Varicam won't mount to tripod with rod adapter

Mike Krumlauf

Mike Krumlauf

Award Winning Filmmaker
I have the Panasonic AJ-HDC27F unit and recently installed the Cavision RSPP adapter plate to utilize my Cavision 19mm rod setup for my mattebox. (http://www.cavision.com/rods/RSPP.htm). I am using this tripod plate (http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Tripod-...2d256f&pid=100338&rk=1&rkt=15&sd=161071974556) and for whatever reason the camera wont click and lock into place with this new adapter plate, it just snugs the front lips of the plate and leave the back end unseccured. I didnt have this problem with the shoe mount that came on the varicam with this plate. What are some (hopefully cheap) options to fix this as my varicam kit is racking on the pounds now with monitors, 5x5 matteboxes, pro35, pl lens.. you get the idea lol.

I have a wedding coming up in november and i want to make sure i get this problem fixed before that time so my varicam doesnt take a nasty spill because it was not secured correctly.

Thanks
 
Seen this problem before. There's a lot of variation in the VCT plates (the tripod plate you bought off eBay). You're going to need to dismantle that plate and add some washers to that rear post to thicken in up so that it locks with the camera. Once you figure out the correct thickness for the washers, use some rubber cement or Crazy Glue to attache them properly to the post.

It's not as scary a procedure as it sounds. Just be sure to be careful when you dismantle the VCT-14 plate. There are little pieces and springs involved in the latching mechanism and you wouldn't want to lose anything. It's also a good idea to take plenty of cell phone pics as you go since it's your first time in there and you'll want to remember where everything goes.
 
the problem isnt the back end locking, its that the lips on the cavision plate hugs the tripod plate so tight, i cant slide the camera forward on the tripod plate for it to lock and mount.
 
Mike Krumlauf said:
the problem isnt the back end locking, its that the lips on the cavision plate hugs the tripod plate so tight, i cant slide the camera forward on the tripod plate for it to lock and mount.
Click to expand...

You're correct. That Cavision plate is the problem and I don't need to see a photo.

There is two ways you can fix it. You can machine off part of the lip or if you are in a real jam and have an hour or so, use a needle file. I have unfortunately seen someone else who this exact thing to their Cavision plate.

The second option is to try an assortment of generic VCT-14 (or SHAN-TM700), there's a version that has more space than the others and wouldn't you know it- that is the one that Cavision used to design their plate, rather than the one that most people seem to have which has a tighter tolerance.

The system made by Arri has the tightest tolerance, so you'll want to skip that option with the Cavision.

If you just purchased it new recently your best bet is to return it and get one of the other options available. If you can't return it my shop can machine off the extra material for you and make it fit for between a $75-100 fee.

I have a lot of experience with the set-up you are using. If you want to get in touch with me directly next week I'm happy to carve our 20-minutes to offer some suggestions on how to make your current set-up easier to manage.
 
One more thought. I just looked at the generic VCT-14 you are using. I have seen those Chinese copys be sometimes fairly out of spec. It is possible you have a bad one, but I would still put 90%+ of the blame on the Cavision.
 
Illya - thanks so much for the info and possible solutions. I'd say the VCT-14 is fine, its the mount. I say this only because it was working with the varicam fine when the plate from the camera was attached. I will pick up a needle file from ACE hardware near me and give that a try, i probably just need to file it down a bit and all should be good.
 
I share Illya's lack of enthusiasm for Cavision's products. If you can't get that one to work you can try a Zacuto plate, or you could call around to camera rental houses. So many have moved from 2/3" to larger sensors that they may be willing to sell you a used plate for cheap.
 
I have the Zacuro LWS rod adapter mount on all three of my Vari's and even going back to my second Betacam, but unfortunately they don't make it anymore, along with other things intended for the broadcast market.
 
UPDATE - Got a metal file from ACE and a friend and i filed it down and it works perfect now! Thanks for all your help! :)
 
Mike Krumlauf said:
UPDATE - Got a metal file from ACE and a friend and i filed it down and it works perfect now! Thanks for all your help! :)
Click to expand...

Glad it worked.

I also know what it looks like now too.

I recommend a little touch with this:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/3M-9-in-...Z7tt6rtiA2itNj4IIG_1oaAr5f8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

and then some Testors Black and a fine tip brush.

https://www.amazon.com/Testors-Enamel-Paint-Stock-25oz-Black/dp/B003ZA1ITE?th=1

It won't be perfect, but at least you won't cringe every time you look at it.

What PL lenses are you using?
 
It actually doesnt look bad at all but thanks for the tip. I have a 28mm f3.5 and 80mm f2.8 PL Lens i got off ebay from Russia for fairly cheap (both under 1K) and they get the job done! :)
 
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