FS7: Sony PXW-FS7 extension unit batteries

S

Soldier

Well-known member
Just wondering if anyone had recommendations for V-Mount batteries? The Sony ones look expensive, and I've read a couple of unfavorable reviews about them.

Thanks.
 
I don't have my camera yet, but if you search B&H for "V-mount battery", you will see a whole list. I've been happy with IDX E-7S Endura Lithium-Ion V-Mount Battery ($259) for use with my FS700. Decide if you need D-tap. Of course, if you don't have a charger, you have to solve that problem too. I've also considered some batteries from China on Ebay.
 
I have a number of Anton Bauer Dionic 90's so I will simply use a V mount to Gold mount adapter and use my Dionics.

Very impressed from what I saw at NAB with the Switronix Hypercore 98 Gold. I have a few Switronix LP-X90S V mounts that were supplied with my demo Ursa camera. Very lightweight batteries (very welcomed too, since that Ursa is a real bear to lift).

Chinese knockoff LiON's scare me. Even name brand LiON's can combust if damaged and I have minimal trust in Chinese knock-off eBay marketed batteries.

Ned Soltz
 
I have a couple Chinese v-mount batteries and they've worked decently for the last year or so. I noticed one will be "fully charged" at about 85%. Might look into some nicer v-mounts, my buddy has a set of the PAGlink batteries, which look pretty incredible. They are expensive but they have great features. You can stack batteries to charge up to 8 batteries on a standard dual battery charger. They make a small portable battery charger that will charge three batteries at once.
 
I have used the IDX batteries for more than 10 years now they are great and so are their chargers.

But now I have switched to Swit, they are about the same price but seem really rugged and work well, plus the batteries have a D-tap built in unlike the IDXs. Don't forger you need a charger for Vmout batteries.
 
I've heard that Swit is going to make the chipped BPU-60s. Any idea if Swit will make the larger BPU-90 size, chipped for FS7 of course? That would be a nice option.
 
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gene_can_sing said:
I've heard that Swit is going to make the chipped BPU-60s. Any idea if Swit will make the larger BPU-90 size? That would be a nice option.
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I will ask my supplier (Alex Dolgin) about 90 size or bigger.

I still have some Switronixs 90 size BPU style batteries and they still work fine after 7 years or so. But I don't know if Switronixs still really exists, I think they were somehow associated with SWit and there was some kind of split, and Swits are now really good. It was a while ago so don't let this start a rumor, I may be remembering wrong.
 
Hi Olof

Switronix was exhibiting here in NYC at CCW a couple of weeks ago, so I presume they are around.

Really interested in your FS-7 product development and will get in touch when we will be running an article on FS-7

Ned
 
Those Swintronix are listed on the web "EX-L96". Great choice and the D tap is outside of the battery compartment on an FS7.
 
I purchased the Extension unit with my FS7 and sold my Switronix V-Locks, so I could buy what I think are the best V-Locks on the market.

Pag Batteries, only truly compliant battery for flying and check out the travel charger size. Stack the batteries on top of each other to change and wake up to charged batteries with one charger that is very small. These batteries will change my travel weight.

https://www.paguk.com/

Curt's video on Pag batteries, worth a look:
https://vimeo.com/48406441
 
Paul Cronin said:
I purchased the Extension unit with my FS7 and sold my Switronix V-Locks, so I could buy what I think are the best V-Locks on the market.

Pag Batteries, only truly compliant battery for flying and check out the travel charger size. Stack the batteries on top of each other to change and wake up to charged batteries with one charger that is very small. These batteries will change my travel weight.

https://www.paguk.com/

Curt's video on Pag batteries, worth a look:
https://vimeo.com/48406441
Click to expand...


I've been seeing the PAGs on Hollywood film sets. [ My point in mentioning that is that these are productions with the budget to rent whatever gear they want and they tend to use the gear that they think is the very best. ]

The Sony Olivines do charge quickly and if I am not mistaken the charger actually charges both batteries simultaneously. The charger has a design flaw in that there is nothing to keep the batteries locked into the charger. If you pick up the charger with batteries in place the batts can easily just slide off and plop onto the ground.

Were I buying v-mounts I would likely go with the PAGS.
 
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Paglinks have so far have held up great. We also deliver these in Snap on - 3 stud type configurations. Battery chargers from Anton Bauer will charge these batteries so if you have existing Anton Bauer style battery set up but need new batts these are an excellent choice. A new option from Pag is the time battery. The Paglink Time battery is designed to show you the remaining battery life in minutes, not just fuel gauge bars or dots... Yes the Pags are going to be more expensive then the cheap Asian knock offs but especially for air travel, the UN IATA certification sticker means no worry of battery confiscation.

Some demo snap on batteries may be available if testing is needed.
 
Cutting cost on batteries the amount I fly is not worth it. I always carry all my batteries on board and anything else is just plain irresponsible. With Paglink you have the only battery on the market that you can check if needed, besides a long lasting, light, VF info compatible with FS7 and other cameras, with a tinny charger for travel where you can stack batteries for charge.

John Fishburn is a great source for Pag batteries and all gear for the FS7. I know it has been discussed here before but buying from a Value Added Dealer is the way to go. No I do not work for Band Pro or Pag, I am just a very happy customer.
 
Paul Cronin said:
I purchased the Extension unit with my FS7 and sold my Switronix V-Locks, so I could buy what I think are the best V-Locks on the market.

Pag Batteries, only truly compliant battery for flying and check out the travel charger size. Stack the batteries on top of each other to change and wake up to charged batteries with one charger that is very small. These batteries will change my travel weight.

https://www.paguk.com/

Curt's video on Pag batteries, worth a look:
https://vimeo.com/48406441
Click to expand...

I use the PagLink batteries and highly recommend them.
 
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