Another vote for the http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/68143-REG/Audio_Technica_AT8415_AT8415_Universal_Shock_Mount.html

Audio Technica AT8415

I have had mine for five years and it still works like it did the day I bought it.

John

Hi there - Sorry for the late post - Sony's own CAC-12 mic mount fits onto the EX fine - you have to elongate the screw holes slightly and use longer screws but you'll end up with a secure fully adjustable swivel mount. These mounts were originally used on the BVW & DXC series BetaSP cameras but I've fitted them to PD170's and V1P's since them. I think the Sony part No. is 3-750-734-11.
I broke the original mic mount on my second day shooting, bit rough on the gear I guess...

Cheers Mal

you have to elongate the screw holes slightly

So where exactly did you obtain your degree in metalworking Mal?

Seriously, thanks for that. It's reassured me that there's life after my mic mount (inevitably?) breaks off. I've been dreading it since I first read about the mount being so flimsy.

Another of Sony's economies - but I don't mind, they brought us unbelievable quality images at a really affordable price. I can live with a few bits and pieces falling off as long as I can get great pictures.

I just got a Sanken CS-1. It needs the K-Tek K-CAM-SSM mount as it is a very short shotgun. I'll use the same plate to hold a cold shoe and mount the K-Tek mount into that.
Do you have any images of the finished product?

Does anyone know if the EX3's mic mount was designed any differently? I don't think this was covered in any of the reviews I've watched. I'm guessing it's the same, but since my EX3 is on it's way, I'm kinda hoping it was improved upon.

Do you have any images of the finished product?

Sure thing, hopefully the pictures explain it all.

The same bracket and cold shoe could also be used to hold the Rode SM3 shock mount if you wanted something a bit cheaper than the K-Tek. The Rode mount is too long for the CS-1 though. To hold my simple bracket onto the audio pod I used M2.5 x 10mm screws, the screws Sony used are barely long enough for the existing mount. They're a little tough to get out as they're secured with Locktite or similar goo.

Hi Bob,

Your solution to the Ex1's impractical mic holder is genius and exactly the way I wish Sony made their holders to begin with! I wish you sold the part ready made, but since that isn't the case, I would love some extra information on how to make that part. Where did you get the shoe adapter you attached to the metal plate? Any chance you'd be willing to make an extra part like the one you have and sell it to me (and other DVI members)? This is the only solution I want for my EX1 because, as you say, it makes it easy to put the microphone on and off, plus it keeps the top of the camera flush, making it easier to store it in a tight space.

Thanks for your help!

Thanks for the kind words Peirre,
the cold shoe I bought from here:
http://www.dm-accessories.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=14&zenid=34a3e30850d214d532d22fe1d7a5ec3a
I've already made a couple of units for local people. I think though that Jeff Demaagd would be in a better position than myself to fabricate these and sell them as he already has an online store and he's in the USA. I'll drop him an email.

Hi Bob --

I'm curious how you ended up getting the screws out. I had a cold shoe mount made similar to yours but can't budge the existing screws. I'm hesitant to use a solvent for fear of doing damage.

Hi Bob --

I'm curious how you ended up getting the screws out. I had a cold shoe mount made similar to yours but can't budge the existing screws. I'm hesitant to use a solvent for fear of doing damage.

Make certain you have a good screwdriver, not some old thing that's got the blades burred or worn down. Make certain that the screwdriver is a snug fit into the head, any slack and you'll burr the head for certain and then you'll be in trouble.
Press down firmly and turn, the screws will be initially very hard to turn. There is some blue goo on the threads obviously meant to stop the screws working loose which creates a lot of friction in the threads. Once you break the hold that blue goo has the screws will become easier to turn.

Hello, with help from Bob Grant, I've made a shoe mount adapter just for the EX1 based on his example.

DM-Accessories - EX1-FLAT - Shoe Mount for Sony EX1 (http://shop.dm-accessories.com/products/ex1-flat)

Thank you!

Nicely made piece, Jeff. Couple of questions for you:

1. is there any kind of mechanical stop inside the slot to keep your accessory from sliding all the way through the groove?
2. do you take PayPal?

dave

Jeff,

Nice job - but you're exactly one week too late for me and my EX3! I would definitely have purchased yours. I had aluminum in stock, spent $15 for the shoe and shipping, and two hours cutting, grinding, and drilling!

One question - are there registry holes in the base for the nipples from the audio pod? I drilled additional holes for these as I did not want to damage the camera by cutting/breaking them off.

Nicely made piece, Jeff. Couple of questions for you:

1. is there any kind of mechanical stop inside the slot to keep your accessory from sliding all the way through the groove?
2. do you take PayPal?


Thanks!

1) Sorry, no mechanical stop, but I can consider adding it to this design if there's demand for it. That question really hasn't come up with my previous products.

2) yes.

Jeff,

Nice job - but you're exactly one week too late for me and my EX3! I would definitely have purchased yours. I had aluminum in stock, spent $15 for the shoe and shipping, and two hours cutting, grinding, and drilling!


Thanks, and sorry about that. I had the parts ready before, but no way to get photos sooner.


One question - are there registry holes in the base for the nipples from the audio pod? I drilled additional holes for these as I did not want to damage the camera by cutting/breaking them off.

There will be, not on the first batch except maybe I would customize one by special request for someone that needs it ASAP. Bob pointed out the nubs to me last week when he had access to an EX3. That's why I said it wasn't EX3 compatible yet. I plan to make EX3 compatible mounts, it may be a few weeks.

I just found this discussion and thought I would chime in. I made a mic mount for my DV-500 back in 2001 (I think, maybe it's been longer). I purchased a Light Wave Systems MiniMount Universal and made a detachable arm that fit the holes for their mic mount. The bracket is small, simple (although it did require a bit of work) and lightweight. I made and sold more then a few of these. At the time I had access to a machine shop so it was easy. I just got an EX1 so I will modify this mount to work on the Sony. The best thing is that it detaches with 1-2 turns of the screw, you don't have to tighten beyond finger tight, to put the camera in the case. I do like the simplicity of Bob Grant's bracket! I may fashion one like that for future cameras (EX1/3).

Cheers
Robert C. Fisher

I use the J-RODE

SEE ATTACHMENT
http://www.thej-rod.com/

Brian the problem with any mount that uses the origional mic holder is that it has the same issues. The Sony mic mount is really flimsy. I used my EX1 for a few days before I sent it in for a backfocus issue and firmware update and this has to be the worst mic mount I have seen on a camera of this caliber. This is the reason most people replace it, as well as using a mount with more phsical isolation to reduce the handling noise.

Cheers
Robert C. Fisher

Ordered mine last night, Jeff. Looking forward to using it. I'll see how well things stay in place without the mechanical stop.

I am working on adapting my old mount to my EX1 and I haven't been able to measure the screws. Does anyone know what size and pitch the screws that hold the mic mount are?

I thought they were 4/48 but that's seems to be wrong.

Thanks
Robert C. Fisher

Ordered mine last night, Jeff. Looking forward to using it. I'll see how well things stay in place without the mechanical stop.

I do appreciate the orders that people made, thank you!

I am working on adapting my old mount to my EX1 and I haven't been able to measure the screws. Does anyone know what size and pitch the screws that hold the mic mount are?

I thought they were 4/48 but that's seems to be wrong.

The screws are actually 2.5mm diameter. There's only one thread pitch that I've found, so any screw that size that you get should be the right thread pitch.

Thanks Jeff I will begin my search for the elusive screws tommorrow.

Cheers
Robert C. Fisher

It took me a while to dig up the part number for the EX-1 stock microphone holder, so I thought I would post it here in case anyone else needs it. The part number is:

X-2187-352-1

And you can order the part directly from Sony:

http://servicesplus.us.sony.biz/sony-parts.aspx

(My apologies in advance if I wasn't supposed to post this link, but I wasn't sure and thought it might be helpful.)

Comming from magnesium case camera like the Sony DXC-series, the EX3 made a lot of noise from handling the plastic case. Tried several solutions, but at the end made my own. A thin alu-tube with rubber bands from a bicycle tire(working best). Rubber bands to mont the mic, rubber in every joint, rubber covering the tube thar fits into EX3. Even works with a microphones like Audio Tech 835 st.

Comming from magnesium case camera like the Sony DXC-series, the EX3 made a lot of noise from handling the plastic case. Tried several solutions, but at the end made my own. A thin alu-tube with rubber bands from a bicycle tire(working best). Rubber bands to mont the mic, rubber in every joint, rubber covering the tube thar fits into EX3. Even works with a microphones like Audio Tech 835 st.

I have a feeling that this will still suffer from the same strength issues due to the use of the supplied Sony mount. Let us know how you get on with it.

Jus.

No problems, so far. When using mics like the Sony ECM 678, which is quite heavy, a move the rig a bit backwards to balance it.
And, I always remove the rig in the bag.

Sure thing, hopefully the pictures explain it all.

The same bracket and cold shoe could also be used to hold the Rode SM3 shock mount if you wanted something a bit cheaper than the K-Tek. The Rode mount is too long for the CS-1 though. To hold my simple bracket onto the audio pod I used M2.5 x 10mm screws, the screws Sony used are barely long enough for the existing mount. They're a little tough to get out as they're secured with Locktite or similar goo.

Bob, thank you for the info, photos included. My question is, how much higher does your mic now sit, compared to where mine is now (in the Sony mic holder)?
(I'm looking for the lowest-profile I can get away with, but I really like your solution of using something other than Sony's mic clamp, and a good shockmount to deaden camera noise).
Cheers, Malcolm

Jeff,

Nice job - but you're exactly one week too late for me and my EX3! I would definitely have purchased yours. I had aluminum in stock, spent $15 for the shoe and shipping, and two hours cutting, grinding, and drilling!

One question - are there registry holes in the base for the nipples from the audio pod? I drilled additional holes for these as I did not want to damage the camera by cutting/breaking them off.

For what it's worth, the EX1-FLAT mounts shipping since Oct 30 (two days ago) now have registry pockets on the underside so it works on the EX3.

Anyone have experience with this?

Rode | SM5 - Shotgun Microphone Suspension | SM5 | B&H Photo (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/463089-REG/Rode_SM5_SM5_Shotgun_Microphone.html)

I like that it keeps the shoe free, and is adjustable as well. I hear that this style is hard on the existing mic mount, though.

I have this one but the rubberbands dont offer enough support (for Sennheiser ME66 with Softie). The Rycote Softie Mount CCA is better (as suggested by Michael Wisniewski), it also fits in the mic mount therefore leaving the hotshoe free but has enough support for the mic. From memory it doubles up as a makeshift pole mount

I had to go with this one:

Rycote - Softie Multimount v2 (http://www.rycote.com/products/softie_system/softie_mount/multimount/)

because it was the only thing I've tried so far that would support my Senn MKH60 and a softie without drooping too much toward the front. The only thing I don't like about it is the tendency for the whole thing to "pivot" downward as you tighten down the locking lever. In spite of that, it works very well.

see post No 23 i use a mkh60

I've been real happy with this one:

K-Tek | Camera Shoemounting Shockmount | K-CAM-SSM | B&H Photo (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/326968-REG/K_Tek_K_CAM_SSM_Camera_Shoemounting_Shockmount.html)

Used with the cold shoe adapter DM-Accessories - EX1-FLAT - Shoe Mount for Sony EX1 & EX3 Camcorders (http://shop.dm-accessories.com/products/ex1-flat)

and a Rode NTG-1 and a shorthair Softie.

Hey Ted! (I forgot to call you!)
I did buy the DM-Accessories cold shoe mount so I would have a solid base to work from and it has worked great for me.

dave

Hey, Dave! Glad to hear it.

Jeff posted this part about 4 days after I "built" my own and painted it. Mine was fine, but it took me about two hours and his was nicer.

I now have Jeff's, though, and it looks much more finished.