VCT-U14 Tripod wedge. Anyone interested?
 

How many of you are interested in the wedge for the Sony VCT-U14 camera plate?

I love that system, but the part is complex and expensive to produce, I am trying to figure out if it is worth making. I would have to order 200 in order to be able to sell them for $50.00 each.

I would appreciate any feedback and comments on this.

They would fit on my plate system or right on the EX1, Z5U base and any other camera with 1/4x20 threaded holes 1 1/8" apart. I can also add other holes. And the wedge could actually be a bit longer.

I posted the same question in the EXcam forum and there are a couple photos there:
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-xdc...pod-wedge.html


http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/attachme...edge-vct14.jpg

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/attachme...dge-vct14b.jpg

Doesn't DM accessories already sell these?

DM does sell something similar but it has a shoulder bit around it. Hopefully Olof will chime in on how his piece would have better functionality.

FWIW,
I have a Sony DSR-500 service manual. The authentic Sony wedge mount part # is
3-716-391-01

I don't know the price of this unit, I can call Sony Service Center tomorrow and see how much this is.

Today I took an old wedge mount off a DXC-637, made some modifications, and mounted it on Olof's stronger base plate. Now my EX1 mounts solidly to my Sachtler at last!

Thanks for your comments.

The wedge I make (prototype I use myself) , I have only made 4 so far on my milling machine (not CNC controlled), is made specifically to fit 2 of the 1/4" holes on my EX1 plate. It is the the standard 9/16" (1 1/8" spacing between 1/4" holes) so it will actually fit the EX1R (it uses 2 1/4" holes in the base of camera now) directly without my plate. And it will also fit Z5U and Z7U, as they use the same spacing.

I really like the wedge system, it is fast and accurate with a resounding click to let you know it is tight.

I am also working on a shoulder brace system that may use the back hook on the VCT-U14 plate.

I have found no problem with using just the front wedge. I do put a shim of plastic on part of the Sony plate or my plate (if you plan to use the plate with a full size cam as well) to make the connection tighter using only the front wedge, I will supply this with my wedge.

I just got the Hoodman Hoodloop setup for my EX1R and I am working on making a shoulder brace that works well with that. With this setup I may be able to use the back hook as well. It would be smaller and more compact than what you need for a brace if using the viewfinder. This may well be the ideal system for the NanoFlash and extra battery used as ballast toward the back of the brace, keeping everything inline and well balanced, but still very compact.

This system will work well on an EX3 as well.

I will keep you posted on my progress here.

Thanks and Happy holidays.