FS7: VCT-U14 Base Plate for my Second FS7, loose fit with Tilta BS-T10

basspig

basspig

Veteran
I picked up a second VCT-U14 v lock plate on ebay this week. However, when I set my FS7 with Tilta BS-T10 base v lock into it, it rocks from side to side--there is play.

To compare, I set the new camera into my other VCT-U14 and it sits tight with no play or side to side rock.

Is there a way to adjust the VCT-U14 so that it the v lock joins without play and movement? I don't see any external adjustment, but maybe someone has take one of these apart to correct a similar problem?
 
I had these issues with my FS7 shape rig which also fit very loosely on my vct plate. My VCT was not adjustable in any way.
I ended up heading down to our local rental house and checking out several VCT plates until I found one that fit right. I think the problem is that one standard was used by multiple manufacturers, like Panasonic and Sony, and their specifications make them slightly different.
 
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I have the more expensive Sony VCT-14 with the Tilta baseplate and it's rock solid. I had a cheaper one from eBay before which was an accident waiting to happen and ended up in the bin!
 
Liam Hall said:
I have the more expensive Sony VCT-14 with the Tilta baseplate and it's rock solid. I had a cheaper one from eBay before which was an accident waiting to happen and ended up in the bin!
Click to expand...

+1

I cheaped out on a Chinese copy from a UK supplier once, and had to return it. I then bought a proper Sony VCT-U14 and it was very snug fit on both the Tilta and a Chrosziel.

However, I found the VCT-14 approach to the FS7 made it too heavy and unwieldy - my VCT-U14 is now a doorstop and I run the FS7 with just a Smallrig compact footplate/rods and some of Sam's rubber shoulder pad thingies (http://halfinchrails.com/rigs-and-kits/kit-1) Quick, simple and comfortable - and a useful contribution to Sam's beer fund.

I know this doesn't answer the OP's question (and I'm not sure if he has a Chinese copy or Japanese original) - but may be useful info for others.

Ben.
 
The observable difference between the two U14 baseplates that I own is that the new one is painted grey and the other one is all black.

This new one is a U14 and I think the first one is a 14. The U14 fits snugly to both camera's Tilta BS-T10 bases. I tested both cameras on the older baseplate and they are both tight with no side to side rocking.

I'm wondering if I should have gotten the black one instead Not the "U" model?
 
Even the Sony is a spring loaded device.. eventually the spring weakens and it all gets loose.. I got so pissed off with this over the years.. I eventually paid out for the Chrosziel fully mechanical one.. wish I had years ago... totally bullet proof ,set in concrete steady every time.. will still be working when Iam nothing but cosmic dust..archaeologists will marvel at it thousands of years from now..
 
I was only considering the Tilta plate along with the VCT-U14 cheap from eBay - good I didn't go for it! Instead - since I use 2 tripods (one very lightweight, on CF legs and small head only good for the naked FS7, and another heavy duty one, which I use when my FS7 is on 15mm rails, with the rear rail extension holding the bracket for my PAG brick battery movable forth-and- back for perfect balance, and heavy lenses with possibly a matte-box and FF at the front). With my (as some of you may remember) weak arms and neck spine, I need both configurations to be easily and quickly dropped-down vertically to the tripod (rather than horizontally slidden-in, as with the Manfrotto-style tripod plates and clamps); after a long research and using Olof's suggestion, I went with the Kessler's Kwik Release system. Two Kwik clamps and a single plate solve my problem, plus they are really perfect fit and hold my rig really strong - without even a slightest play whosoever - highly recommended!

Piotr
 
The Tilta base is not bad at all. Just bought a second one. Both are fine. But the VCT-U14, the one with the grey and black color scheme, is loose fitting.

At first I thought it was due to the base plate not sitting touching the two tracks on the outside of the base, but my black VCT plate is the same.

I think it may be the pin that slides across, may not be forward enough to push the base tightly into the V-lock.
 
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