Sony Mod for the EX3

[Bob Grant]

Doug,
have you had a look at this part:

Miller | 493 1/4"-20 and Location Pin Adaptor Carriage

I don't have a Satchler or O'Connor plate at hand to see if that'd fit but I suspect it would.
We've got a few of them that we buy somewhat cheaper direct from Miller. We've also got the teflon retainer that Miller sell as a separate item. If you'd like a few to hold your claw in place drop me a PM and I'll mail a few to you, they're only a few cents each. Just be warned that the system relies on around one turn of the thread being relieved so the washer doesn't unscrew as you undo the screw to take the plate off the camera.

[Doug Jensen]

Bob,

I can tell by the photo that it is too short -- plus it cost $45 vs. $25 for the Tiger Claw. I don't see the need for it.

I appreciate your offer to help find a solution, but there's no problem to be solved. The Tiger Claw already does exaclty what I need it to do -- all by itself.
Thanks.

[Max Allen]

Hi pals,

Interesting part but it does appear a bit short for the big Sachtler heads. $25 is the right price for the tiger claw. Not to knock Miller but my personal experience with them back in 90ies was not good. Let's just say I must have gone through 4 or 5 millers.

Sachtler and Oconnor have the ENG/EFP market. The studio and truck market is neither of these companies, that's Vinten. I won't talk about how many years I've been doing this. You learn after a while not to pay much attention to that. A kid with 2 years experience can eclipse an old man with a lifetime of experience. What you've done and who you've done it with is more important. I've built many different broadcast cameras and never come across a head system that uses a pin in place of a screw. Don't know what to say about Miller's pin plate option. I guess its a good choice for small handycams or DSLRs? not sure.

Originally Posted by Bob Grant

Most of the larger heads / tripods that you're talking about are not designed to be used with cameras as light as the EXs, they will quite likely not counterbalance correctly. Check the minimum load figures. I've coped a good earfull from Miller for having an Arrow 25 head with a handcam on it on display at a trade show :)

More capacity = better stability and drag, more counterbalance levels, more balance range (120mm plate). Not to impress you but I use a $11k 40lb capacity Sachtler 18 with my EX1. With EX1 naked no counterbalance issues whatsoever. If you balance the camera, what do you need counterbalance for other than to protect against unmanned dips and specialized moves. Not to sound stupid again, but I'll pit it head to head any day against a smaller, 'proper load' head in terms of precision moves. The scale of drag is extended with bigger heads. When I try a medium speed pan with medium drag, on a small capacity system, I have to use one foot to step on a leg so it doesn't fly off the ground, especially in winter.

A big head gives me that fine range AND supports expansion. Lenses, mattebox, monitor, v-mount battery, hard drive, rods, handles, arm, cam light, 2 lectro receivers, cables brings grand total to somewhere in the 30lb range. That on a small head is not a smart idea to me.

You have a wider range of accessories for these systems. Ground or mid spreader, dolly, COG plates. A standardized 100mm head also comes off to mount on baby legs, jib or anything else. Now obviously if traveling light and under the radar is primary, then the smaller Sachtlers are just the ticket.

This integral EX plate, have you guys actually fully removed it to verify that the only thing connecting the camera body to this plate are in fact the 4 screws and there is no other piece the plate is attached to? I think the EX pin hole is a weak idea also.

Well I thought I'd chime in. Peace and love.

[Ben Ruffell]

I just got the little sony plastic bit and attached it to the front of my camera. It is a massive improvement! Especially when using a Protech Press Shooter Base. Much much better. The camera is no longer blowing in the breeze.

Total lack of field texting by real world operators before Sony released the camera, but at least it is working now.

The plate is a must for any EX3

Ben

[Kenny Cowburn]

Hey Ben

Where´d you get it and did it cost anything?