FS7: Zacuto baseplate wobbles on Sony VCT-14

V

Vintegreo

Well-known member
I've been trying to find answers so I don't have to post a new thread, but alas, can't figure this out.

I have a new Zacuto base plate that rocks side to side when mounted on a Sony VCT-U14 plate. Is there something I can adjust on either the Zacuto side or the VCT-14 side that will tighten this up?

Thanks!
 
Is it a genuine Sony plate or a copy?

I've tried copies in the past on a Tilta and Chrosziel mount.

The solution each time was that only the Sony plate had the required tolerances. I don't think there's any adjustment you can make on the baseplate.
 
Thats seen a bit of action.. the spring gets worn out.. and the sides of the "V" get worn too.. time to buy a new one.. or a mechanical one like I have made by Chroszail .. over $1K but last for ever..
 
Vintegreo - I have experienced the same thing when working with others' tripod & their Sony plate. ( I have the Zacuto VCT universal base plate). My solution was to purchase the Zacuto VCT tripod plate - and just bring it along. It's a nice snug fit.
 
Your VCT-14 plate looks worn which could account for play...I have exactly the same setup as you and it's rock solid...could of course be on the Zacuto end to so an email to them would be in order...nothing should wobble in this system.
 
bengiles said:
Thousands of ENG camera people from the past 3 decades will find that a curious statement.
Click to expand...

Possibly, but I bet there'll be plenty who agree with me. Many if not most ENG cameramen replaced the stock Sony front foot plate with the Chrosziel version which had 15mm rod receivers, on cameras like the SP Betacams, DVW 709, the HDW 750, PDW 800... the Chrosziel plate is wider and longer and makes the camera a fair bit more stable (as well as allowing rods/matte box etc), but if you left the stock Sony plate on the camera it was (and still is) much more prone to side to side wobble/movement. If you've ever put a camera on a VCT plate on a vehicle mount, you'll also know what I mean. Also if you've ever put the camera on the baseplate and missed the rear 'nipple'. And I've seen a camera just fall off a VCT plate when it sounded like it had 'clicked in'. When you compare the VCT to an ARRI sliding plate style of mount, the ARRI is more stable. I always thought the Hitachi style of baseplate was potentially a better design even if the cameras are horrendous.

There's a guy here in Australia who makes plates which screw tightly into the bottom of the VCT foot, and you can tighten it onto the rear 'nipple'. You can also mount rods directly onto the plate. Steadicam and Jib guys use them a fair bit, but obviously you pay in terms of lack of convenience.

Donny's right that baseplate is a little worn although I've seen plenty in worse condition. ARRI make a space age looking VCT plate which seems to take a bit of the play out and I'm guessing the Chrosziel does the same, but again you'll be paying for the pleasure.
 
I'm probably inclined to get the Zacuto quick plate. As much as I'd love to get the Arri model (I've used it in rental) or the Chrosziel plate, holy moly they're expensive! My wallet aches from putting my camera package together and under $300 sounds a lot more palatable than nearly $1k or more.
 
Well thats life then.. the cheap spring system plates will wear out quickly.. the expensive spring system ones will last longer..
Or pay the big bucks for a mechanical locking plate and it last 10-15 years.. depends on your age and how long you plan to be doing the job of DP/have a camera that uses VCT.. to which makes more sense money wise in the long run.. wobbly shots will lose you work though, and its not a very "safe" feeling having that play where the camera joins the earth..
 
Donny 123 said:
Well thats life then.. the cheap spring system plates will wear out quickly.. the expensive spring system ones will last longer..
Or pay the big bucks for a mechanical locking plate and it last 10-15 years.. depends on your age and how long you plan to be doing the job of DP/have a camera that uses VCT.. to which makes more sense money wise in the long run.. wobbly shots will lose you work though, and its not a very "safe" feeling having that play where the camera joins the earth..
Click to expand...

I see that there are a couple of different versions of the Chrosziel. Do they have a version that would work with my Zacuto recoil rig? Can you provide a link?
 
Sorry I dont know how to post pics.. VCT is a universal type mount.. any base plate if its say VCT will work with any camera VCT plate.. I have also the new Zacuto universal base plate .. it works with that and the older Zacuto universal plate ,.. and any VCT equipped camera Ive had.. the main difference is its a mechanical locking movement.. rather than spring loaded ..
 
I was shooting in a cathedral last week during mass and went off tripod for a quick shot. Came back to the tripod and put the camera on the Sony plate...the click sounding like a gunshot in the quiet church.
No way to do that quietly. That fancy Chrosziel plate promises a "low noise" locking system. That would be a good thing for me.
 
Well theres no click as nothing is spring loaded.. if you pull the lever slowly ,to clamp down on the camera V.. its very silent .
beware the dreaded click right ! you hear that an think its all locked in.. till the camera slides off the tripod..
 
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