FS7: VF stripped

[allenfacemire]

OK folks...I now join the legions who have stripped the tension screw for the VF/Mic holder on my Fs7. My camera is now down, at least for handheld work.
I know others have suffered the same fate and I was wondering what some of the solutions were.
Fixing a stripped screw hole in pot aluminum is not an option. I suppose I can order a whole new top handle bracket from Sony but if I going to chunk down cake for a new assembly, I might as well buy something that will actually work and more importantly, last.
Wooden Camera seems to have a nice work around consisting of a top cheese plate and a VF assembly as does Vocas and Arri has a really nice option but that tops out at over $2k. At this point money is not necessarily the object so I might spring for the high priced spread.
I was wondering what you folks have done to mitigate the crumby VF/Mic bracket and if there are some replacement VF bracket and top handle options that I have missed.
As much as I love my Fs7, the places where Sony cheaped out are now coming home to roost.

 

[icarusfilm]

I like the Zacuto handle on a nato rail

 

[icarusfilm]

basically :
http://store.berkeysystem.com/center-plate-for-pxw-fs7-top-mount-accessory-plate/

and

https://store.zacuto.com/recoil-handle/

 

[ggriswold]

Or this as a one stop solution. I have not tried it, but found after some searching.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1127974-REG/vocas_0350_1161_top_handgrip_mkii_for.html?c3api=0980%2C110370500933&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_8Lxrbjx1gIVSRtpCh0BagT2EAAYASAAEgIxN_D_BwE

 

[morgan_moore]

The screw on the vf itself - I found it easy to drill out the dead thread and replace with an m4 (?) nut and bolt

 

[Alpha Beta Omega]

I use Berkey system plate, nato rail and handle and it takes care of all the problems with the original Sony handle.

View attachment 127251

In the beginning I used Sonys top handle and saw that that screw would eventually be worn out so I replaced it.

View attachment 127252

 

[icarusfilm]

My philosophy with the fs7 is just use the box take averything attached off and replace it with something that works.

 

[LennyLevy]

another vote for Osslunds solution though its not much help now that you've stripped it. I also replaced the little handle screws that tighten the rotation of the VF on the 15mm rod with similar sturdy big handles and its way more solid, easier and quicker to tighten and more reliable.

 

[allenfacemire]

The screw on the vf itself - I found it easy to drill out the dead thread and replace with an m4 (?) nut and bolt

That was my first approach but unless you can install a stainless insert...it will keep happening...IMO!

 

[allenfacemire]

I use Berkey system plate, nato rail and handle and it takes care of all the problems with the original Sony handle.

View attachment 127251

In the beginning I used Sonys top handle and saw that that screw would eventually be worn out so I replaced it.

View attachment 127252

This is what I had. But when you constantly have to torque the sucker...you will have failure because the lever screw has a lot of available torque ability. I heard the thread actully "POP" when I gave it a bit more.

 

[Wes.]

I haven't replaced my top handle, but If I did.... I would absolutely get something that went further out over the lens. So frequently I build out my camera and am forced to carry it with the lens pointing straight down because there's no comfortable way to hold it.