Shoulder mount for EX-3
 

I'm working on a shoulder mount system for the EX-3 and am keen to get some feedback from EX-3 users.

I use the EX-3 on a Jimmy Jib, Glidecam X-45 system and in a multi-cam environment, so wanted a mount that was compact, could be left on the camera and would make balancing the camera (on the jib/glidecam etc) easy.

I've looked at a variety of systems, but couldn't really find anything that ticked all the boxes for me.

My brother is an engineer so we got stuck into designing and building our own mount.

I don't have permissions to post photos on this forum - but you can see pictures at:

http://www.imagenz.com/resources/imagenz/exm.jpg

The mount uses the VCT-U14/VCT-14 tripod plate - and attaches at the front and rear (like the big cameras) - so its not just relying on the front wedge plate connection.

The shoulder pad moves between 2 positions: In the forward position, it allows mounting to the VCT-14 tripod plate. In the rear postion, the shoulder pad is moved back 50mm to put the viewfinder at a more comfortable position when shooting from the shoulder.

A V-lock battery provides balance - though a simple 'weight' could be used if powering from V-locks is not required. Should also be easy to change the plate to Anton Bauer.

The rods can be extended at the back - for attaching other accessories or positioning a weight/battery further back to assist with balance (especially when mattboxes or bigger lenses are used).

At the moment I've got it set up to use Chroziel mattboxes - and I'm investigating other mattbox systems to make sure they will work too.

For the multicam side of things, I'm making an 'adapter' that will attach to the back (in place of the V-lock mount) with comms unit etc built in - and connect to the control system via a multipin connector/cable.

Also looking at a bracket on the side to hold radio mic receivers etc.

I think its nearly there - but any comments, suggestions, questions etc would be appreciated - in case I've forgotten anything!

But generally any feedback would be good.

Thanks,

Mark

As we say here in Texas, that's here in the USA, what is the price tag on that puppy?

thanks

i buy it. i love the ex3, but its the most uncomfortable thing ever. seriously whats with the "mount" they have stock.

I wish I could give you a definitive answer on price - I'm looking into it at the moment.

I have been working on the mount for several months now - and thought it was time to put it out there and see what interest there might be in it (other than my own!).

I am planning to make 6 or so units for my own use (for general shooting and the multicam setup) - and depending on feedback and interest from elsewhere I could make more.

There are just a few tweaks to make to the final design - so hopefully it shouldn't be long before its ready to go.

Mark

Very interesting concept Mark. A lot of things to like about it. The ENG shoulder mount form factor being the big one, built in rails, the large thumbwheel to tighten the unit to the base is a really neat idea.

First big question that comes to mind: can the plate/shoulder mount unit travel back & forth a fair amount? Can you adjust the height of the rails a fair amount or will people have to rely on a Zacuto style riser to have height flexibility (which adds significant weight and cost to the unit)? What is the weight of the unit?

I really like the ENG style concept. You are to be congratulated.

Nice shoulder mount, I am curious as to what you will charge as I need a fix for the semi shoulder mount of the EX3.

I also like the look of that shoulder mount Mark.
As Andrew says the ENG style looks the part and I would imagine very comfortable providing theres enough weight to the back.
I like what I see so far. Well done.

'can the plate/shoulder mount unit travel back & forth a fair amount?'

The shoulder pad and battery plate travel 50mm from the forward position to rear.

In its forward most position this allows the rear stopper to engage to the tripod plate - so the mount is held by the front wedge and rear stopper in the same way as the big shoulder mount cameras.

By pushing the release pin on the side of the rear 'block' the shoulder pad and battery plate can be moved back 50mm so that the viewfinder sits at the right position when the camera/mount is on the shoulder. For the shoulder pad/battery plate to move further, the overall length of the mount would have to increase - and it would effectively put the camera further forward - which would then require more weight at the back.

'Can you adjust the height of the rails a fair amount or will people have to rely on a Zacuto style riser to have height flexibility (which adds significant weight and cost to the unit)? '

The rails at the back of the mount (that the shoulder pad/battery plate travel on) are fixed - but could be extended . The rails are standard 15mm @ 60mm spacing. The plan is to have a block that will mount and lock to the extended rails enabling the battery to be mounted further back - or other accesories like harddrive/solid state recorders/radio mic receivers etc.

The rails at the front (as shown in the photos) are part of a Chroziel mattbox system and are not part of the EXMount. I am able to mount my Chroziel mattbox using the standard Chroziel mounting system and a 5mm spacer that lifts the rod mounting block to the correct position.

I need to investigate other mattbox systems to see if they are compatible with the EXMount. Basically, if the mattbox system will mount to a 2/3" shoulder camera, it should attach to the EXMount as well.

It may be that we will come up with a simple rod mounting block that will attach to the front of the EXMount and allow horizontal and vertical adjustment for 15mm rods.



'What is the weight of the unit?'

Currently the EXMount weighs in at 1.2kg - with standard wedge plate at the front, IDX V-Lock plate (no battery).

We have tried to keep the weight at the back of the unit as much as possible. It is machined out of aluminium - and built to be robust!



'Nice shoulder mount, I am curious as to what you will charge as I need a fix for the semi shoulder mount of the EX3.'

I'd like to be able to give you a price - but there are so many factors involved. We're still finalising the design - which is why I'm looking for feedback. And I'm trying to ascertain if there is interest - and if it will be viable to do a run of them - the more we make, the lower the unit cost (to a certain extent anyway). But at the moment I really want to make sure we get the design right!


'...providing theres enough weight to the back.'

I think its fair to say that the bigger/heavier the battery on the back, the better it works. I'm using some of the larger capacity GlobalMediaPro batteries - and they seem to be about right. The smaller/lighter ones are ok, but the heavier batteries help put the shoulder mount firmly in place - and obviously help balance everything as well.

Of course, if you add more weight out the front (mattboxes, follow focus, big lenses etc) then more weight will be needed out the back - which is where the extended rear rails could be handy for shifting some of that weight further back.

Everything is a bit of a compromise! But what I'm trying to do with this mount is make it compact to the camera so that it can be left on all the time and be versatile enough to work in a variety of configurations.

Keep the feedback coming - its really useful.

Thanks,

Mark

Mounting to Pan & Tilt head without a VCT-14 plate
 

Today I machined a plate that attaches to the base of the EXMount (in place of the VCT-14 wedge plate) and allows the Pan and Tilt head wedge to be attached to this plate.

Basically it means that the EXMount can be attached to a Pan & Tilt head without the use of a VCT-14 plate - in much the same way as I have seen most people attach their EX-3's to a P&T head. The main difference is that there is no strain on the EX-3 1/4" mounting thread and no risk of twisting - the wedge plate can be fixed with 1/4" and 3/8" screws.

Obviously you are limited when balancing to the amount of travel that the P&T head allows. I was able to balance the camera/mount on a Miller Arrow HD and Manfrotto 516 P&T head.

So, this could be another option if you don't have a VCT-14 plate.

I'll put up a link to some photos (once they are taken!) - or post them here if I can figure out how to make that happen!

Mark

[QUOTE=Mark Rule;1545058can the plate/shoulder mount unit travel back & forth a fair amount?'

The shoulder pad and battery plate travel 50mm from the forward position to rear.

In its forward most position this allows the rear stopper to engage to the tripod plate - so the mount is held by the front wedge and rear stopper in the same way as the big shoulder mount cameras[/QUOTE]



Do you have to move the shoulder plate back and forward, can it not stay in one position for shoulder mount and tripod mount.

You can use the camera on the shoulder with the shoulder pad in its forward position - if you wanted to shoot something quickly, you could release the camera/mount from the tripod plate and put it on the shoulder without moving the shoulder pad to the rear position.

In the shoulder pad's forward position, the viewfinder eyepiece tends to be a bit 'tight' to the eye - if you were just using the LCD screen it would probably be fine.

Moving the shoulder pad back effectively shifts the camera & viewfinder forward - putting the viewfinder at a better, more comfortable position for shooting when on the shoulder.

The shoulder pad needs to be in the forward position to properly engage to the VCT-14 tripod plate - otherwise the shoulder pad would need to be behind the rear stopper that connects to the tripod plate - which would increase the overall length of the mount.

If you found it comfortable to operate on the shoulder in the forward position, there would be no problem doing that. If you were on and off the tripod frequently, then it would be fine. For extended periods of shooting from the shoulder I think it would be more comfortable with the shoulder pad in the rear position - to put the viewfinder at the right distance.

Mark

Thanks Mark, that sounds OK to me.
I'm sure seconds moves the shoulder pad to the rear anyway.


Looking good.

Looks like an elegant solution you have there Mark.

A Question?

Instead of mounting a battery, I use the Sony BP-U60, can you use the plate to mound wireless microphones?

As I was looking to do that with the DM plate and the DM owner says that can be done with a simple re working of the back shoulder part of the plate.

thanks

Mark, if you could invent a light weight solution for a rails riser that would make the unit into a truly usable solution. Including non-adjustable rails, in terms of height creates a serious usability problem. Most of the EX3 people are going to use the rails, first and foremost, for a mattebox, second would be for accessories like focus and zoom motors and counter weights. Motors wouldn't need the adjustable rails but the mattebox would. You have to account for people adding zoom-through wide angle lenses or 3rd party camera lenses of differing diameters. A fixed height rails solution will not work for many who would be in the market for this.

'Instead of mounting a battery, I use the Sony BP-U60, can you use the plate to mound wireless microphones?'

Of course - you could put other accessories on the plate at the back instead of a V-Lock battery. But I do think you need some weight back there - which is where a battery is useful (adds weight and can power the camera).

I'm thinking that an option would be to simply bolt on some weight to the back plate (instead of the V-Lock battery plate). Other accessories could then be attached to the back of that. I'll play around with a couple of ideas and post them here.


'Mark, if you could invent a light weight solution for a rails riser that would make the unit into a truly usable solution. Including non-adjustable rails, in terms of height creates a serious usability problem.'

Only the rails at the back of the mount are non-adjustable. They form the 'backbone' of the mount and allow the shoulder pad to be positioned. Those rails can be extended to add other accessories and to shift more weight back to assist with balance. I don't think there is any need to make those rails adjustable - and its not really practical to do that.


'Most of the EX3 people are going to use the rails, first and foremost, for a mattebox, second would be for accessories like focus and zoom motors and counter weights. Motors wouldn't need the adjustable rails but the mattebox would. You have to account for people adding zoom-through wide angle lenses or 3rd party camera lenses of differing diameters. A fixed height rails solution will not work for many who would be in the market for this.'

Of course, rails on the front can be adjustable to allow for different accessories - Mattboxes, follow focus etc

I think the preferred option at the moment would be for accessories to be attached using the manufacturer's standard mounting accessories. In most cases, the front wedge plate would be replaced by plate that holds the rod mounting block (which is adjustable horizontally and vertically).

We were able to attach Letus adapter using the standard chroziel rod mounting system. Have a look at:

http://www.imagenz.com/resources/ima...mountletus.jpg

I've also got 2 other mattbox systems and a follow focus unit here at the moment - and they will mount using the standard manufacturer's accessories. I'll put links to photos here in the next day or so.

So, front rails can be adjustable just like any other system.

I might look at making an adjustable rod mounting block at some stage - specifically for this mount. But in the meantime I'm concentrating on getting the mount itself right - and making sure it will work with other accessories.

Mark

Personally I don't use or need rails or a mattbox.

I just need a good shoulder mount for the EX3 thats lets me use my vlock batteries, radio mic and onboard (D-Tap) light.

I think the basic mount with the V-Lock power option should work well for you in that case.

Thats good.

this is THE BEST ONE I had ever used - I was very sceptical at the beginning but my friend convinced me and I tried it; since then I ordered two of them for both of my cameras; see on ebay http://cgi.ebay.nl/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...m=160436942557

it doesn't have to be so complicated - it works great with mounting plate adapter from manfrotto

Marius your unit (I have one as well) has been dubbed "The ElCheapo" shoulder mount. You can actually get them cheaper than $20. USD, if you look.

It's OK, in my view and, like you, I would recommend a Manfrotto quick release plate system which pushes the cost up to about $75. US based on the unit you have shown. Frankly my ElCheapo sits in a box.

The beauty of the shoulder mount that is the focus of this thread is it utilizes the tried and true ENG shoulder mount form factor. With the wedge style mount, it goes from your shoulder onto the tripod in a couple of seconds and it has the benefit of a rails system.

is it just me or does the center point of the shoulder mount look too far forward to line up with the eye piece on the viewfinder? I Rarely use the viewfinder eye piece inside on my EX3 but outside off the shoulder it's a must.

i like the idea of the design just wondering if it will align.

same with my "el cheapo" it goes from shoulder mounting plate to tripod in 3 seconds PLUS that "el cheapo" as you call it has one important feature - a spring that pushes belly arm against the body (genius) AND that spring "folds" it back so it is very handy; my advice: buy one "el cheapo" and test it - don't waste the time to reinvent things that work perfect already - genius is in simplicity. (not to mention it is made of stong plastic so it is ultra light).

I hope I am understanding what you are asking correctly...

If you are meaning that it looks like the shoulder pad is too far forward for the eyepiece to be at a comfortable position - then yes, it is - WHEN the shoulder pad is in its FRONT position. Its possible to operate the camera like this, but I find that the vf is 'pressed' into the eye a bit too much. That said, when I demo'd the unit to someone recently they seemed to be quite happy operating the camera pad in that position.

The shoulder pad can be moved to its REAR position - which shifts the viewfinder forward by 50mm. In this position, the viewfinder sits at the right place for comfortable shoulder operation.

The rear block needs to be in the forward position to mount securely to a VCT-14 tripod plate (with the front wedge and rear stopper), but its a simple procedure to shift the shoulder pad between the front and rear positions - just push a button on the rear mounting block and shift the block (with shoulder pad and counterweight attached) forward or back.

If the 'El Cheapo' works for you (and others) - go for it, you're all sorted then. It will obviously be the cheapest solution.

The 'El Cheapo' will not work for me. I've looked at lots of different rigs for mounting the EX-3 - but none of them would work the way I needed - I'm not claiming this mount is perfect (I don't think its possible to get the perfect mount with the EX-3 - short of completely redesigning the camera - or buying a PMW-320/350!).

I work in the broadcast industry and I'm used to using proper shoulder mount cameras (DSR570, PDW700 etc). I also run Jimmy Jibs and a Glidecam X-45 system. So I needed something that would allow the EX-3 to work in seamlessly with all of the above.

This is where the mount works well for me:

- attaches securely to the VCT-14 tripod plate system (via the front wedge and rear stopper). Mounting with the VCT-14 allows much greater control when balancing the camera - on tripod/jib/glidecam etc. I also use 2/3" HD lenses using the ACM-21 adapter - balancing becomes even more of an issue with all that extra weight out the front!

- compact mount (with the shoulder pad in the forward position, the overall length of the camera/mount is quite reasonable)

- can be left on the camera. In my situation, I can't see any need for the mount to be removed from the camera. Its compact and will fit in the cases that I have.

- the camera is securely attached to the mount by the 1/4" screw on the base and the 2x 4mm screws on the angled part of the camera. It won't twist as it is prone to when attached with just the 1/4" screw.

- can be used on the shoulder. Goes from tripod mount to shoulder in seconds. A simple press of a button allows the shoulder pad assembly to move backward on the rails to put the eyepiece at a more comfortable operating position. We're also improving the shoulder pad from what can be seen in the photos - it will be a moulded/shaped pad.

- will accept industry standard accessories: so far I've tried the mount with Chrosziel, Petroff and Cavision mattbox systems - and a Cavision follow focus unit. The rear rails are standard 60mm spacing and can be extended - so its possible to attach accessories further back (Solid state recorders, radio mic receivers etc)


Basically I am trying to come up with a mounting system that allows maximum versatility - in the familiar ENG form factor. I think this mount is pretty close.

We are working on the last parts of the system now - shoulder pad, accessory bracket, basic counterweight system (when not using V-Lock batteries), V-Lock battery interface and power regulation etc. Its not far off - I'll take more photos and put them on my EXMount - Custom shoulder mount for PMW-EX3 cameras site (since I can't post any here!).

Anyway, thanks for all the feedback - its very useful!

Mark

Just an update on the EXMount Shoulder Mount for the EX-3.

We are currently doing a short run of mounts - to streamline the manufacturing process - and will then do another run of more mounts - qty dictated by interest!

The shoulder pad has been replaced with a contoured foam injected pad - much more comfortable - and looks like the shoulder pads on the big cameras.

The EXMount - Custom shoulder mount for PMW-EX3 cameras site has been updated with pictures of the shoulder pad and the Side Accessory Plate.

I am hoping to add some more photos very soon showing the various accessories and configuration options.

So, we are working hard on it - and it shouldn't be much longer before its ready!

Mark

Looking great. With the side plate, you might want to make sure you still have clear access to the DC input. With switching to tripod and steadicam, you don't always want to run off the onboard battery. In the picture it looks obscured, or does it run to another possible input?

Mark ... what kind of z style riser are you using in this photo? Is the back plate for battery or nanoflash adjustable? for example, if I use a larger PL-U95 battery will that fit the space?

Hi Mark,

Will this shoulder mount work for the EX1?

Thanks

I agree with David on two points, both the DC input and the BNC connectors. For Steadicam it is best if the BNC connectors could "swing" over and protrude on the left hand side of the camera as opposed to the present right side as you have it. Otherwise there is a good chance of banging the cables with your leg when operating. Not sure if your present design allows you to position the BNC connector mount on either side of the camera.

Mark, I am really impressed with practical improvements you continue to make to this unit. You are making this a really good piece of kit for camera operators of all sorts. Hats off.

The DC input is still accessible (not very clear in the photo). I need to do the same thing with our Glidecam - so I understand your concern! I will try and get another photo posted soon. We may be able to modify the side plate slightly to allow more room around the connections - but we also want to maintain some strength where the side plate and angle plate are folded.

I am being asked this quite a bit at the moment!

I have tried an EX-1R on the mount - and it is possible to do it. I have 2 main concerns about it though:

1 - The LCD sits a bit close for comfort (in my opinion). This could be fixed by extending the rods - so that the shoulder pad moves back further. Probably wouldn't need to move too much further to put the LCD at a better position.

2 - The 1/4" plate on the bottom of the camera is held on by those 4 tiny screws - so I cam concerned that the weight of the mount (and any other accessories attached to it) will add too much stress to those screws holding that plate on (especially if the camera and mount are carried by the camera handle) - and eventually the screws may rip out of the base of the camera. I think things may have been improved on the EX-1R in this respect.

I need to get my hands on an EX-1/EX-1R for longer to have a proper look at it. I am not aware of any other mounting points on the camera. At least with the EX-3 it is secured in 3 places, so the load is spread out.

We have made allowance on the top plate of the mount to accomodate locating pins - to stop the camera skewing on the mount - in conjunction with a thin rubber pad, I think this would work quite well (the camera would only be attached via 1 1/4" thread though).

So, yes, with care, it would be possible to use the EX-1 on the mount.

I also tried the new Canon camera - and that was much better. The LCD on the Canon is further forward on the camera - so was at a good position and probably wouldn't require any modification of the mount.

Once we have the EX-3 mount sorted 100%, I'll have a look at options for the EX-1 and other cameras.

Mark

I think the riser is a Zacuto. It was supplied by the rental company when we tried out the Letus.

I don't have a PL-U95 battery - but I doubt that it will fit with the shoulder mount/battery plate in the forward position. There isn't a lot of room between the BPU-60 and the battery plate at the moment.

The idea of course is that larger V-Lock or Anton Bauer batteries can be used to power the camera (and provide balance for the mount). It is possible that we could look at a mounting system for the PL-U95 type batteries in place of the V-Lock/AB batteries - but that would have to come later.

When I get some more photos taken, the options for batteries and mounting accessories should all become a lot clearer!

Mark

We will put mounting holes on the other side of the angle plate as well - so the BNC connectors can be fixed on either side of the camera.

I think for handheld or tripod operation the bnc connectors on the right hand side would be preferable - but I understand your concerns when using Steadicam.

Should be a pretty easy fix though. Of course, you could always connect directly to the SDI output of the camera and not use the side bnc connections if that helped.

Mark

Here is a better photo of the Side Accessory Plate - with the DC Input, Monitor and S-Video connections. Also visible in this picture is the Battery Plate Brace with Hirose 4pin DC connections.

Mark

Mark can you upload a few photos of someone using the shoulder mount in the rear position.
It might give me an idea of how the weight of the camera with Vlock battery is better balanced.

Whats the measurement from the center of the shoulder mount in rear position to a point on the camera, say a switch or the Sony badge etc.

In fact if you could provide the measurements of the shoulder mount anyway. (apologies if you already have done so)

Thanks.

I'll post some photos of the mount in use asap - just waiting on the new shoulder pads to arrive now.

Some measurements though:

332mm - overall length of mount

85mm - width

40mm - height (of main mount chassis - excluding battery plate, angle plate etc)

112mm - centre of power switch (off position) to centre of shoulder pad

Mark

We have modified the battery plate from the original design to allow attachment of mounting brackets for accessories. There are a couple of compromises: The bracket mounts from the front of the plate (opposite side to the V-Lock battery mount) and uses 3mm (M3) screws instead of 2.5mm (M2.5).

It means that other accessories can easily be attached while allowing the battery to be accessed.

The photos show an IDX plate - but there are other similar plates that will work similarly.

Mark

Thanks Mark, those measurement are a help.

Could I ask for one more.

Whats the measurement from the off switch in its off position to the back end of the shoulder mount
in its rear position.(moved back the 50mm)

Thanks again.

Approx 110mm from centre of shoulder pad to back of mount (end of rods) which would make it approx 222mm from switch to end of rods. I don't actually have an EX-3 on me at the moment to measure from!

Top of the shoulder pad is approx 52mm from the end of the rods - bottom of shoulder pad approx 35mm from end of rods - if that makes sense?

Mark