Perfect counter weight for EA50

[Torsten Keil]

I am using the PADCW1 from shape as a counter weight for my EA50. It can be mounted to the top of the shoulder pad when pulled out at least partially. It is installed or deinstalled using a single 1/4"-20 camera screw within seconds.
For longer missions having the camera on the shoulder, it is a really big improvement - I can recommend it absolutely.
Weight is 1.8 kg or 4 lbs so it exceeds the limit specified by Sony by 80%, so you have to be careful when carrying around the camera with the top handle.

The good thing is that the price is just 60 bugs:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/734443-REG/Shape_wlb_PADCW1_Counter_Weight.html
Bought mine here:
Shape PADCW1 - Video Data

Here you can see me in action using it
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/52891157/EA50/Shape.jpg

For best ergonomics, I shortened my viewfinder tube according to this instruction

How to shorten the Sony FS 100 Viewfinder? on Vimeo

[Chris Harding]

Nice Torsten

I wouldn't want to add 1.4kgs to my camera cos I gained a weight loss from my Panasonics which were 3.2kg and the lighter camera makes life a lot easier!!

My counter balance is slightly different ..It's an aluminium bracket with the receiver on the end and in front my Sony F790 light battery and that counterbalances quite nicely for me.

Hmmm I wonder if I need to shorten my viewfinder tube???

Chris

[Noa Put]

Cool set up you have there Torsten! It looks like your shoulder is still behind the shoulderpad from the camera, even with a shorter loupe? Did you also change the reading lens? And where did you have it cut to the right size like in the video?

Like you said you need to be careful with the amount of wheight because if the rails would bent you probably won't be able to slide in the shouldermount anymore but it looks cool for handheld work.

[Chris Harding]

Hi Noa

That is weird cos I made sure my pad was sitting in the middle of my shoulder a few minutes ago and the standard length eyepiece comes exactly on my eye! With a shortened eyepiece with my camera the pad would end up too far back and almost off my shoulder??

I wonder if the pad has not been fully extended backwards? If you put the pad (extended all the way of course) directly on your shoulder does the eyepiece seem to be too log for you? Mine is just perfect and my shoulder pad also sits in the right place ....I couldn't figure that out either ... if the shoulder pad is only pulled out halfway then it won't sit correctly and if it does then the EVF is too long. Interesting observation!!

Chris

[Chris Quevedo]

I'm not sure if you've seen this yet, but this one company in Europe seems to make weights specifically for the NEX-EA50 and a mounting plate:

Weight attachment plate for Sony NEX-EA50 | Vocas Systems
Weight 1KG for Vocas Shoulder support. | Vocas Systems

Seems like this would be a perfect combination, but be a little heavy to haul thru an airport :-D

[Torsten Keil]

Originally Posted by Noa Put

Did you also change the reading lens?

Yes, as recommended by Eric Teotico, I added a reading lens (1.5) but I don't believe that it is necessary, can't notice a real difference except you get unwanted reflections.

Originally Posted by Noa Put

And where did you have it cut to the right size like in the video?

It is not necessary do cut anything - the whole process is non-destructive, just unscrew and remove the middle part of the tube. The video is somewhat misleading at this point I feel - there are some more screws within the tube that are hard to detect - (00:47 in the video - remove screws from the inner tube) - so you could let the saw rest ;-)

[Noa Put]

I think I"ll give it a try soon.

[Chris Harding]

I still cannot fathom out why you guys need the tube shortened unless the shoulder pad is not fully extended... my tube seems the correct length when the pad is pulled out right to the end so are you only pulling the pad out halfway??

If I shortened the tube I would also have to push my pad back into the camera body otherwise it would be way too far from my eye.

Chris

[Dan Eskelson]

I found a much less expensive and equally effective counter weight alternative on Amazon - wrist and ankle weights. Perfect size to mod to spare parts from my parts box. Just $12.39 for two (only need one) + free shipping with our Prime account.
The one wrist (ankle) weight is max 2.8 lbs. and can be adjusted down from there...makes an awesome difference in the balance for shoulder shooting!

Amazon.com: Valeo AW5 5-Pound Adjustable Ankle / Wrist Weights: Sports & Outdoors

 

Amazon.com: Valeo AW5 5-Pound Adjustable Ankle / Wrist Weights: Sports & Outdoors

[Noa Put]

Dan, what does the part look like that is screwed onto the extended shoulderpad? Do you have any details on that?
Can I borrow the pics to post this mod in my blog? (see signature)

[Dan Eskelson]

Noa,

Here's a couple photos of that part...not sure where I first got it, but anything similar that can accommodate a screw with right thread size to fit into the shoulder support will work. I bent the piece in a vise to angle slightly downhill. The ankle (wrist) weight was simply wrapped tightly around this bar, secured with its own strap and then further secured with a piece of 18-20 gauge insulated wire. Let me know if you have more questions.

And sure...use the photos however you wish.

Dan

[Wes Browning]

There's a couple of accessory brackets here that could work: Amazon.com: Camera Flash Bracket

[Dan Eskelson]

Thanks Wes, I think one of those straight brackets is what I used. Minimal expense.