I could kick myself I sold my XL cameras thinking I would go the 5d route and let my microphone mount that goes into the shock mount already on the Xl/XF series go with the camera.... now I can't remember what mount was called and can't find it after searching for the last half hour. Is anyone else using this set up where the shock mount goes in the mic holder and not on the camera, and if so can you tell me what the brand and model number might be? Thanks! I have a trap like a steel mind apparently.

Try Sennheiser, Audio Technica, and KTEK....

Jim Martin
FilmTools.com

Rycote and Rode both make a shock mount on a metal rod that mounts into a Mic Clamp, The Rode is an SM5.

I could kick myself I sold my XL cameras thinking I would go the 5d route and let my microphone mount that goes into the shock mount already on the Xl/XF series go with the camera.... now I can't remember what mount was called and can't find it after searching for the last half hour. Is anyone else using this set up where the shock mount goes in the mic holder and not on the camera, and if so can you tell me what the brand and model number might be? Thanks! I have a trap like a steel mind apparently.

Jeff why not buy a shock mount that fits into the hot-shot (unless you need a light there as well?). One of the cool features on the XF is being able to switch the LCD to the right side - with a mic in the way it's not so cool. The first thing I did when I took the XF out of the box was remove the mic holder.

Good question, I think it's just because I bought one initially that was very difficult to get in and out--had to force it almost-- and the idea of two suspensions seemed like a good one. Is there one in particular you recommend?
Thanks everyone for your help.

Maybe someone can tell me the accessory shoe size it's not in the manual? Once I had settled on the other method I relied on that but with the screen going both ways using the hot shoe does make more sense.

Then again... mounting on the hotshoe may make it more difficult to use the custom buttons on the handle, so you gain a bit and lose a bit.

The hot shoe is the standard size (ie: not the annoying "mini" hotshoe on some consumer camcorders). What's more, the hotshoe can be removed (by unscrewing) to reveal a 3/8" thread, so you could slot any accessory with a 3/8" thread there (including a standard mic suspension).

And... there's another 3/8" thread mount further back towards the VF, providing a second mounting option. It's possible to move the hotshoe to this rear position also, so plenty of flexibility.

I have Rode, AKG and Sennheiser suspensions - they're all fine and have various mounting options. Just do a search on B&H and you'll be right! (the Rode is a good cheap option).

Good luck,

Josh