and vertically. You can also buy extensions for the rods if you need to make them longer rather than having to buy all new longer rods. Before, I always thought Zacuto was just overpriced. Now I realize it's not. It's just better.
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Mike,

I just want to be sure, this is the baseplate you're talking about, correct?

http://store.zacuto.com/universal-baseplate-v3-includes-12-inch-rods.html

Thanks much!
 
I have the Zacuto baseplate and I love it. I've had it for years and used it on many cameras. The only negative with it in conjunction with the AF100 is that the baseplate is about an inch longer than the camera. It still works great, but I do admit it bothers me a little. I'm halfway debating on getting the smaller version they make. I think it was made for DSLR's.

http://store.zacuto.com/Mini-Baseplate.html
 
Brian@202020 said:
I have the Zacuto baseplate and I love it. I've had it for years and used it on many cameras. The only negative with it in conjunction with the AF100 is that the baseplate is about an inch longer than the camera. It still works great, but I do admit it bothers me a little. I'm halfway debating on getting the smaller version they make. I think it was made for DSLR's.

http://store.zacuto.com/Mini-Baseplate.html
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I have both. I use the full size one on my AF100 and the Mini on my GH2. Personally, I think the Mini is too small for the AF100. I use a Manfrotto universal quick release on the baseplate for the AF100. The Manfrotto plate is almost the perfect size for the camera (doesn't overlap at al) and it lets me get the rods off the camera quickly if I want or need to.
 
Mike@AF said:
I have both. I use the full size one on my AF100 and the Mini on my GH2. Personally, I think the Mini is too small for the AF100. I use a Manfrotto universal quick release on the baseplate for the AF100. The Manfrotto plate is almost the perfect size for the camera (doesn't overlap at al) and it lets me get the rods off the camera quickly if I want or need to.
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This is good to know because I was thinking of doing the same thing. Which model do you have? The one withe the shorter plate or the longer one?
 
I am working on a custom Rod system for the AF100.

It will come with quick release rods from the bottom of the camera. And a movable (to center the weight of lens camera combo) tripod plate.

The rods are just being finished this week going to the anodizer for a gold coating. They will be known a s "Gold Bars", they are threaded so you can add length in sections.

I am just finishing the rod plates and lens mounts this week. The system will be compatible with any 15mm follow focus or matte box. And there will be an optional shoulder brace as well, with IDX V-mount battery plate or a Anton Bauer Gold mount plate. This will all work along with my NanoFlash brackets and battery holders.

I will post photos early next week. If you are interested contact me.

Here are photos of the NanoFlash bracket that is now in stock here and at NanoFlash.net.

AF100_NF11.jpg
AF100_NF1.jpg
 
Brian@202020 said:
This is good to know because I was thinking of doing the same thing. Which model do you have? The one withe the shorter plate or the longer one?
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The longer I believe. The plate is 5.5" long. It allows me to move the camera forward and backward for balancing the entire rig.
 
I bought the Element Technica 12" Dove Tail and Hybrid Base Plate. It' gorgeous stuff, and pricey, but better value than Arri Dove Tail and Base Plate. It works with 15mm LW rods, 15mm Studio and 18mm Studio rods/spacing. http://www.elementtechnica.com/products/view.php?p=68 This is the kind of gear that can last for years and years, through many camera iterations and it's rental tough!
 
Mike@AF said:
That's the shorter version, and it seems overpriced for what you're getting. I have the 357. The quick release is 3.5" long and the plate is 5.5" long, and you'll have much more sliding travel for balancing. B&H has them for under $40 with free shipping. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554151-REG/Manfrotto_357_357_Pro_Quick_Release.html
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Well, yeah... $39.74 is "under" $40. lol

A longer plate isn't necessarily better - I mean, if the QR is mounted to the point that you have to slide all the way forward or back to make it work, then maybe it should be mounted in a different position to begin with. That said, "under" $40 is better than $49.

The reason I linked that one is to show it would work with the Zacuto Universal Baseplate. After all, Zacuto sells them.
 
Would one of you fella's mind posting a pic of your setup with the quick release on the zacuto plate? I'm trying to decide on what to get for a lens support for the 35-100. I saw in another thread the lens collar hangs too low to use the zacuto lens support with 1/4 thread. I'm thinking maybe if the quick release raises the cam off the rods a bit, the lens support may now work. Any thoughts?
 
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