FS7: Smallrig FS7 grip relocator for $20

It looks good for the money. SR makes workable kit for pennies on the dollar- I can't imagine how they make a profit.
Couple things to be aware of. You'll have to disconnect your FS7 grip from the Sony arm to use this at all. It's Russian Roulette with the glue Sony uses - some come off, some don't. Once you get it ready to attach, it ratchets down via a thumbwheel instead of a pronged knob. Watch out for this. The 'bald tire' as shown on their site prob ain't gonna work. Might need to drill small holes around the outer edge and use a pin or small nail to tighten it so it doesnt jiggle.

The stud shown is on the (very) long side at 8 threads. Depending on what kit you are mating with- be prepared to have the stud shortened.

The last photo on their site shows it installed w/o the thumbwheel/stud. I guess the center bore is doing double duty as an M6 socket. Pretty cool idea.
(If the stud length is correct)

But when you attach this assembly to an arm for handholding it sends the grip outboard an extra 1-2 inches which is uncomfortable. Shooters don't agree on much but keeping your grip close to the lens is one thing most of us like a lot. My M6 rosette is pictured below so you can judge for yourself

Screen Shot 2017-01-19 at 5.17.14 PM.jpg

It's just much simpler. You attach directly into a threaded rosette socket that's flush with the grip. Ive been selling these for $95 for over a year - tonight I lowered it to $65. They got me on price- I think I still have them even a year later on function.

In stock https://www.facebook.com/pg/shootingmachine.net/shop/
 
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There's room for all these things to co-exist.

Have been using Smallrig for years on various cameras and the speed of their turnaround on 'co production' pieces is fantastic and they really listen to feedback, plus they are great value.

Your piece is a bit more bespoke and prices reflect that.
 
Yeah appreciate that. I like Small rig - I'd like to visit their facility - they are nimble and their quality is good. I'd literally like to know more about how they do it.
Cant give them a pass tho. I agree that prices like this are awesome- just makes it fun- but still have to keep your eye on them. the devil is in the details.

As for my prices, they reflect more living in the good old pre industrialized USA I think.
Isn't a rosette that screws onto the handgrip more the opposite of bespoke?

Anyway just making a couple observations based on their drawings- I'm curious if it plays well with the camera.
 
It's more that you are trying to solve a problem and Smallrig are simply producing a specific part someone else has told them they'd like them to produce.
 
What? They are making a specific part that was requested so problems dont apply here?

It's a new product and bears discussion and examination like any other I think.
 
I'm trying to pay you a compliment about your respective approaches to manufacturing. Not really sure why you seem to be taking exception to it.
 
Ok thanks - I just didn't follow exactly what your point was. Asking questions here, not stamping feet!
 
I'll wait until someone has tested it out first hand. I've ordered Rosette parts from SR before (Gratical mount) and found that they were apparently manufactured without real-world use. Ended up having to return for refund minus shipping costs. Happy to use SR for 15mm parts though.
 
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90% of the Smallrigs part have a very good quality at a very affordable price. The major questionmark here are the glues really, but that is a Sony questionmark. Russian Roulette .... Very true.
 
wschmid said:
90% of the Smallrigs part have a very good quality at a very affordable price. The major questionmark here are the glues really, but that is a Sony questionmark. Russian Roulette .... Very true.
Click to expand...

Very easy to loosen those glues with a soldering gun. Simply touch the screw heads with the tip of a soldering gun and apply some heat gently. Use well fitting screwdriver. It's a non issue.
 
Also this was a 50% off pre-order price so if you wait it will be double.

To be honest I ordered it on a whim as I have no use for the grip otherwise.
 
Broughtonfilm- Just curious, did you separate your grip using the heat method you describe? I do have shooters send me their grips that they separated themselves.
A rental shiop just sent me 5 in one box. It can be done. But Ive had a few shooters who are tool guys that strip all 4 and send them in for extraction.
Ocassionally the screws separate easily, but it's rare. I've never had all 4 come out well. Usually two screws come out easy and then you hit the one that was glassed in there
with a big fat gob of glue. Sony is a bit inconsistent with the glues, the internal grease and even the number of fasteners used.
It's really not a 'non issue' tho. Many of them won't come out with a manual drill press using custom molded soft clamps.

I don't use a soldering gun, the glue is heat resistent. I'd exploit dissimilar expansion rates and cool and then heat the metal surrounding the
screws. And you're right - find a new screw driver #00 that fits tightly. Try it- you don't lose anything - the stripped screws retain their bite so you can just forget it if you fail. Or if you are determined- send it to me. I can usually turn it around overnight.
 
Wshmid,

I think dcarstens said it best - "made w/o real world use" in other words field testing. Ive made this mistake and I'm a working shooter. Designing parts always comes down to drawing schematics- it's a lot like writing a script - easy to get lost in the logic of the design itself "Hey! I can make this 1/4" hole interface with both sides of the thru bore!"
Until days later you realize that great idea is blocked by the camera body and you can't access it. A days work down the drain. That's how it goes.

Here is a Cinegrip I shipped yesterday to a DP in California, serial number 26. Starts ALEXA mini, Varicam, All Sony, All Canon, All BMD.

IMG_7728.jpg
 
British Racing Green with a cream stripe and start/stop for a Red and you might have a customer down the line :)
 
Thanks for the interest, nice online frolick you two seem to be sharing ;-)
 
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