F55: Solid Camera F5/55 pieces

Nate Weaver

Nate Weaver

Veteran
I can't play this off as some sort of "oh, I found these pics on Facebook, hope Carlos doesn't mind I posted"

I've been bugging him for a few weeks to share with me what he's got in mind for the F5/55, and finally yesterday he relented and sent me what he's got cooking.

There are plenty of other companies making AKS for cameras, but more often than not I'm underwhelmed with real, thought out functionality. I could name some names, but I'd rather not. It's true there are a couple companies that have a clue, but I can count them on maybe 2 fingers.

Anyway, I'm kinda stoked to post what he sent me yesterday. I see a TON of possibilities with the framework he's come up with, and it's all without turning the camera into a huge erector-set boat anchor.

The renders don't, unfortunately speak for themselves, so I'll give an overview. He's created a dovetail system that covers the top, and allows solid, secure mounting of pieces on most parts of the camera, quickly, and without tools, and without a network of rods. Rods can be added too if you specifically need them, but they're not necessary.

Below is a set of notes from Solid:

Top Dove Plate:
This is essentially a cheesplate made out of standard dovetails. The reason for this is that nothing needs to be screwed to the plate, the various pieces slide on/off and can be repositioned as needed. For example the handle can slide on five different positions without any tools and can also be turned around backward. The dovetails also accept iris rod brackets, on-board mic mount, in addition to the typical 3/8 and 1/4 threads for whatever. The side of the plate has pins and threads that support side dovetails, our side doveplate, EVF connector armor, etc.

Dovetail Handle:
This is the quick release tool-free handle with built-in iris rod support. It slides onto any of our dovetails so it can slide left or right of center if needed for handheld lateral balance. There are safety pins that automatically engage to prevent the handle from separating from the plate even if you completely loosen the clamps. The grip on the handle also quick releases so it can be turned around without disturbing iris rods. The front of the grip allows the stock Sony EVF mount to attach if you choose to use the Sony EVF support. There are, of course threaded holes on top and front of the handle.

Dovetail Iris rod clamp:
This is a utility dovetail clamp that provides 15mm iris rod clamps and vertical dovetails for other accessories like our audio distro, power distro, of EVF support arm.

Side Dove Plate:
This is an F5/F55 specific device that is used to mount accessories and protect the very vulnerable EVF connector and cable. It has two dovetails with 3/8 and 1/4 threads and access to ASSIGN 4 button. The EVF connector protector also has the tape measure hook.

EVF Support:
We made some new parts for our already popular EVF support system to work better with the F55. The new 15mm snap-on dovetail bracket allows huge range of motion for the EVF - Left/Right and Front/Back. Unlike any other solution, it will slide far enough to the right to press your cheek against the side of the camera.

Audio:
There is a breakout box that provides all connections to sound dept with either 5pin XLR + headphone, or 7-pin Engh style that has all connections including monitor return. We have made a flat plate that fits over the XLR inputs that also ties in the headphones using a very low profile right angle headphone jack routed under the lens mount with a machined cable clip. The XLR plate is attached via a Mogami cable to a dovetail mounted box with standard 5pin/headphone jack and a Peter Engh style 7-pin. This really cleans up the operator and the dumb side of the camera while giving you the choice of where the XLR's will go and the orientation of the connectors. The cable input on the remote box enters on a machined swivel so that you can position the cable exit where it works best. This product is totally standalone and can be removed as easily as an XLR connector.

Not shown are some other pieces that will provide power and signal possibilities.
Click to expand...

Sony F55 Concept A d-01-10-2012.jpg
Sony F55 Concept A e-01-10-2012.jpg
Sony F55 Concept A f-01-10-2012.jpg
Sony F55 Concept A g-01-10-2012.jpg
Sony F55 Concept A h-01-10-2012.jpg
 
Last edited:
I have that Solid Camera EVF support on my RED and it's fantastic. I also have my rig configured with rails on the top. The horizontal nato style is smart as it allows a quick dismantle or reconfigure without a screwdriver. Nicely done Carlos!

side.jpg
 
I just want it!!

I just want it!!

Wow, that is an AWESOME setup, where do I pay?!! ...... Seriously, how much and when can I order it?
 
Wow! Pretty damn cool there, Carlos.
Thanks Nate for the buggin, been dieing to see what they were up to. +1 on the AWESOME.
 
One other thing that I think is pretty important on the dumb-side plate...the EVF connector has protection and support.

It was something I figured might change on the shipping units (especially since the EVF plug actually said "3M" on it, kinda unlike Sony), but it looks like it's here to stay. Not such a big deal if it's protected.
 
It is not really smart to cover ports and windows on any camera.I can see the USB port above the VF port covered ,also there is kind of window at the top of the camera-covered also even if I have no idea waht is it for.
 
I totally agree! The ports on the side (USB and EVF) are remoted to a different location to make room for a plate on the side for common pieces like MDR, audio recievers, Noga arms, etc, etc.... This reality is changing as I get new info from Sony about the EVF connector, which is now a right angle connector (The straight plug is shown in the images). We are making a place for the WiFi module as well as swing out tape hook. The benefit is that if you damage the EVF or USB on our side plate, you have not damaged the camera giving you the option to pull the plate off and keep going while the connector is repaired much more easily than if you broke the connector inside the camera. Our connectors will be protected making it less likely to be damaged as well. In the end, you don't have to use the side plate at all - it's an add-on that is available for those that want/need it and can be left off if you don't.

The renders posted here are early, missing a lot of details. The side plate continues to be a work in progress, with the goal of being as compact and reliable as possible. There is nothing on the top of the camera that the end user needs access to. The fans and vents are completely clear - even on the side. We have also developed a full 4k fiber optic and power system for this camera that is all part of the same family. A project of this magnitude forces us to think ahead as it is far beyond handles and top plates. We will have a number of new images this week as the parts start going into production. The concept here is to have something that allows a user to go from ultra-light config to big Hollywood mode fast and easy. Huge mobility for EVF and handle (including the stock Sony handle and EVF support).

If there is anything else you want - please let us know. We listen to everyone. Thanks for the comments.
 
This image shows the Audio IO box moved to the top dovetail to make room on the side - it can also ride on 15mm iris rods and rotate to get the audio cables wherever they need to be and consolodating into one single cable. There is also a extra handle added just to show that you can.

untitled.5.jpg
 
Carlos,
This make a bit more sense.
From the last render I can see that you are blocking the airflow a lot.
Think about making that top plate 80mm as the top footprint of the camera.
Power outlets as 4pin Hirose and 2 pin Lemo 0b are vital .
Using the Sony's handle is very good as idea ( I did the same in my "home made version")
Best !
Nikolay
P.S.: Where can I find 3d model of the body?
 
nkerezov said:
From the last render I can see that you are blocking the airflow a lot.
Click to expand...

All you need is a few mm of space so air can move though. A Sony rep made a point of showing me at the Culver city event how loud the fan was in the body (not the AXS-R5 fan) when running...it was silent and he had me put my hand on that vent to show me it was running. There was air moving but it wasn't much. Nothing that that plate would affect.
 
Hey Carlos, just a thought.
What about an option, to just have a right angle dovetail block mount, that can just slide on the top second rail, behind the handle, as a place for VF arm to mount. Instead of having to use the rods and a double rod hole block. After looking at it, maybe just dovetail block option of what you already have. Instead of rod holes the block has the female dovetail.
 
Jason Davenport said:
Hey Carlos, just a thought.
What about an option, to just have a right angle dovetail block mount, that can just slide on the top second rail, behind the handle, as a place for VF arm to mount. Instead of having to use the rods and a double rod hole block. After looking at it, maybe just dovetail block option of what you already have. Instead of rod holes the block has the female dovetail.
Click to expand...

It's already there on top of the iris rod clamp. It is designed to simply slide on to the top Doveplate with no iris rods or other brackets - very simple. It is hard to see in the images, I should make some new pics of the current design to illustrate a little better. You could have a simple handle and EVF support that are each free to move around independent of each other. The handle can slide left/right for lateral balance when doing underslung hand-held shots.

In it's most basic setup, the EVF support cradle can attach directly the side of the doveplate, you can add the extension arm, the right angle plate for left/right movement, or you can use the iris rods for the most mobility at the expense of weight and complexity.

The handle can support the stock Sony EVF mount as well on the tip of the handle - so you are not obligated to use the EVF support system in the kit. The grip of the handle is reversible without disturbing the iris rod clamps - allowing you to flip the EVF from the front to the back of the camera in a few seconds. To do the same trick with the stock handle, by comparison, requires you to unscrew 4 screws, flip the handle backward and put the screws back in. In the heat of the moment, is clumsy to say the least. Of course there are also 5 dovetails to choose from while mounting the handle to work around whatever bits and pieces you attach.


Hope that was reasonably clear, Ill get some more images together this evening. Thanks for the comments.....
 
This should be a little more clear. Shows the handle in two different directions and the EVF on the forward dovetail with about 4 inches of left/right travel. If you had a regular battery and a smallish prime lens - the handle pointing backward from the #2 dovetail would be about right giving you the ability to slide the EVF all the way to the right for handheld with your head firmly against the body of the camera and looking directly forward. Of course you could also slide the EVF on any of the available dovetails as well - all the way to the rear.

No iris rods needed in this config.

Solid Camera Sony F55 Concept B b-01-15-2012.jpgSolid Camera Sony F55 Concept B a-01-15-2012.jpg
 
Perfect! That's exactly like I was thinking.
Better view, thought the rods supported that piece. Getting the OLED VF, would it mount the same as the other in pic. Or does it require that "Sony" L dovetail bracket. And or does that L dovetail bracket pictured with the OLED from Sony, removable or is it required to stay attached for some reason...?
 
Carlos..
A couple quick questions; if one were to use a third party EVF, can a specific version of your EVF support connect directly to the Sony handle dove tail that their L bracket attaches to? That is if someone didnt purchase your top plate or handle. Speaking of top plate; do you have a price on it yet and can the Sony handle attach to it?

Thanks!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top