EX-3/Tripod base Plate--DM Plate vs.VFGagets
 

Hello all....

As a news shooter, I am thinking about getting a tripod base plate for my EX-3, as I still can use my old betacam tripod plate. The two I am looking at is the DM Assoc. plate at around $350.00 or the VFGagets.com plate at almost the same price.

so which one?

A former owner of a EX-3 told me tonight, that he had a DM plate on his camera at one time to test and reported that he was not impressed with it....so before I spend some bucks on one of them, in these strange times, your opinions are important.

thanks in adv...

Bill Griffin
Dallas, Texas, USA

I personally was happy with the DM version, but I remember some people mentioning that they didn't like the finish and prefered the black finish to the finish Jeff (DM) applied. However, Jeff just finished a new batch all in black.

Also, you can mount the EX3 with Jeff's basic plate (re-using the original Sony pad) and the wedge mount for your tripod plate for $240 total. VF's is $310 for the pair.

If you choose the extended shoulder bracket for the EX3 along with the wedge, it's $360 for Jeff's and $410 for the VF set.

DM also has the pivoting battery plate upgrade for $60 (which I like), and battery mounts for AB or IDX. He was also working on rod adapters last I talked with him.

I haven't tried the VF set of parts myself, so I can't really judge between them. I can simply say that the DM one is well-machined and is solid. Oh, and I think the parts are held to each other with more screws, if that means anything to you.

You could check out my DM plate, if you like.

Ned Soltz

I have the basic DM plate and am very happy with it. It is very solid and well made. I have not tried the VF plate so can't compare.

I have the DM basic for my EX3 mounting to Steadicam. Works great, very stable.

DM plate ...
 

Ned ... which one is yours? I've got the one from DM and it works very well. Of course, I will have to see how it 'might' work with a 35mm adapter and matte box! LOL

I have the sturdy and strong VF Gadgets plate. Locks into the Sony VCT 14U quick release plate. Superb!

Two DM plates here down here. Our EX3s go directly onto our Miller Arrow 25s no sweat.

One issue we've found that will affect all the plates. They increase the distance between the centre of the lens and the camera base. This could be a problem with certain matte box kits that do not have enough or any adjustment. It is a problem with the Chrosziel EX kit, I had to swap out the camera plate for one from Zacuto to get the matte box to fit and even then I'd say the matte box was about 1mm below the centre of the lens.

VF plate is very good. I was skeptical about it at first, but I'm converted now.

I have the DM with the shoulder mount.

Goes on my Sachtler head just perfectly. What I've done is mounted one of the longer platform Manfrotto base plates to the Sachtler and the plate to the bottom of the DM plate.

I have found that using the cheek pad in addition to the DM shoulder mount helps. I also have the BeBob battery adapter with a V-mount battery. This provides some counterweight. It still is a very awkward camera. I still do get considerable strain on my right hand and it is not at all like a true shoulder mount camera. The DM mount and shoulder pad makes things a lot better than just the basic EX-3 but I still consider the EX-3 a far better tripod camera than handheld.

Ned

I have the VF Gadgets Plate attached to my EX-3 and love it! The DM Accessories looks very similar, so I can't see why it wouldn't be as good.

I have the Flat Cold Shoe Mount from DM Accessories and think its a quality product!

The first batch of black anodized plates for the EX3 from DM-accessories have made it back from manufacturing. If anyone is interested I will post up a photo once mine arrives.

I saw the DM plate in person for the first time yesterday (Cascade Video Show - Portland, OR). It looked pretty nice. It had the mount on the bottom that allows you to mount it to the Sony quick release plate. It seemed to work really well. The balance was really nice with a Anton Bauer battery on the back. I wasn't thrilled about the grey color, but it sounds like they are coming out with it in black as well.

The only "issue" I saw was the potential of the foam shoulder mount wearing out quickly. The foam provided a very comfortable pad for your shoulder, but he type of foam used was a very open cell type foam (not like closed cell foam in a wet suit for example). I would be slightly concerned that over time the foam would break down with use. But if that happened, it would be VERY easy to replace the foam with something else.

Just as a note, if there is any owner dissatisfaction with the plates, I would appreciate specific feedback. I want to make it right and improve the product. If it means taking the part back for a refund, or exchanging it for an improved plate that meets their needs, then I'm willing to do that. Until now, I hadn't heard of anything negative from people that have used them, it's generally been overwhelmingly positive. So far, I have responded to the requests for black, and have added more battery mount options too.

My email address is on the site and in the instructions, and an email or private message can be sent using this forum too.

We have the basic DM plate on a rental camera and it does what we bought it for, protecting the bottom screw plate from being ripped out of the camera by customers who insist on transporting camera and tripod, by the camera handle alone.

Although you can fit a wedge plate to work with the Sony VCT-U14, I find without the benefit of a rear lock down point I prefer the 2 screw snap plate mount.

You can use ths Chrosziel Sony Universal 401-51 Light Weight Rod mount for Follow Focus and Matte Box mounting. You have to mount the rod holders upside down so that the wing tab tighteners are facing down. The only issue is you can't mount the camera by snap plate with the 401-51 in use as the 401-51 is slightly higher than the snap plate itself.

At some stage we'll modify a 401-51 by cutting it back, re-tapping and grinding down the sides which will allow us to mount both 401-51 and snap plate.

Jeff, If you haven't already, please look at a product for the underside of the EX-1!

Jeff,

The former owner is a guy who is not trashing you, but thinks the plate is not necessary as he is a 'producer" type thats shoots...as I disagree with him on your product. Many people who own your product says its the best thing to get, and my mind is made up as all these post have helped out.

Bill Griffin
Dallas, Texas

WOW! I just received my all-black set very nice! Jeff has accommodated for even more battery systems and tripod plates with additional holes. Nice job, Jeff!

DM's U-14 wedge solution.
 

I have the VF gadgets plate and am happy with that. The DM version seems similar in design so should be good too.

Re. the U-14 fitting; although I picked up the VF baseplate with the blue U-14 wedge and it works satisfactorily, I have noted a DM version of the U-14 wedge which has 'shoulders' (for want of a better term). This should fit on the bottom of the VF plate (as well as the DM one) and provide some increased resistance to lateral shudder - provided that it is a snug fit to the front of a U-14 plate. Will probably try this out soon.

Jus.

Sounds good. I wasn't taking offense, I just want to make sure problems don't fester.

I hope to offer a plate that connects to the rear pin on the U14. Anyone that needs one right now, there is one that is available. Philip Bloom has endorsed it, I just don't recall where to get it.

Thanks for the info on Chrosziel, there are a couple people I should notify about this. I am considering the EX1, I think I can solve that problem.

We are using a VFgadgets plate with a VCT-14, Zacuto Zwing away, and Vocas Matte box. Strong reinforcement and good support. David O'Keefe is a shooter and great to work with. The rod/wedge adaptor has a tightening screw on camera right that hits about wrist level. Can be a little irritating for hand held.

I've just ordered the DM version. I was waiting for the all black version and at $179 plus $13 shipping to the UK it was a no brainer. Mind you, from past experience of ordering things from the states I'll get stung big time on VAT and handling charges when it hits UK customs!

Edit: Just had some e-mails from Jeff to say the unit has already been shipped (even though I only ordered it about 3 hours ago and it's Saturday). That's a pretty good service! Thanks!

A few thoughts on the DM shoulder mount.

I purchased the DM shoulder mount about one month ago, because I felt the retractable shoulder mount on the EX3 wasn’t sufficient for my needs and also the tripod socket on the camera leaves a lot to be desired.

Just a few points with the shoulder mount.

1. I hate the grey finish, unfortunately at the time of purchase black wasn’t an option.

2. Although the construction is solid, I can’t help feeling that this has been put together in a garage

3. The actual shoulder mount is designed for people with a pyramid shaped shoulder, I would have liked a curved mount.

4. The foam padding is not my idea of quality material, I would have preferred better quality padding, maybe with a leather covering or strong PVC

5. When in use with the camera the balance is not right, you are constantly trying to pull the camera over with your right hand, you can’t use this combination for any extended periods.

6. The camera is very stable and the mount will accommodate many base plate types

Am I dissatisfied with the mount?

No, on the contrary, I do like it very much, but there are many details that need to be sorted.

My camera and tripod combination collapsed about a month ago and my lens was a write off. Fortunately I had the DM mount attached to the camera and I believe that had it not been in use then the Sony tripod mount would have been ripped out of the camera.

If Jeff incorporates a few modifications then I will probably buy it again. If I were buying the shoulder mount today, then I would probably buy just the base plate version, the EX3 is better suited to tripod or monopod work. In my opinion the shoulder mount is not there yet.

Vincent,

I guessing you did not purchase the component that pivots. Without that piece, the shoulder mount is only just a step up from the Sony-provided pad.

Perhaps you don't use an AB or IDX battery - if so, than the pivoting piece wouldn't have helped you. However, since I do use an AB battery, I've found that this piece really helps a great deal as all of it's weight plus the battery mount and battery (and anything else located here) is located behind the shoulder. Effectively, that weight (a few pounds) gets subtraced from the weight forward of your shoulder - the part that your right hand supports. To me, this makes all the difference in the world.

Once extended, the front of the camera only weighs two or three pounds - this basically transforms it into a proper should mount camera. Also, the side torque which pains my wrist normally is nearly eliminated with the shoulder mount.

FWIW

I don't have AB batteries so I didn't need the extra pivot component. I also felt that the whole unit started to look like a do it yourself item from page 16 of the 1948 Meccano catalogue. Not realy in keeping with the stylish appearance of the EX3.

Don't read this wrong, on the whole I am satisfied with the DM shoulder mount and would recommend anyone to purchase it, but having said that I look forward to the next generation which I hope will take into account appearance as well as functionality.

Yes that's why i made my own and making the shoulder section wider.
I still have my gallery up if you want to take a look.
My_Ex3_Mount
I will need to update that with the finished, powder coated version...!

Evan

Evan,

You've done a nice job on yours - especially with the welding/grinding! How long did it take to put together?

The 85mm donut insert fits nicely on the front of the EX-1. Clearance at full wide at Z1.

Thanks Ted.
Got a local 4wd shop to make it last year. Probably only took an hour but it was spread out over a few days and we tried a few things as we went. Worked out pretty good and I can easily hold it one hand with a counter balance on the end, just like a full size cam. Since those photos i have replaced the wedge and made a few mods.

The 2 biggest draw backs are;
1. the extra weight needed to counter balance, especially with the Sony WA adapter on. The Ex3's just so damn front weighted and also I like the viewfinder set forward too so it's away a bit from my face.
2. the extra length. Not so good in say ENG work but for corporate stuff it's fine.

I'll put some pics up of the powder coating when I get time!

Evan

DM Accessories EX3 Mount in Black
 

My DM Accessories EX3 mount arrived today.... after I'd paid the Post Office an additional £27.02 (£19.02 VAT and £8.00 delivery/handling charge).

Looks very nice in the all black finish and easy to fit. Only thing I had to do was remove the 3 small "tube" washers from the shoulder pad screws to ensure the DM supplied screws fitted OK through the same shoulder pad holes - as with these (Sony) washers in place they do not seem long enough. Note that the 3 Sony screws that originally hold on the Sony shoulder pad are not re-used as pointed out in the otherwise excellent instructions.

I just went for the basic mount (i.e. no DM right-angled shoulder part on the end, it just re-uses the Sony Pad) and I'm very happy with it, it's simplicity yet rigidity and security. Very glad I waited for the black finish too!!!!

Nice one Jeff! Another happy customer!

Andy,

Yes, there does seem to be something dodgy about the way Royal Mail slaps on their delivery charges. I had the same problem, I can't understand why after having paid DM their delivery/shipping charge, why we should have to pay again for Royal Mail to deliver. I don't have to pay my postman to bring my letters to the door.

I have been using the DM shoulder mount for several weeks and yesterday I took the whole lot off. I can't get on with the shoulder mount section and will no doubt just purchase the rear section of the base plate only, but at $69.99 it does seem rather expensive for a metal plate.

Vincent, the EX3 Cheek plate will stop the camera wanting to tilt. That's why Sony provide it. It might not look pretty but it is effective.

I did actually fit the cheek pad, and although an improvement in as much that I didn't have to fight with my wrist to keep the camera from tipling over, but this was also the last straw for me.

Take a look at the mount from the side when the cheek pad is fitted and now you will see daylight between the mount and camera. The only point of contact is the front baseplate screw and the rear two screws. This is due to the thickness of the metal plate on the cheek pad. The mount appears to also distort the camera body slightly as now I have difficulty in making the battery click into place.

I have taken the whole Heath Robinson setup off from the EX3 and the battery clicks securely into place again.

I hope someone can come up with a better looking design, something that looks like it matches the camera at least.

The cheek pad mounting plate should sit in a recess on the cameras base. Mine sits totally flush, I have no gap or daylight with the cheek pad fitted. My battery fits just fine. Is your plate distorted in some way, mine is a perfect fit.

No there is nothing wrong with the cheek pad that fits fine, it's the shoulder mount that shows the daylight through. The extra thickness of the Cheek pad means the shoulder mount doesn't make contact with the camera body at all points, especially when it follows the rear contour. Maybe it is distorted.

I am not complaining, I have just removed it from my camera and put it down to poor research on my behalf.

Are you attending the Sony Experience next week. I will be there on the Thursday afternoon session.

Hi Vincent, I am running the workshops for the week so I'll see you there.

What's this Sony Experience?

Sony recently offered (via the sonybiz website) 1 day hands on tutorials in London I think with the likes of Phil Bloom, Alister etc. to help EX1 and EX3 users get the most out of their cams. I have a mate who lives near me who is going to one of the sessions next week. I'd have liked to do it myself but have been very busy with work recently so, I guess, missed the chance this time! Should be a great event.

Alister is there any chance for these meetings to be podcasted (or webcasted or whatever the terminology) please for the rest of the world?

I am not sure whether it will be recorded. If it is I will let you all know.

I just ordered the basic DM plate. I couldn't stand the way my EX3 sits on my tripod right now. I have a miller ds20 tripod. ( Miller | SOLO DV 20 Carbon Fiber Tripod System | 1514 | B&H ) I hope it works well with it.

I'll let you know what I think of it when it gets here.