PMW-EX3 Base Plate
 

I had been quite concerned about my camera wobbling on my tripod since day one because of the flimsy fixing point that has been discussed on a number of threads here. My camera would shake in the wind and certain zoom/pan combos were quite difficult to start without the wobble.

Well as from today, that is a problem of the past because I took delivery of my very expensive but superb base plate that I lashed out big bucks for from VF Gadgets (big bucks was not their fault). I bought the heavy duty plate with the VCT-U14 Sony quick release adapter and the back plate for my V-Lock batteries. The camera sits on my Miller DS20 rock solid now. The plate, adapter & screws took about a week to arrive from Canada, all the while I was able to track its whereabouts, so I knew when to expect the plate.

I am now not concerned about accidentally ripping out the single screw plate from the base of the camera as the plate is now anchored to the body by the same screw plate plus two screw holes at the very back of the camera. A now very solid connection with 3 well spaced anchor points. Not that I am ever rough with the camera, but accidents do occur.

I did have to remove the shoulder brace but for me that was not an issue as I have the DVRig Pro HD shoulder mount and I have not shot with the camera only on my shoulder.

Although I had to spend an awful lot of money, made worse by the fast shrinking Australian dollar against the US dollar, now that I have it attached, it is good insurance for my EX3 camera kit. I am very happy with the plate and I can recommend it to anyone wanting to securely fix their EX3 to a tripod or any camera mount.

Best wishes to all.

David. Great news. Any chance of posting a picture of the EX3 with this baseplate? Thanks.

Mine just shipped on Monday, got the rod plate too. Hope the wife doesn't see the receipt. But its piece of mind, too much wobbling from that single mount.

You might like this I found (of course, after I bought a VCT-14 plate from e-bay) It's exactlly what we need, it's like a VCT-14 plate with the back removed.
Canon | TA100 Tripod Adapter | 9859A001 | B&H Photo Video
It's perfect for what we have, we'll only use the front half anyway and you don't have the back half hanging out.
Also this may work for a shoulder pad. If you can just buy the shoulder pad without rods.
Shoulder Pad, includes 7-inch rods - Zacuto
Just get longer rods that extend a little past camera body and slap this thing on for hand held. (Update) just called and they want 200.00 clams for just the foam pad...yikes! freak'in hate the mark up in this business.
Or this one (scroll down to see shoulder pad set up on their rail system) If you can buy it seperate.
IndiSYSTEM - Studio 4 Productions - The indiRAILSpro

Have you thought about the pad from the Cinevate shoulder mount kit? Cinevate Inc.

Maybe Dennis would sell it without the grips.

Dan

Next week I expect to receive the prototype of a less expensive version that Jeff DeMaagd and I are working on together with an additional hinged section for better balance while using on shoulder and capability of stowing in smaller bags without removing from plate.

We'd have gotten along further, but Jeff had to make the decision to buy an EX3 to do all his testing.

Once I get the prototype (next week) I'll post picks and we should be able to have them ready for sale in a matter of weeks.

Also, we're working with Anton-Bauer to provide a battery mount with a dedicated port to power the camera in addition to a D-tap and a hirose connection.

We're almost done! Stay tuned!

Ted,

Good news, but I am still waiting for a reply about my queries on the other thread. As it is I think I'll have to buy the VFgadgets plate because the movement on my tripods is killing me right now. I was hoping you would have a full production version of your plate this month, is that out of the question now?

Dan

Why can't I upload my photo?????
Thanks

My prototype should ship Monday and arrive by Wednesday next week - less than a week from now. Another two weeks (barring unforeseen complications) should see final product shipping.

Anton-Bauer plates will be an optional accessory as they are working on a special mounting plate for us with a variety of power taps.

Ted, I will be looking forward to seeing some photos of your plate. I am very pleased with Jeff's EX3 mic plate, so I expect the tripod plate will also be very functional. Hopefully your plate will be more affordable.

The VFGadgets plate is cost prohibitive because they are charging Canadians in US dollars. Our dollar fell to $0.74 last week. Something built in Canada, yet they feel the need to gouge Canadians accordingly.

For my part, it is embarrassing to see a Canadian manufacturer flaunt their wares (indirectly-nudge, nudge-wink-wink) on this forum.

If only!!! Ours dropped to around US$0.60!!!! OUCH. Very expensive. If you can wait for Ted's plate, do so. I could not because of current & upcoming projects. However, as I explained the plate is great.

Best of luck with your plate Ted. Sorry I could not wait, but I tried.

Hi Guys

Can I chime in here? I just collected my brand spanking new EX3 and put it on my Manfrotto 055CLB and Manfrotto 501 head, not the HDV head.

The plate for my 501 Head is about 3 1/2" long and very flat. The bottom of the EX3, where you thread the plate to, appears to be raised.

This gives rise to a gap, so that the cam only sits on about an inch or so of the plate and therefore about 2 inches of the cam isn't being supported, hence I get the rocking action as well.

What type of Tripod heads are you guys using? etc

Does the VCT-U14 Sony plate fit a Manfrotto 501 head? etc

Any insights would be welcome.

Michael

This is a common problem with tripod heads which is why so many of us are looking for alternatives like the VF gadgets or Ted's plate. I have a Miller DS20 and the plate has the same problem, moving around far too much. I have this with my chinese made Secced Venus 3 tripod too as well as with my Manfrotto plates.

I spoke to a rep from Miller who blamed the design of the Sony baseplate.

The VCT14 plates can be fitted to your Manfrotto head by attaching it the quick release plate. However the whole setup ends up costing quite a lot.

Dan

Shot exteriors in big winds today. VF Gadgets EX3 base plate worked a treat. Spectacular. Rock Solid and looks great with my radio mic receiver on the back plate.

My camera sits in my Sony VCT-14 quick release plate on my Miller DS20. I have a photo that I would like to poste here but when I go to upload, I wait and wait and wait for the 200kb JPEG to upload without success. Any ideas here?

I'm looking at the VF Gadgets Bottom Plate for PWM-EX3 camera. Is this the cheapest and most reliable plate in it's class? Currently it's $349. I will be mounting this to my Miller DS20 head.

I think this hinged design will be better, as it will not only provide the mounting benefits, but also will offer better weight distribution. I'm expecting the prototype to ship to me today. I'll take pics and let everyone know how it works.

Got mine delivered to the UK today.
 

I put mine on immediately. Like a prophylactic. And I bought mine for the same reasons. I simply can't afford the downtime and repair cost of a sheared 'native' bijou baseplate-lette that Sony carelessly designed in.

Cheap? No.

Reassured? Thusfar, yes.

Jus.

Thanks for keeping us posted on the progress Ted! I'm really looking forward to adding your shoulder/tripod mount to my EX3. From all the research I've done, your design still looks the most logical and highest performing to me! I shoot from the shoulder A LOT, and am looking to make the camera's ergonomics better!

As there are not many quality plates around (for the EX3), this is probably BOTH the cheapest and most reliable plate in its class!!!! Seriously, it is not cheap but yes, it is a terrific plate and anchors the camera to the VCT-14 very well.

As it is anchored to the VCT by the front wedge, the back of the camera sits proud of the VCT by a few mm, so you can wobble the camera a little. In normal operating modes, no problem. I too have a DS 20 and the camera balances perfectly.

Of course Ted's gem is coming out soon (sorry again Ted, I just could not wait for yours), then you will have 2 excellent base plates to compare.

In the meantime, the VF Gadgets is the way to go if you need a plate now.

Best.

Zach,

Me too! I'm going nuts everytime I have to use the camera without it!

Yes, David, you are correct. And honestly, I've almost bought their mount twice myself! But, I really wanted the pivoting battery for weight distribution and wanted to provide an alternative to other users who aren't as rich as you! ;-)

LOL,

You are right also. You see, until I bought the VF Gadgets base plate, I WAS rich!!! Now not so. Oh well. Back to work to pay for it all.
Best wishes for your plate.

David

What's the purpose of having the VCT-14; to quickly remove the camera? I am thinking about buying either Ted's plate or VF Gadget's plate, and was just planning on mounting my DS20 shoe to the plate directly. Would this work? I'm new to the quick release plate realm.

Yes. Both do (well Ted's no doubt will as it is not quite ready) a superb job. The base plate(s) secure the EX3 camera to the tripod so much better than what is available from the camera itself. You can, of course, attach the EX3 to the DS20's slide in shoe to the camera but it really is a fairly delicate and wobbly connection. I cannot comment on the EX1 as I do not own it and used it only once very briefly months ago without paying any attention to the connection.

Nonetheless, the DS20's slide shoe screws nice and tightly to the bottom of the VCT, slide the VCT onto the DS20. Temporarily lock it in place and slip the camera onto the VCT plate, making sure that it is securely fastened. Add all your bits and pieces to the camera, loosen the VCT and balance the camera. I have the counterbalance set on 2 on my DS20. Works a real treat.

Best wishes

Thanks David,
So will I need both a VCT-14 and Ted's plate? Can someone send a picture of their setup so I can see the plates in action? I'm taking the camera to Africa in Jan. and I'd hate to break the bottom plate, or have the camera fall off.
Thanks!

Yes, you will and the tripod shoe/plate/slide mount to connect the camera/base plate to the tripod. It's very, very easy once you have the component bits in front of you. Just use a large flat head screwdriver to attach the tripod shoe to the bottom of the base plate.

With VF Gadgets' plate, you need a hex/allen key to attach the plate to the camera. Ted will no doubt have a similar arrangement with the same screws or philips head.

Really, its very easy, but even still, DO NOT over tighten the base plate to the camera, especially to the front mounting screw hole.

I tried to post a pic but when I attached the 200kb JPEG, the upload times out.

TED, ETA and Prices yet on your plate?
 

Thank you for all of the information David.


Ted, any ETA on your plate and approximate price? I am in need of a plate really soon and I want to check your plate before I go with VF Gadgets version.

Great news, everyone!

The prototype is complete, and is very nearly a finished product. It is enroute to me and I expect it Friday or Saturday (along with the Sony VCT-U14 tripod plate!). It has the built-in Sony wedge adapter for the plate, it has the full base support, back plate with hinge, and it is even already pre-drilled for an available Anton-Bauer mounting plate that we'll be able to provide.

We've sourced an Anton-Bauer Gold-mount adapter plate that has an EX3 cable built-in as well as provides two P-tap ports. They don't use Hirose on their plates so that wasn't an option, but you can certainly adapt to Hirose.

My job is to verify build quality and specifications and give the green light for production, probably with a few notes for very minor adjustments. I'm pretty confident, because the fabricator invested in an EX3 in order to take measurements and test fit!!

My last job, maybe the hardest part, will be to find an appropriate pad for the shoulder. I'm considering several gel or memory foam ones right now. The hard part is durability and production costs. I'd like to avoid an original product, as the startup costs are too high.

Anyway, I'll be using my bracket this weekend, and by Monday I expect we'll initiate production! We should start accepting pre-orders next week as well - this will give us an idea of the quantity to produce in the first run.

They're almost DONE!!

Ted,

I was going to order the VF gadgets plate but seeing as you are so close I'm going to hold out till I at least see your pictures. Can't wait.

Dan

What Dan said

I'm in line ...
 

Give us a heads up ... I'll get it. What do you think the pricing will run?

I awaiting this with more anticipation than the RED scarlet :)

Dan

Wait no longer! Well, just a little longer...

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/964209-post1.html

Looks great Ted! I really like the shoulder support. I'm looking forward in seeing the production model. Will there be an option to buy only the base plate and shoulder support? I won't be using anton batteries, but I will be using the Sony BP-U60.

DOES IT COME IN BLACK?

How about Sony or PAG V lock batteries? maybe a PAG plate can be fixed in some way.

Yes, there will be an option to NOT have the hinge plate, as well as the option to add it at a later date if you change your mind.

And you'd have to ask Jeff about the color for the anodization. I'm guessing black, but that is the most difficult color, I'm told.

Bruce,

Jeff is at a point now where he want to accommodate for gear that you guys use - can only help sales. There's no reason that he can't accommodate a variety of popular bolt patterns.

That said, Anton-Bauer came to us! That's right, some of you contacted them about our project and the came to use supplying us with a demo plate and battery to test with. Now, they are custom-building a plate to accommodate our needs with the EX3 lead, etc.

Perhaps you (or anyone else) that really appreciates a particular brand can contact them. If they can ship Jeff a mounting plate right away, it should be pretty simple and I would think that Jeff would like to accommodate (haven't spoken about this directly with him).

I did try for IDX, but they insist that they never provide demo product - we could just buy it. Also, electronics/wiring/soldering would be up to us to provide -- they wouldn't do that. Not to say that we couldn't accommodate them down the road, but in regards to getting product out quickly to those who have waited so patiently, it seem that a finished product supplied by the manufacturer was really the way to go. Anton Bauer made this very easy and painless.

Of course, if your handy, you could do anything you want with the mount you buy.

Thanks Ted, I am sure that I can get a few holes drilled. Just saving up for an EX1.

Ted,

What's the latest?

Dan

Hi Tedd, so if I've understood you right, one can be able to buy just the base plate with the wedge adaptor (to connect to Sony's VCT-14 tripod plate) and the shoulder pad piece?

That would be great as I have already bought the Bebob V-lock battery mount and hence I do not need another battery attahment - but I surely need an unobtrusive shoulder support such as yours.

Those not using the hinged plate have a perfect place where to attach the Flash XDR recorder (being close to the SDI output!)

Ted???

Stay hanging on, any more word?

Dan