I just came across this and thought it looks interesting. It look like the race is on to make accessory for our camera. Sony NEX FS-100 Accessory Mounting Plate | | Berkey System (http://www.berkeysystem.com/store/sony-pmw-f3-nex-fs-100-accessories/sony-nex-fs-100-top-mount-accessory-cheese-plate/)

Dan

I saw this last week and spoke to my local machine shop just 3 blocks away. They can make me a plate identical with the same tapped holes and threads for about $35. Anodising or even nickel chroming the plate is another $20 extra.
So I am not sure how you arrive at $250 for this plate especially when they will manufacture this in larger quantities. Seems a little pricy to me.

Jon, When you have one made,make one for me. You probably could get a decent order up here on the FS100 forum. I was mainly happy to see products being made for our camera. Thanks for the heads up.

Dan

I agree that we all need accessories to follow our big purchases - but they have to get the pricing realistic. A simple three inch square metal plate with threaded holes should not be $250. Giving the piece of metal a fancy name should not hike the price up by 400%.

I buy into these sometimes - and end up kicking myself, especially with all the DSLR accessories that came out. I am much more careful now.

have to agree that berkey system plate is to overpriced, just for a plate..

I just saw they are a sponsor here, so maybe they will see this thread and take notice what the consumer thinks. The plate does look well made though.

Dan

Costs are definitely linked to the tolerances to which the product is made. Not sure how tight the tolerances have to be for this, but going to a local machine shop without specifying the tolerances you need, you may end up with some issues. Give it a try.

Well put it this way.
I took my shoulder rig into my local machine shop a few weeks back. I need some three-eights threaded holes and quarter threaded holes adding to some extra clamps so that I could add my Tascam and weights to the rear and provide balance. All in all it was four new threaded holes and some cutting of extra half-inch rods, some polishing of ends etc etc ... came out great. I was charged $25.00.

I agree that Berkey system gear is very well made, so with that in mind you take your choice.

Jon,

Could you show us a picture of your rig.

Dan

I shipped my rig and a load of other stuff out to Beijing last week. I am moving there for a year or two while I work on two films. I may have a pic of me using this on location but not with the FS-100 yet.

I am not a lover of loading up on rigs to look like christmas trees... I like light but balanced. I dislike matte boxes as they add weight at the front of rigs where you don't want it. So I never use one except for tripod work.

May be too expensive for many people, but one pro cameraman is now having these manufactured for sale:

machine (http://calebcrosby.com/page10/)