Baseplate

[Jim Tittle]

Has anyone seen a good, cost-effective baseplate for the PMW-F3? I'll be using mine with a Genus mattebox. I'd like to find one that's stable, keeps the camera parallel to the rails, and goes on and off easily. And it would be nice if it didn't cost an arm and a leg. Any suggestions?

[Aaron Newsome]

Also looking for one.

[Alister Chapman]

Genus are doing one with rails built in. I'm getting a pre-production one at the weekend, I'll let you know what it's like. I'm probably going to use the Genus GAP adapter for the Sony VCT-14 quick tripod mount on mine.

[Henry Epstein]

I will definitively go with the Zacuto Universal Baseplate V3.
Zacuto certainly is the best, with lifetime warranty.
My very personal option...

Universal Baseplate, V3, includes 12-inch rods - Zacuto

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/587442-REG/Zacuto_Z_UB3_Z_UB3_Universal_Baseplate_Version.html

Otherwise, this one looks nice and seems to be the cheapest one, made in India:

PROAIM (RS-1) Rail system for Follow Focus Mattebox Dof 35mm adasony camera

Cavision do also have some universal film plates with rods that should work:

More Cavision Rods Support Systems

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/335969-REG/Cavision_RS_1525_RS_1525_Rod_Support_System.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/310694-REG/Cavision_RSPF_RSPF_Universal_Film_Plate.html

...and Genus, of course!

Genus Advanced Adaptor Bars System - Genus Video and DSLR products

[Thierry Humeau]

I got Vocas's Pro Rail Support #0350-0600. Not cheap but it is superbly designed and manufactured I really like the double sliding plate and the latches. Very easy and quick to rebalanced. See pics here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/telecam...ilmsWVocasRig#

Thierry.

[Timur Civan]

I am gonna give a huge +1 to Zacuto.

Ive had my Universal baseplate since 2005 and it still works like new. Cant say that about any other piece of equipment ive owned, save 2 glass filters.

[Ryan Hollings]

I too am using the zacuto V3, works like a charm.

[Jim Tittle]

I spent some time looking at the Zacuto, but I don't think I'll buy one. For one thing, I'd like to have a better way of attaching the camera to the plate. Just one 1/4-20 screw and a locating pin seems pretty wimpy for a camera the size of the F3. Also, it seems like attaching and removing the camera is a bit awkward.

So, I'm still looking.

[Timur Civan]

There is only a 1/4 20 on the bottom of the F3.

[Jim Tittle]

I count 3 1/4-20 holes on the bottom of my F3. I'd like to be able to anchor to at least 2 of them.

[Andrew Stone]

Originally Posted by Jim Tittle

I spent some time looking at the Zacuto, but I don't think I'll buy one. For one thing, I'd like to have a better way of attaching the camera to the plate. Just one 1/4-20 screw and a locating pin seems pretty wimpy for a camera the size of the F3.

You can add or rather change out the 1/4" 20 screw with the pin to two 1/4 20 sliding screw plates on the top of the Zacuto. I've done it to mine. Here is the part (it doesn't show the bolts/screws but they are included:

Zacuto Universal Baseplate Camera T-Slide kit - Zacuto

You can also add another slide on the bottom of the baseplate.

I have been looking for a more versatile baseplate than the Zacuto but I haven't found one and I have looked and looked.

[Jim Tittle]

That does look like it would help.

A local guy who makes parts for motion control rigs loaned me a prototype base plate last night. He's making it for the F3. It looks simple, adjustable and very solid. I'm going to try today.

[Olof Ekbergh]

I make a number of baseplates and accessories for the rest of the EX line.

I want to make a perfect setup for the F3 as well. Strong base plate, wing for wireless receiver, arm for NanoFlash or similar setup and a shoulder brace.

Is there anyone in the NH area, that already has their F3. If so I would love to see what needs to be done and whoever does this will certainly get a free plate wing etc. I think my EX1 plate with a simple mod is going to be perfect.

I am also working on the ultimate adjustable rail system for these cameras.

If you are in New England and interested contact me.

603-383-9283
olof@westsideav.com

[Alister Chapman]

Here is a picture of my current setup using Genus parts. I have a prototype Genus universal base plate and riser which fits many cameras including the F3. Genus rails, shoulder pad and hand grips from the DSLR shoulder mount. The follow focus is a Genus superior FF and the mate box is a 4x4 Wide.

Below the Genus riser I have a Genus GAP adapter that allows me to use a VCT-14 quick release plate on the tripod which is a Manfrotto 509 (fantastic mid weight head).

[Jim Tittle]

Mattebox isn't attached to the rails? Any issues with that? Is that a 24-70mm zoom?