EX3's Original Baseplate Problem - Whats the most current fix?

[Glynn Morgan]

Was out of commission for a while and discovered I had never got around to upgrading the precarious the baseplate on the early EX3 model I own.

What is the easiest/most up to date solution for this design flaw these days? I better fix it before it cracks or something awful. Any consensus would be appreciated.

Kind Regards.

[Andy Wilkinson]

I've been using a black anodised VF Gadgets baseplate ever since they were available. I think they call it a Teleplate now. Basically I wanted to keep the EX3 with a small footprint so did not go for one with a shoulder support area at the back etc. Its a relatively simple design but very well engineered and does what it is supposed to at a modest price and I've been very satisfied with it. You loose the pull out pad option of the original EX3 design - as that pad just bolts onto the underside of the angled section of the plate - not a problem as far as I'm concerned.

There are a number of other solutions and I'm sure others will suggest alternatives, e.g. from Olof and others.

It really depends on what you intend to get out of it - something to just overcome the design flaw of the EX3 tripod mount or something to give shoulder and external battery support too.

Bottom line, as you know, using an EX3 without one is risking an expensive disaster - so it would be wise to get this sorted now you're back into it!!!

(For anyone that does not know there have been a number of reports of the tripod mounting area being ripped out of them in the last 4+ years).

EX3 Baseplate | VFGadgets.com

[Glynn Morgan]

I appreciate the recommendation!

[John DuMontelle]

I bought the VF Gadget's plate. I liked the single piece design and it gives me a nice variety of mounting holes underneath for me to mount some extras.

I too wanted to keep it "small" so no shoulder section on mine either.

I could not be happier with the plate.

A solid one time insurance policy plus it gives me the mount holes to attach my rod system and matte box.

[Olof Ekbergh]

I also make an EX3 solution:

EX 3 Tripod plate and Shoulder Brace Options

[Derek Reich]

DM Accessories. I put one of these extremely well engineered plates on my camera immediately. VERY solid and stable, as well as versitile (can be configured with shoulder mount and optional battery)
I highly recommend it.

[John DuMontelle]

I saw both plates when I was looking to buy a year ago.

What made the difference for me was the VF Gadget plate was a single piece of metal instead of two pieces welded together.

Plus they now make a 15mm rod clamp which fits into existing holes in the plate.

Both offer the add-on shoulder piece for additional stability and possible battery mounting.

EX3 Baseplate | VFGadgets.com

http://www.vfgadgets.com/sites/defau...03-ozx1120.jpg

[Andy Wilkinson]

Reading this again I've suddenly realised that it was the DM Accessories plate I bought 4 years ago, not the VF Gadgets one! Doh!!! My comments about it being rock solid, well worth buying etc. remain.

I also note that the DM Accessories website now states that their plate allows for the extension of the EX3 shoulder pad, should anyone still wish to retain this original feature.

DM-Accessories — EX3-PLATE Reinforcement Plate for EX3 Camcorders

So now you have a few choices to consider!

Note to self - if I can't remember who makes all the bits of gear I own then I probably have too much gear...

[Alastair Traill]

A base plate for the EX3 is an essential accessory for tripod work and it also a good mounting point for other bits and pieces..
I have a single bar that is used for a rocker style lens support or as a wrist kindly grip for hand holding. As its axis is parallel to the lens axis it can also be used as a sighting device when using long prime lenses.
A hinged tongue on my nanoFlash snaps into a matching slot on the base plate.
I am interested in low-level close-up shots and have found that a simple mini tripod built into the base plate can be quick and easy to set up for static shots. In the version shown a quick tilt adjustment can be made with the front leg that utilizes the lens support mount clamp. Fine adjustments are made by rotating the threaded legs.
To further facilitate low-level shots I am experimenting with suspending the camera from above to eliminate anything between the base plate and the ground. The vertical fan shaped bracket has spur gear teeth cut into its upper edge, these teeth engage with those on the red knob’s shaft. Turning the red knob adjusts tilt. It is likely to be motorized and/or fluid damped in the near future.

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/images/a...attach/jpg.gif
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/images/attach/jpg.gif
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/images/attach/jpg.gif

[Bill Ward]

I've got Olof's baseplate on my EX-3 and it's rock solid. Highly recommended.