I want to get the firestore, however I don't want the mount to be big and bulky and distracting since I shoot weddings and want to keep the rig as tight as possible, any way to get the firestore to mount flush against the camera laying on the top of the camera and not sicking straight up?

I know what you mean about bulky and being less obtrusive.

If I am putting the FS-C on a tripod, the top mount is OK. Infact seeing the data on the screen is important....... so that's a good place for the device.

For handheld work the FS-C also comes with a belt clip so you can hang it off your belt rather than mount it on the camera. Just plug the firewire cable from the FS-C into the video camera. You're usually too busy framing and shooting to need to look at the FS-C's screen anyway.

I also use the FS-C for capturing from tape. Then menu's are straightforword and capturing from tape then transfering to your hard drive is a simple operation. So if I am using the Merlin and my DVC 30 I just capture the footage to my FS-C and then transfer the files to my computer.

I like your style, Guy. Nicely done. Not pretty, but super functional.

I havent tried to mount a firestore on the A1 - but on my Gl2 I mounted it right on the handle. I put industrial strength velcro on my handle (I did have to velcro the flap for the controls on the handle shut - but no biggie) - I then placed velcro on the sides of the fs4 not covering the vents and also on all my batteries. The fs4 just sat on the handle using the velcro as the main grip and then a velcro strapped wrapped around sticking to the velcro under the handle and also the velcro on the sides of the fs4 - pull it tight and it didnt move...it looks clean, low profile and easy to swap batteries out.

I have no tried it on the A1 and I know the A1's handle is different, but I did sit my fs4 on my A1 out of curiosity awhile back and it looked like it would probably work...

I actually have a better way to mount it more flush
 

I actually have a better way to mount it more flush, from the last time I posted. I purchased this shoe mount from b & h and it mounts much more flush than I had it previous. It also balances it better. Testrite | Shoe Adapter | FSA-8 | B&H Photo Video

I have attached photos as well of how it looks mounted.

Does anyone know a supplier in the UK for this type of mount?

Is there an issue with shorting out the flash connections in the shoe with this mount?

TIA
Ian
Festival Video and Audio Previews - Festival Previews Ltd

That looks great! Too bad I am giving up the FS-4s in anticipation for the new sony drives that are coming out - but that mount could come in handy for that!

Your local high-street camera store should have something like that, or try Keene Electronics near Derby.

I used something very similar with my mic shock-mount for a few years and never had any problems with the hot-shoe.

thanks for the link. They do have one: HAMA SCREW IN SHOE MOUNT ADAPTOR

Thanks

Ian
Festival Video and Audio Previews - Festival Previews Ltd