Baseplate at DVinfo.net

Jim Tittle · March 2nd, 2011, 06:45 AM

Has anyone seen a good, cost-effective baseplate for the PMW-F3? I'll be using mine with a Genus mattebox. I'd like to find one that's stable, keeps the camera parallel to the rails, and goes on and off easily. And it would be nice if it didn't cost an arm and a leg. Any suggestions?

Aaron Newsome · March 2nd, 2011, 10:03 AM

Also looking for one.

Alister Chapman · March 2nd, 2011, 10:49 AM

Genus are doing one with rails built in. I'm getting a pre-production one at the weekend, I'll let you know what it's like. I'm probably going to use the Genus GAP adapter for the Sony VCT-14 quick tripod mount on mine.

Henry Epstein · March 2nd, 2011, 11:00 AM

I will definitively go with the Zacuto Universal Baseplate V3.
Zacuto certainly is the best, with lifetime warranty.
My very personal option...

Universal Baseplate, V3, includes 12-inch rods - Zacuto

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/587442-REG/Zacuto_Z_UB3_Z_UB3_Universal_Baseplate_Version.html

Otherwise, this one looks nice and seems to be the cheapest one, made in India:

PROAIM (RS-1) Rail system for Follow Focus Mattebox Dof 35mm adasony camera

Cavision do also have some universal film plates with rods that should work:

More Cavision Rods Support Systems

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/335969-REG/Cavision_RS_1525_RS_1525_Rod_Support_System.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/310694-REG/Cavision_RSPF_RSPF_Universal_Film_Plate.html

...and Genus, of course!

Genus Advanced Adaptor Bars System - Genus Video and DSLR products

Thierry Humeau · March 2nd, 2011, 11:21 AM

I got Vocas's Pro Rail Support #0350-0600. Not cheap but it is superbly designed and manufactured I really like the double sliding plate and the latches. Very easy and quick to rebalanced. See pics here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/telecam...ilmsWVocasRig#

Thierry.

Timur Civan · March 2nd, 2011, 01:30 PM

I am gonna give a huge +1 to Zacuto.

Ive had my Universal baseplate since 2005 and it still works like new. Cant say that about any other piece of equipment ive owned, save 2 glass filters.

Ryan Hollings · March 2nd, 2011, 02:26 PM

I too am using the zacuto V3, works like a charm.

Jim Tittle · March 2nd, 2011, 02:34 PM

I spent some time looking at the Zacuto, but I don't think I'll buy one. For one thing, I'd like to have a better way of attaching the camera to the plate. Just one 1/4-20 screw and a locating pin seems pretty wimpy for a camera the size of the F3. Also, it seems like attaching and removing the camera is a bit awkward.

So, I'm still looking.

Timur Civan · March 3rd, 2011, 06:04 PM

There is only a 1/4 20 on the bottom of the F3.

Jim Tittle · March 3rd, 2011, 11:38 PM

I count 3 1/4-20 holes on the bottom of my F3. I'd like to be able to anchor to at least 2 of them.

Andrew Stone · March 4th, 2011, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Tittle

I spent some time looking at the Zacuto, but I don't think I'll buy one. For one thing, I'd like to have a better way of attaching the camera to the plate. Just one 1/4-20 screw and a locating pin seems pretty wimpy for a camera the size of the F3.

You can add or rather change out the 1/4" 20 screw with the pin to two 1/4 20 sliding screw plates on the top of the Zacuto. I've done it to mine. Here is the part (it doesn't show the bolts/screws but they are included:

Zacuto Universal Baseplate Camera T-Slide kit - Zacuto

You can also add another slide on the bottom of the baseplate.

I have been looking for a more versatile baseplate than the Zacuto but I haven't found one and I have looked and looked.

Jim Tittle · March 4th, 2011, 06:28 AM

That does look like it would help.

A local guy who makes parts for motion control rigs loaned me a prototype base plate last night. He's making it for the F3. It looks simple, adjustable and very solid. I'm going to try today.

Olof Ekbergh · March 4th, 2011, 04:48 PM

I make a number of baseplates and accessories for the rest of the EX line.

I want to make a perfect setup for the F3 as well. Strong base plate, wing for wireless receiver, arm for NanoFlash or similar setup and a shoulder brace.

Is there anyone in the NH area, that already has their F3. If so I would love to see what needs to be done and whoever does this will certainly get a free plate wing etc. I think my EX1 plate with a simple mod is going to be perfect.

I am also working on the ultimate adjustable rail system for these cameras.

If you are in New England and interested contact me.

603-383-9283
olof@westsideav.com

Alister Chapman · March 5th, 2011, 06:38 AM

Here is a picture of my current setup using Genus parts. I have a prototype Genus universal base plate and riser which fits many cameras including the F3. Genus rails, shoulder pad and hand grips from the DSLR shoulder mount. The follow focus is a Genus superior FF and the mate box is a 4x4 Wide.

Below the Genus riser I have a Genus GAP adapter that allows me to use a VCT-14 quick release plate on the tripod which is a Manfrotto 509 (fantastic mid weight head).

Jim Tittle · March 5th, 2011, 07:50 AM

Mattebox isn't attached to the rails? Any issues with that? Is that a 24-70mm zoom?

March 2nd, 2011, 06:45 AM	#1
Jim Tittle Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Saint Paul, MN Posts: 114	Baseplate Has anyone seen a good, cost-effective baseplate for the PMW-F3? I'll be using mine with a Genus mattebox. I'd like to find one that's stable, keeps the camera parallel to the rails, and goes on and off easily. And it would be nice if it didn't cost an arm and a leg. Any suggestions?

March 2nd, 2011, 10:03 AM	#2
Aaron Newsome Major Player Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Rancho Santa Margarita Posts: 590	Re: Baseplate Also looking for one.

March 2nd, 2011, 10:49 AM	#3
Alister Chapman Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bracknell, Berkshire, UK Posts: 4,957	Re: Baseplate Genus are doing one with rails built in. I'm getting a pre-production one at the weekend, I'll let you know what it's like. I'm probably going to use the Genus GAP adapter for the Sony VCT-14 quick tripod mount on mine. __________________ Alister Chapman, Film-Maker/Stormchaser http://www.xdcam-user.com/alisters-blog/ My XDCAM site and blog. http://www.hurricane-rig.com

March 2nd, 2011, 11:00 AM	#4
Henry Epstein Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Guayaquil, Ecuador Posts: 58	Re: Baseplate I will definitively go with the Zacuto Universal Baseplate V3. Zacuto certainly is the best, with lifetime warranty. My very personal option... Universal Baseplate, V3, includes 12-inch rods - Zacuto http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/587442-REG/Zacuto_Z_UB3_Z_UB3_Universal_Baseplate_Version.html Otherwise, this one looks nice and seems to be the cheapest one, made in India: PROAIM (RS-1) Rail system for Follow Focus Mattebox Dof 35mm adasony camera Cavision do also have some universal film plates with rods that should work: More Cavision Rods Support Systems http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/335969-REG/Cavision_RS_1525_RS_1525_Rod_Support_System.html http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/310694-REG/Cavision_RSPF_RSPF_Universal_Film_Plate.html ...and Genus, of course! Genus Advanced Adaptor Bars System - Genus Video and DSLR products

March 2nd, 2011, 11:21 AM	#5
Thierry Humeau Telecam Films Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Washington DC Posts: 723	Re: Baseplate I got Vocas's Pro Rail Support #0350-0600. Not cheap but it is superbly designed and manufactured I really like the double sliding plate and the latches. Very easy and quick to rebalanced. See pics here: https://picasaweb.google.com/telecam...ilmsWVocasRig# Thierry. __________________ Thierry Humeau, DoP Télécam Films www.telecamfilms.com

March 2nd, 2011, 01:30 PM	#6
Timur Civan Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: New York City Posts: 120	Re: Baseplate I am gonna give a huge +1 to Zacuto. Ive had my Universal baseplate since 2005 and it still works like new. Cant say that about any other piece of equipment ive owned, save 2 glass filters. __________________ Director of Photography - www.timurcivan.com Sony F3, Cooke lenses, sunny disposition.

March 2nd, 2011, 02:26 PM	#7
Ryan Hollings Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 118	Re: Baseplate I too am using the zacuto V3, works like a charm.

March 2nd, 2011, 02:34 PM	#8
Jim Tittle Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Saint Paul, MN Posts: 114	Re: Baseplate I spent some time looking at the Zacuto, but I don't think I'll buy one. For one thing, I'd like to have a better way of attaching the camera to the plate. Just one 1/4-20 screw and a locating pin seems pretty wimpy for a camera the size of the F3. Also, it seems like attaching and removing the camera is a bit awkward. So, I'm still looking.

March 3rd, 2011, 06:04 PM	#9
Timur Civan Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: New York City Posts: 120	Re: Baseplate There is only a 1/4 20 on the bottom of the F3. __________________ Director of Photography - www.timurcivan.com Sony F3, Cooke lenses, sunny disposition.

March 3rd, 2011, 11:38 PM	#10
Jim Tittle Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Saint Paul, MN Posts: 114	Re: Baseplate I count 3 1/4-20 holes on the bottom of my F3. I'd like to be able to anchor to at least 2 of them.

March 4th, 2011, 06:28 AM	#12
Jim Tittle Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Saint Paul, MN Posts: 114	Re: Baseplate That does look like it would help. A local guy who makes parts for motion control rigs loaned me a prototype base plate last night. He's making it for the F3. It looks simple, adjustable and very solid. I'm going to try today.

March 4th, 2011, 04:48 PM	#13
Olof Ekbergh Sponsor: Westside AV Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Mount Washington Valley, NH, USA Posts: 1,365	Re: Baseplate I make a number of baseplates and accessories for the rest of the EX line. I want to make a perfect setup for the F3 as well. Strong base plate, wing for wireless receiver, arm for NanoFlash or similar setup and a shoulder brace. Is there anyone in the NH area, that already has their F3. If so I would love to see what needs to be done and whoever does this will certainly get a free plate wing etc. I think my EX1 plate with a simple mod is going to be perfect. I am also working on the ultimate adjustable rail system for these cameras. If you are in New England and interested contact me. 603-383-9283 olof@westsideav.com __________________ Olof Ekbergh • olof@WestsideAV.com Westside A V Studios • http://www.WestsideAVstore.com/

March 5th, 2011, 06:38 AM	#14
Alister Chapman Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bracknell, Berkshire, UK Posts: 4,957	Re: Baseplate Here is a picture of my current setup using Genus parts. I have a prototype Genus universal base plate and riser which fits many cameras including the F3. Genus rails, shoulder pad and hand grips from the DSLR shoulder mount. The follow focus is a Genus superior FF and the mate box is a 4x4 Wide. Below the Genus riser I have a Genus GAP adapter that allows me to use a VCT-14 quick release plate on the tripod which is a Manfrotto 509 (fantastic mid weight head). Attached Thumbnails __________________ Alister Chapman, Film-Maker/Stormchaser http://www.xdcam-user.com/alisters-blog/ My XDCAM site and blog. http://www.hurricane-rig.com

March 5th, 2011, 07:50 AM	#15
Jim Tittle Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Saint Paul, MN Posts: 114	Re: Baseplate Mattebox isn't attached to the rails? Any issues with that? Is that a 24-70mm zoom?