F3: Transvideo Replacement Baseplate & Wing/Lever for PL Lens Mount

[Andrew Stone]

Peter was asking in another thread about the Transvideo replacement "wing" for the PL lens mount. Below are a series of photos showing both the Transvideo PL Wing and the replacement baseplate. You will also see the bottom of the F3 in a couple of stages of disassembly while replacing the baseplate. The PL wing, although an inoccuously small part of the "kit" solves the problem of mounting and unmounting PL lenses.

 

[Andrew Stone]

Here are a few shots of the exposed innards of the bottom of the F3 along with the stock baseplate.

 

[Andrew Stone]

Here are some shots of the baseplate. You will note the inclusion of 3/8" - 16 threaded holes and standard spacing between the holes for bridgeplates and such.

 

[petermullett]

THANK YOU Andrew, this is very helpful. You went to a lot of trouble here to answer my question!
I did in fact earlier today find Transvideo's contact details in Paris and I ordered the PL mount tab....But now seeing the photo's you post here of the baseplate I am thinking of adding that to the order too, in fact they bundle the two items together.

I didn't realise until I just saw your post that you remove the F3's stock base to instal the Transvideo one, their website isn't clear about that at all so I assumed the baseplate simply bolted on to the camera without removing anything first. This changes everything for me because I assumed that my Zacuto base would be out of line with the Transvideo plate fitted, obviously not as the Transvideo plate simply replaces the F3's stock base.

Do you think the base is worth getting too, if so why?

Thanks again for taking so much trouble to show us all of this!

 

[lasikdenver]

Anywhere to buy these in the USA? I looked on the website and it did not show that as an option.

 

[Andrew Stone]

Transvideo International
818-985-4903

112b - 11712 Moorpark St
North Hollywood, CA 91604

My contact 6 months ago was Marianne.

 

[Andrew Stone]

The baseplate is definately worth it. The "tripod" mount is milled into a big hunk of metal; you have 3/8"-16 threaded mount holes so you can use bridgeplates, etc designed for film cameras; larger footprint for attaching bolts; and the ability to have metal on milled metal adherance to whatever you are attaching it to so less flex when you factor in everything.

I plan on getting a proper bridgeplate dovetail solution happening in the next couple of months. Looking at everything from Wooden Camera to ARRI and in between.

 

[Andrew Stone]

One item you may wish to ask whomever you speak to at Transvideo is, what is the size of the hex wrench you need to loosen and tighten the tiny, tiny hexagonal bolts holding on the baseplate. I found one that almost fit and made it work. It would be great however, if we knew the size so we can put it on properly and have one in the toolkit.

 

[petermullett]

One item you may wish to ask whomever you speak to at Transvideo is, what is the size of the hex wrench you need to loosen and tighten the tiny, tiny hexagonal bolts holding on the baseplate. I found one that almost fit and made it work. It would be great however, if we knew the size so we can put it on properly and have one in the toolkit.

Hi Andrew, I am holding off on the baseplate for the moment, just ordering the PL Tab for now. There's a couple of other "hardening" options I am considering for the F3, cages, other handle / bases options and so on. I will shoot an email off to my Paris Transvideo contact though and ask about the hex wrench size. Back to you when I hear.

 

[nsoltz]

US prices on baseplate and PL wing?

 

[Andrew Stone]

I paid $345 USD plus shipping from North Hollywood.

 

[petermullett]

One item you may wish to ask whomever you speak to at Transvideo is, what is the size of the hex wrench you need to loosen and tighten the tiny, tiny hexagonal bolts holding on the baseplate. I found one that almost fit and made it work. It would be great however, if we knew the size so we can put it on properly and have one in the toolkit.

Hello again Andrew, this is what I got back from my contact at Transvideo in Paris. It says you will need two Allen keys, 2mm and 1.5mm.

 

[petermullett]

I got the PL "wing" from Transvideo in Paris yesterday, fitted it this morning. It's a perfect accessory, as Andrew said it makes switching out PL lenses a much easier task. I'd recommend this to all F3 owners who use the PL mount.....Thanks again to Andrew for the "heads up" on this item.

US pricing Ned? I don't know. But mine here in France with the 20% TVA ( VAT ), was 29 Euros plus €4 for the 2 day shipping by La Poste. I'd expect the price to be a similar number in USD, I've found that usually to be the rule of thumb.

For now I am holding off on buying the Transvideo baseplate, but expect to get it or something very much like it later for the F3 as I continue to customise the camera.

 

[lasikdenver]

I just received 2 of the wings from Transvideo in Hollywood, will put one or two on tonight. They appear well made, do not come with any screws. They were $35 per plus shipping.

 

[petermullett]

I just received 2 of the wings from Transvideo in Hollywood, will put one or two on tonight. They appear well made, do not come with any screws. They were $35 per plus shipping.

you use the screws from the Sony tab you removed to fit the Transvideo wing.....and yes, it's a simple but great addition to the F3's PL mount. Have been using it all this week. Be sure you mount it as per Andrew's photo at the head of this thread.

 

[lasikdenver]

Thanks Peter, I will follow those pictures. I bought two of them, since I usually grab two to remove/replace the lenses, not sure if a second one will fit or is needed but might try one first and see if a second one would be even better.
I added two on, one on the side as shown, the other on top -- with two large tabs it is much easier to change PL lenses.

 

[petermullett]

Thanks Peter, I will follow those pictures. I bought two of them, since I usually grab two to remove/replace the lenses, not sure if a second one will fit or is needed but might try one first and see if a second one would be even better.
I added two on, one on the side as shown, the other on top -- with two large tabs it is much easier to change PL lenses.

hello Lasikdenver, glad it worked out......It's really a good and cheap improvement for the F3, ( actually the cheapest mod' I've bought for the camera! ). Interesting you used two wings, I'll consider that, just have to check that the second wing will be operable under my Berkey plate front extension.

 

[Duke M.]

Although it doesn't say on the Transvideo website Alister Chapman said its 265.00 euros for the base plate.

EDIT: I just saw Andrew said "$345 USD plus shipping from North Hollywood".

 

[petermullett]

Although it doesn't say on the Transvideo website Alister Chapman said its 265.00 euros for the base plate.

EDIT: I just saw Andrew said "$345 USD plus shipping from North Hollywood".

Here you go Duke, these are the prices out of Transvideo in Europe / France. The "Pro Kit" includes the PL Mount Wing.

 

[lasikdenver]

hello Lasikdenver, glad it worked out......It's really a good and cheap improvement for the F3, ( actually the cheapest mod' I've bought for the camera! ). Interesting you used two wings, I'll consider that, just have to check that the second wing will be operable under my Berkey plate front extension.

Peter --- I also have the Berkey front extension and it works. It is a little hard to get to the top wing in removing the lens, but very helpful in securing it during placement. Jon