Baseplate
 

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?

Re: Baseplate
 

Also looking for one.

Re: Baseplate
 

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.

Re: Baseplate
 

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

Re: Baseplate
 

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.

Re: Baseplate
 

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.

Re: Baseplate
 

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

Re: Baseplate
 

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.

Re: Baseplate
 

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

Re: Baseplate
 

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.

Re: Baseplate
 

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.

Re: Baseplate
 

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.

Re: Baseplate
 

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

Re: Baseplate
 

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).

Re: Baseplate
 

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

Re: Baseplate
 

I had a few base plates before and finally settled for the Zacuto V3. Used it for various cameras along the way. I'm sure the F3 will fit nicely too

Re: Baseplate
 

Zacuto V3 Universal baseplate is working like a charm on my F3. I spent the extra $30 to get the extra slide - so I'm bolted to both mount points on the bottom of the camera.

Re: Baseplate
 

The lens is a Tokina 28-70 ATX-Pro Mk1 (Anginieux design), so it doesn't telescope like many DSLR zooms. The front of the lens doesn't rotate. I could get the rail mount for the Matte Box but it's not necessary for this set up. I have adapter rings for all my lenses. For lenses with a front dia greater than 105mm I would probably look at a TLS Raven matte box. I do have dealings with TLS, so I'm not un-biased, but then I work with TLS because of their high quality standards.

Re: Baseplate
 

I recently purchased the aforementioned baseplate and extra slides for my F3, and have found that lining up the slides with the camera's 3/8 inch mounting holes to be a real challenge. I am considering the purchase of # 2 1/4 inch 20 screws to lock down the slides in some permanent fashion after they have been properly aligned. Have you come up with some other workable method?

Re: Baseplate
 

Add me to the list of very satisfied Zacuto Baseplate owners. Although, I bought mine as part of their Newsman Shoulder rig and added a few extra Zacuto pieces: Red Plate, Double Mount, V-mount plate, Wireless Plate and two or three other pieces.

One thing I noticed when researching Zacuto parts is that not many people are selling used parts and for those who do sell their Zacuto gear, they are able to get very high resale value.

Disclaimer: even though I'm in Chicago, I have no association with Zacuto. I wish that I did because their gear costs a pretty penny ;)

Re: Baseplate
 

I have found this to be a bit of a problem also. Never loved the Zacuto because it seemed overpriced and didn't neccessarily fit my needs.

I've been using an old out of date rods system from Shoot 35 (left over from my first SG 35mm adapter) and have been hoping Wayne will update it so it works with his new rods system. This works pretty well but has some minor issues and I wouldn't mind a more up to date system.

The main thing for me is that I like to have my camera on a Giotto sliding base plate very similar to the Manfrotto. I've got a half dozen of these things for different cameras and keep them on different tripods and heads with a monopod or slider so its all modular and I can switch from one to the other quickly. For example I have a second short set of rods with another shoot 35base plate for handheld work off a monopod that doesn't need a mattebox but can use a FF. Or can go without anything but the camera on the monopod.

I should try and see how the Zacuto works with the Giotto plate but it looks to me like it might get in the way of the tightening screw on the Giotto. Meanwhile the system does work though I have to be careful to tighten the Giotto well.

I'll post pics soon.

Re: Baseplate
 

[QUOTE=Thierry Humeau;1623666]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.[/QUOTE

I have a Vocia MB450 with swingaway, but because it uses 5.65 x 5.65 filters I can slide it along the rails. I'm using the Zacuto DSLR baseplate but 's a bit small.

How do go with that clip-on Vocas mattebox Thierry? I couldn't stand having to pull it off every time I changed a lens.

Re: Baseplate
 

Hello,

Just wondering if there are any suggestions for a good F3 baseplate that takes advantage of both mounting holes other than the Zacuto Universal? I have a V3 with the extra slides which, although a wonderfully made product, I am returning. My shooting needs do not necessitate a matt box and I have found quick installation of the V3 to be nearly impossible due to movement of the slides during the installation process.

Therefore, just searching for a simple plate (no rods) to reinforce the base of the camera and to aide in tripod attachment.

Berkey System F3 Baseplate
 

I was at an F3 demo a while ago and saw a baseplate that I liked. The dealer put me in touch with Brian Berkey, who's based here in Minneapolis. Sony PMW-F3 Accessories | | Berkey System

This guy's been building motion control rigs for years, and recently started making a line of camera accessories. His F3 baseplate assembly is incredibly well-made, adjustable and rock-solid. And, it can be completely disassembled in a few minutes, using an allen wrench.

It has screw holes that match the F3's front and off-center rear holes, as well as a removable locating pin. Once the camera is attached, it won't budge.

I've had mine for a month now, and I like it a lot. Here are some pix--top plate is removed in one, so you can see the assembly, and how it goes together. The bottom cheese plate on mine is mounted forward, to balance the rig I'm using. But it can be moved anywhere, because there are lots of holes.

Re: Baseplate
 

I discovered the Berkey Systems stuff only about a month ago. If you use rails systems with your camera, you definitely want to check out their site.

First time I have seen an outfit that truly gets what camera and grip people need to create an effective rails unit.

Re: Baseplate
 

I know what you're saying. Berkey's stuff is very grip-friendly. Not surprising, when you look at the rigs he's made for motion control and effects--check this out: EFX Gallery | Berkey System

Re: Baseplate
 

Very nice baseplate. Best I've seen. I'm ordering one NOW!

Re: Baseplate
 

[quote=Peter Corbett;1649243]Pete,

The clip-on mechanism is so well designed and so easy to operate that as long as your lenses all have the same front diameter, removing the mattebox literally just takes a second. I also have rail supports for the MB-255 so I can slide it on and off the rails. Vocas also makes a swing away optional attachment which I don't have yet.

Best,

Thierry.

Re: Baseplate
 

I just got my baseplate from Berkey Systems. Incredible quality, very solid. I can't imagine a better baseplate if you need to use a rails system. Very glad I saw it posted here. Thanks!

Re: Baseplate
 

Yes I'm also looking closely at the Berkey. It looks way more configurable than the Zacuto.

Re: Baseplate
 

Aaron, do you know the weight of the baseplate system you bought (without rails attached)?

Re: Baseplate
 

Hi Andrew. The trusty stamps.com scale clocks the baseplate at 1 lb, 5.5oz.

Re: Baseplate
 

Thanks Aaron. My Zacuto baseplate is 1 lb 6.3 ounces wtihout rails attached.

First time I have seen a baseplate in a couple of years that has perked my interest. Lots of things to like about the Berkey product.

Probably be getting this one. I will look into purchasing longer extension posts to give the flexibility to move the rails block away from the camera base for those oddball configurations and keep the weight down by avoiding the use of a riser elsewhere.