If you’re a Sony FS5 user looking to rig up your camera, you may have come across my review of the SmallRig FS5 Kit when looking for potential solutions. Check out this small redesign that the company have done to their SmallRig FS5 Baseplate since then. Available on its own or as part of a larger accessory kit, the SmallRig Sony FS5 Baseplate could prove to be a key part of your rig. It features standard ARRI rosettes at either side to accommodate handles or other accessories, as well as standard 15mm rod slots. All of this is presented in a light and compact package specifically made to match the footprint of the Sony FS5. However, a potential design flaw on the bottom of the original SmallRig Sony FS5 Baseplate was the distribution of the screw holes to mount a tripod quick release plate. Depending on the kind of plate — but especially with the shorter kind — you could find that it could end up way too far back. This would make the setup of a camera that already tends to be somewhat front heavy when used with larger lenses even more so. This becomes particularly evident when setting the camera down on a flat surface, especially as the rounded front of the baseplate follows the contour of the rosettes and is therefore quite prone to tipping on its nose. A long QR plate solves the problem… But what if you use short ones? I mentioned this potential problem on my original review, and SmallRig were quick to respond. They have upgraded the SmallRig FS5 Baseplate by placing another block across the bottom, splitting the slot for the camera screws into two sections, and thus gaining another 1/4” 20 mounting point further towards the front. This now allows you to use it along with the existing screw holes for a wider variety of placement possibilities when attaching a QR plate. New SmallRig FS5 Baseplate on the right. Notice the extra mounting point for QR plates. Granted, this is not the most revolutionary of updates to a product, but it does show that SmallRig listens to its users. This kind of quick response is very nice to see from a company that brings out bespoke products for new camera models almost as soon as they hit the market and at a very competitive price. Remember, SmallRig also offer the opportunity to share your own ideas and co-design new products with them, with the opportunity for a free sample if the your idea is adopted. Do you use any SmallRig products? How do you think they stack up against the competition? Let us know in the comments below!

The F&V panel locking system is being updated with a quick release solution, and existing customers get the new frame for free! F&V customers will be pleased to hear that the panel clip system is being replaced with a more reliable quick release that brings diffusers, honeycombs and barn doors closer to the light source, with an easier to use detachable clip. Best of all, the new system will work with all existing light models! The new clip system is much more reliable, securely holding the frames onto the light panel. It also means the risk of losing parts is reduced as the clips and corners are secured directly to the units. The diffuser has been optimized for a softer, evenly lit light source, and by minimizing the distance between the frame and the light, there is also less spill. Empty frames with the quick release holes can also be used to attach barn doors to the light, for a shaped and more direct beam of light too. The new corners of the frame and diffuser will be available to existing customers for free, simply register your product and check up on the F&V Facebook page for when they will be released. All you’ll need to cover is the shipping costs. The F&V F4000 and Z4000 lights are available to purchase from CVP from €383.55 + VAT.

Edelkrone has come up with a very clever quick release system for camera accessories and grip. The QuickRelease ONE attaches to your small camera and offers a lever based system that attaches to any 1/4″ 20 thread in seconds. What’s more universal than a 1/4″ 20 thread in filmmaking? Pretty much every tripod plate, piece of grip or accessory adheres to the format. The Edelkrone QuickRelease ONE takes advantage of the wide spread use of a single-sized thread, mounting to the existing point of your small DSLR or mirrorless camera and simply clamping down to any 1/4″ 20 thread via quick release lever. The result is a migration from any piece of camera equipment to another in a matter of seconds. I have a similar system by using camera grip that uses the same sized plate and adaptors, but Edelkrones offering negates the need to invest in updating all pieces of camera kit to a single plate. What is doesn’t do (that camera plates can offer) is provide two points of contact to the base of a camera and its plate. Users of conventional & larger sized cameras will miss this, plus it’s also likely one of the reasons why the Edelkrone QuickRelease ONE has a maximum payload of 3kg. Users of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras however will only be familiar with single point of contact threads therefore won’t be affected. We’re very keen to check out the Edelkrone QuickRelease ONE first hand and test the rigidity versus a standard screw/thread fitment. It will no doubt save a huge amount of time on set with small camera setups.  

With NAB just around the corner, lots of manufacturers quieten right down with news, waiting for the doors of Las Vegas Convention Centre to open before unveiling new releases. Some however offer sneak peaks and Wooden Cameras new NATO Lock systems have caught my eye. A very small announcement (both in the physical and relative sense), but one that tackles a very important and often overlooked issue that us filmmakers endure; attaching accessories to cameras by the way of screws and threads. It’s something we go through on a daily basis, accessory A attaches to accessory B by the point of a 1/4″ or 3/8″ thread. As filmmakers we master the art of spinning our monitors round in circles, slowing down just at the right time to release the magic arms screw from connecting thread. It’s actually a complete pain in the backside. Compact rigs leaves little room to unthread accessories, it takes time and can be dangerous if you’re not careful. Quick release is your friend, Zacuto had a light bulb moment when shifting over to levers and 15mm studs. The system is faster, safer sturdier than screw to thread. However it hasn’t had quite the knock on effect I certainly would’ve liked. Only until only now has another manufacture come up with a different quick release option. Wooden Camera uses the NATO rail throughout their systems, so it’s no surprise seeing it again here. And usefully so as it means wide spread compatibility with all WoodenCamera accessories as well as some other manufacturers. The ultra short NATO rails and clamps connect between your accessories by the form of 1/4″ or 3/8″ thread and counter sunk screws. This gives you a quick release mount between camera and accessory. The new releases from Wooden Camera include a NATO lock Magic Arm, NATO Lock Ball Head and NATO Lock GoPro Kit meaning you can pretty much assign all accessories with a quick release mate. Comparing to the Zacuto 15mm stud system, it has the ability to be more widely used throughout other accessories, as the length of the rail is up to user, as well as slightly slimmer profile when comparing both quick release components. I’ll update with purchase links when they become available. If you’re attending NAB be sure to check out Wooden Camera at booth C9948.

Infinity Arm is a versatile, heavy duty magic arm. Its interchangeable ball joint allows a selection of mounting options as well as a quick release system for switching between applications. The Infinity Arm surfaced on a few blogs earlier in the month, but with the Kickstarter still in mid flow and their target not yet reached, I thought it was worth bringing to the attention of anyone whom hasn’t yet seen it. The form factor of a magic arm is fantastic, they enable you to get a variety of accessories/cameras to where you want them, quickly and with the turn of just a single knob. However, they’re limited in application due to the payload they usually carry. The Infinity Arm is made of high strength aluminium, utilizing a rosette joint to enable a sturdy lock. Check out the stress test below: Whilst it currently has no official payload figures, you can see from the above video it’ll take over 10lbs. A couple of these at either ends of your setup would be a great solution for those hard to reach, unique camera positions. In addition, the current prototype measure 8.5″ long without joint tips. A nice feature is the interchangeable ball joints. when loose, you can quickly change out the joints of the Infinity Arm, meaning you can switch between setups very quickly (as long as you have pre-mounted ball joints on other aspects of your setup), as well as alter the size or type of the thread. Infinity Arm currently offer a 1/4″-20 male thread, cold shoe and GoPro mount. (Future mounts will include: custom clamp, 3/8″, baby pin, female 1/4″-20 and 3/8″ with more to come). I’d like to see 15mm rod added to this list, which would match up nicely with Zacutos Zamerican accessories. $159 would start you off with an Infinity Arm package, although pledges start much lower if you’re just looking to help the project along. Check out the Kickstarter page for more information on rewards.