FS5: Shoulder Rigs for the Sony FS5 Thread

I make a part called the Sony Crony for the FS7. This same part will fit the FS5 and do the same thing. It turns the grip into a standard ARRI rosette with M6 male stud.

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More info on facebook https://www.facebook.com/shootingmachine.net

I developed the Crony for users here and have shipped many around world in last couple months. It's a very good fix. Full thread
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthrea...MOD-to-ARRI-Standard-now-available&highlight=

Just a couple days ago I announced a unique new extension arm that works with the Crony or independently on any camera.

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Announcement here http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?348664-New-Shooting-Machine-Extension-Arm-first-photos-here

Once you have a Crony mounted to your grip, either the grip or the arm can twist on/off in a few moments - to each other or direct to cam. I run a specialized camera engineering shop in New Orleans. we're working hard to make solutions that help people out and we can usually take care of custom stuff that shooters need for as little as a $75 bench charge. It's usually pretty basic engineering- We're glad to help
 
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Thanks Ben, early on Sony sent me an FS7 to evaluate for accesories and while it was cool to see them being responsive (I had been showing Cinegrips on all their pro cams at NAB since 2012) I could not believe they got the comfort factor so botched. It was like getting your arm caught in a conveyor belt!
 
I'm confirming some things on an FS5 camera tomrorrow and I'll report back after -but generally the Crony modifies (standardizes) FS7/5 grips into ARRI.
I like jailbreaking proprietary into open source (Arri). My approach with FS5 would be to install a rosette on cam and on grip. Then use standard arms as needed. I make a Clockarm and Dutcharm now or there are dozens to choose from after jailbreak. The Shape arm has the great red button but puts your grip too far
outboard. Zacuto has the relocator but does it really only work from a baseplate with rods? That's not a good solution. For handheld especially less is more. I want an arm direct to camera rosette. I'm confirming fit tomorrow. But I'd be tempted to just put a rosette on FS5 body ala FS7 and use my arm or any arm you like that is ARRI standard. yes? What do you think, I have not shot with the FS5. Shoot a lot with FS7
 
plasticam said:
I'm confirming some things on an FS5 camera tomrorrow and I'll report back after -but generally the Crony modifies (standardizes) FS7/5 grips into ARRI.
I like jailbreaking proprietary into open source (Arri). My approach with FS5 would be to install a rosette on cam and on grip. Then use standard arms as needed. I make a Clockarm and Dutcharm now or there are dozens to choose from after jailbreak. The Shape arm has the great red button but puts your grip too far
outboard. Zacuto has the relocator but does it really only work from a baseplate with rods? That's not a good solution. For handheld especially less is more. I want an arm direct to camera rosette. I'm confirming fit tomorrow. But I'd be tempted to just put a rosette on FS5 body ala FS7 and use my arm or any arm you like that is ARRI standard. yes? What do you think, I have not shot with the FS5. Shoot a lot with FS7
Click to expand...

Sounds cool Plasticam! Are you going to make a complete shoulder system for the FS5? Ort are you just doing the ARRI rosette thing? I'm still looking for something that works well, and breaks down fast so I can get my camera into my bag, or off the shoulder mount quickly.
 
Chadfish, I've had a clear idea of a two part handheld solution for over a year now but its not a microwave deal - I'm small and have to move slowly for budget and time - I still shoot quite a bit which slows me down but that's where the ideas come from! My new arm breaks down in about 10 secs from either the camera or the grip end. See it here- http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?348664-New-Shooting-Machine-Extension-Arm-first-photos-here

A shoulder baseplate is the other component to balance this new arm. My shop is littered with prototype builds of both the arm and the shoulder plate

Man I gotta move faster ;-)
 
Here's my work in progress shoulder rig for the FS5. I have it set up for ENG/documentary style work with three separate audio devices (only 2x plugged in).


Zacuto VCT Baseplate
Zacuto Axis Mini + EVF
Zacuto FS5 Grip
Shape FS5 Top Plate
2x Sennheiser G3
Sennheiser ME60
Metabones Speedbooster
Canon 24-105


First of all I really like the VCT baseplate but I think it's obscenely heavy (2 lbs) for what you get. Other than that it's great.


The Shape FS5 top plate I am not super impressed with. I bought it specifically because of the holes on the side..I thought they were 1/4 20 holes but they are in fact just unthreaded holes. Additionally, at least one of the 1/4 20 threaded holes is out of spec. On top of all of that it's raised for some reason which makes using the top handle more difficult. I am also not able to get my EVF mount (axis mini) mounted far enough forward right now so I plan on purchasing a Zacuto or SmallRig top plate.


I have removed the stock FS5 microphone mount to reduce the overall profile, and I have mounted the microphone via an Auray shock mount and a Smallrig 45 degree coldshoe to the Shape top plate. It does put the microphone in the way of the XLR port on the top handle a bit but I think getting the Zacuto or SmallRig top plate (which aren't raised) will help drop it down enough to clear the XLR port. Worst case, I just need to get an angle adapter for my cables.


The two Sennheiser G3 (one might actually be a G2) receivers are mounted to the top handle via velcro. It's pretty secure and low profile and makes setup and tear down that much quicker. One receiver is set up for a lav mic and the other is set up with their SKP100 wireless adapter with an MD46 mic. If I need both wireless signals I can unplug the shotgun mic. I have the lavalier mic plugged into the XLR port on the body, and the shotgun plugged into the top handle with a colored cable. I figure I will always need the lav plugged in and will usually need the shotgun plugged in so it's in the spot that's easiest to swap.


The Zacuto grip is o.k. I like how customizable the positioning of it is but in my experience the rod ends up interfering with the lens. I also think for the price ($330) it should just come with the $20 cable instead of having to purchase one on your own.

If I'm going to the effort to shoulder mount the FS5 someone will undoubtedly ask why not just get the FS7. I went with the FS5 for four primary reasons.

1. It's much cheaper.
2. FS7 isn't really set up out of the box to be a good shoulder rig; it's balance point is too far forward so you still need to get extra bits.
3. I don't need raw capabilities.
4. FS5 is smaller and lighter

DSC06983.jpgDSC06984.jpg
 
Very sweet setup Dan. For myself I use the shotgun audio so much that I want the Mic as far forward as possible.

I just ordered a Zacuto top plate as it seemed to have the best mounting options. I'm enjoying the Fs5 on the shoulder so much more than the Fs7 due to its weight. I can shoot all day and not be fatigued nearly as much as with the bigger brother.

I still haven't setup my follow focus with my fs5 but will try and do a full build this week when my Odyssey gets here.
 
Looks like a useable little arm but it doesn't connect to the camera. Needs the hurdy gurdy baseplate contraption which is like buying a scooter and towing it around with a Hummer

FS5 is born for lightweight and stealthy. Add a rosette to cam, use a single arm to extend grip to your sweet spot.

My Dutch arm will do this with custom rosettes both ends that retain ability to connect grip direct to camera - or to arm.
 
Well, the Wooden Camera Relocator looks like its intended to "relocate" de handgrip off the camera to any device with an Arri rosette...

But if adding a rosette to the FS5 body would be needed, you might be OK with the Vocas Body Rosette Adapter for Sony FS5...

You can get both for $222 free delivered anywhere in the US from B&H in 7-14 days!

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1249113-REG/vocas_0390_0070_body_rosette_adapter_for.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...ra_wc_230100_sony_fs5_handgrip_relocator.html
 
CinemaElectronika said:
Well, the Wooden Camera Relocator looks like its intended to "relocate" de handgrip off the camera to any device with an Arri rosette...
But if adding a rosette to the FS5 body would be needed, you might be OK with the Vocas Body Rosette Adapter for Sony FS5...
You can get both for $222 free delivered anywhere in the US from B&H in 7-14 days!
l
Click to expand...

But the FS5 grip has no rosette. it wont connect to that Shape grip "relocator" w/o additional parts.
You'll also need the Vocas grip adaptor - so add another $175, but it's currently out of stock.
So you're actually talking $397- but with an arm too short for comfortable use.

My Sony Crony is another good option. It's $50 less, with a stainless steel rosette not aluminum, it's only half inch wide instead of what looks like 1.5 inches. You can custom order the new Dutch arm to length and also choose the Dutch angle you prefer: straight, close beside the lens or under lens center which is incredibly comfortable by all of us who have been testing it. The FS5 offers more space to work with so I'll be trying a couple things to make the Crony a hands down winner. Price set to come in around $325, all in. Camera rosette, Crony and Dutch arm. OK, back to work, Sun almost up.
 
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Sorry Caleb, but I think you misread that last one.

The Vocas part puts an ARRI rosette on the FS5. It's an adapter that mounts to the Sony handgrip bayonet coupling on the camera body. The Wooden Camera handgrip relocator (not the Shape model as you indicated) attaches directly to the Sony handgrip and has an ARRI rosette on the other end to connect directly to the Vocas rosette. It also includes a LANC extension cable.

The WC & Vocas items together are indeed $222, although I would agree that the extension to the handle is quite short and there is little to no centering offset and zero rotational offset. One could add an extension arm with ARRI rosettes on either end -- Movcam makes a 6" one for $45. But then it is adding weight, compatibility questions, plus moving the handgrip out laterally from the camera another 1/2 inch or so.
 
I have never said the Sony Crony is not a good option... Indeed it is! Many FS7 users should be already very happy working with it.

The Wooden Camera Sony FS5 Handgrip Relocator (not Shape grip "relocator") is a new option on the market and do not need any additional part as it gets connected directly to the FS5 handgrip.

I suggest to check the video to see how easy is to connect the relocator... Ryan Schorman from Wooden Camera says "They Relocator includes a thumb screw that threads in the inside of the handle..."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okRtTMpyUng

By the way, the Relocator comes with a LANC Extension Cable with cable wrap.

The Wooden Camera Relocator along with the Vocas Body Rosette Adapter for Sony FS5 will work very well for me.

PD: Thank you Mitch for the follow up!
 
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Yeah I'm seriously considering the Wooden extension as well. After receiving my Odyssey and the heavy mounting solution I currently have (Noga arm) the added weight and size means for the full system it will need to be on a rig with rails for shoulder and tripod work. For that having an extension arm with rosette that can mount to the front of my rails instead of the camera itself is better from a balance standpoint.

And if I'm running light without the Odyssey and handheld then mounting the grip straight on the camera still works well enough.
 
Sorry about that! I violated the 'posting before coffee' rule. Henry I hope I wasn't being argumentative- just comparing the pluses/minuses. All good.

Mitch sorry for the confusion. I spent some time (with coffee) looking at that short WC relocator ($145) and
from what I can make out, it pairs to the FS5 grip via only the 2 Sony protruding pin nubs? That's interesting. Can anyone confirm that?

I'm trying to envision a minimal FS5 handheld solution- no baseplate and rods. As soon as you go baseplate/rods you can really do almost
anything. The trick is to have a lightweight shoulder config that is flexible in the field. For that i want a single arm for steady off shoulder work and be able to put the grip back onto cam for free style Broll.

So you install the Vocas camera rosette ($55) and you've de-coupled the grip/camera interface, the WC arm will now fit but it's 3 inch length is not enough to shoot off the shoulder. not enough to warrant the loss of using the grip on camera, quickly.

A better solution may be to standardize both ends with rosettes so you keep everything coupled. Thats why I was contrasting the Crony
and Vocas grip adaptors- They are the only two options with ratcheting studs. Once you rosette the camera AND grip from Shooting Machine or Vocas - the grip/cam connection is all "speaking english" and you just need to choose a good standard extension arm.

So if I've had enough coffee now, excluding the arm, you're looking at all Vocas 55/175 or $230 for aluminum rosettes. or Shooting Machine 50/125 or $175 for stainless rosettes.

Aluminum is fine as long as you don't plan on any heavy use ;-)
 
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