Want to put FS7 side handle on QR

I

Imamacuser

Veteran
I’d like to put my FS7 grip on a QR so that I can swap it from the camera to tripod pan arm.

I missed the SmallRig 1887 FS7 grip relocator when they were available, now I’m hoping to make a quick release DIY version.

The challenge is selecting an appropriate QR system. I’m considering the following options: NATO clamp, 40mm Arca, mini V-mount QR or some other small QR plate.

I’d like to do something similar to this video, but put the grip on a QR rather than a dog bone extension: Control arm mod

Does anyone have any ideas?
 
Yes, I'm familiar with the SmallRig 1887 as I have one on one of my FS7s Grips. Vocas also made a unit to do exactly the same thing. From memory, the unit they made could be user on either an FS7 or an FS5. It might be worth dropping them an email to find out. Because if it does fit on both cameras, here is a used one in mint condition in the UK for £25.00, about US$34.00. That's a steal of a price over the new price, which was about US$175.00.

WARNING! Whichever one you use, make sure you use a very tight-fitting quality brand Allen key as it is VERY easy to rip out the head of the Sony original Allen screw used in the handle. They use some kind of very strong Loctite to cement those screws in place. It takes a fair amount of torque on the key to break those locked threads. Take it from one who knows. I did it! And had to buy new Allen screws.

Chris Young

https://www.ebay.com/itm/127306525253?customid=&toolid=10050

https://www.vocas.com
 

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morgan_moore said:
Rosettes are now chinese fayre. Just check you are getting the correct thread. (m6 1/4 or nothing)

exasmple..

Nitze Quick Release NATO Clamp with ARRI Rosette for Camera Monitor Cage Magic Arm - N64F: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

Shop Nitze Quick Release NATO Clamp with ARRI Rosette for Camera Monitor Cage Magic Arm - N64F. Free delivery and returns on eligible orders.
www.amazon.co.uk
Click to expand...
MM.

The problem being is that the FS7 grip screw hole pattern and the size of the Allen screws involved has absolutely nothing in common with any standard ARRI rosette fitting. The fitting implementation is something purely and utterly unique to Sony, using M3 Allen screws from memory... for whatever weird reason. So a specific screw spacing and pattern is required to fit the FS7 grip onto anything else. That is why SmallRig and Vocas developed these cross-over adapters. Copying Sony's unique four point mounting point arrangement on one end and making the adaptor compatible with a standard ARRI rosette mount on the other end.

Failing using one of these units, it really does come down to fabricating a one-off bracket specifically to mount the grip on and then also making it compatible with an ARRI rosette. It can be done for sure.

Chris Young
 
cyvideo said:
Vocas also made a unit to do exactly the same thing. From memory, the unit they made could be user on either an FS7 or an FS5.

WARNING! Whichever one you use, make sure you use a very tight-fitting quality brand Allen key as it is VERY easy to rip out the head of the Sony original Allen screw used in the handle.

Chris Young
Click to expand...
Thanks for the suggestion & link, Chris.

I just checked Vocas’ website, & the FS7 version has a different part number, so I doubt they’re interchangeable.

I wonder if it would help to heat up the bolts with a soldering iron.

They should have used torx cap screws like they use on rifle scope mounts.
 
Imamacuser said:
Thanks for the suggestion & link, Chris.

I just checked Vocas’ website, & the FS7 version has a different part number, so I doubt they’re interchangeable.

I wonder if it would help to heat up the bolts with a soldering iron.

They should have used torx cap screws like they use on rifle scope mounts.
Click to expand...
Torx screws would have been good. A soldering iron might work, but there is a lot of metal around those Allen screws to heat, and that metal is attached to the plastic of the grip. So I would be a bit wary about that. Look, I find you just need a good "T" type Allen key driver where you can get a good solid grip and get a very straight direct drive on the Allen screws and no problems.

After your post, you got me thinking. I think? I might just have a second SmallRig 1887 floating around in one of my bits and pieces bins. At one point I had three FS7s for multicam shoots. If you are still after an 1887 let me know and when I have the chance I will have a rummage around. I'm petty sure I didn't sell it with either of the two FS7s that I sold.

Chris Young
 
cyvideo said:
Torx screws would have been good. A soldering iron might work, but there is a lot of metal around those Allen screws to heat, and that metal is attached to the plastic of the grip. So I would be a bit wary about that. Look, I find you just need a good "T" type Allen key driver where you can get a good solid grip and get a very straight direct drive on the Allen screws and no problems.

After your post, you got me thinking. I think? I might just have a second SmallRig 1887 floating around in one of my bits and pieces bins. At one point I had three FS7s for multicam shoots. If you are still after an 1887 let me know and when I have the chance I will have a rummage around. I'm petty sure I didn't sell it with either of the two FS7s that I sold.

Chris Young
Click to expand...
Sent a PM.

I’m still considering if a QR option is possible without interfering with the locking mechanism.
 
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