Base Mounting Questions....

[Brian Broz]

Hi,
I'm not sure if I'm the only one needing clarification, but can someone help with sorting out the Red base options? I know most will be ordering the Red base production pack as it's a good value, but is obviously not ideal for compact or run-and gun video type shoots.

Assuming one is to order the production pack, but would also like a superlight setup for travel...it looks like the tripod quick release plate mount directly to the camera, but may have limited fore/aft sliding capability for balance (depending on the head)?

Secondly, if one is using a clip-on mattebox and doesn't need rods or a follow focus for the lightweight setup, what is the reccomended most solid mounting base (with little or "no" play)? I know the Element Technica Arri base is a good solution, but if you don't need rods, and use a clip-on mattebox is the added expense really necessary?

Lastly (for now:-) I've heard people say that mounting the camera to the Red bottom plate/shoulder dovetail base has some play...which is not good. I'm having trouble figuring how some people's suggestions of using the cheezeplate fit's into this situation.

Coming from a video background where the camera manufacturer's plastic tripod adapter plates have a lot of play...I can appreciate the need for something solid! But for those out there who don't need a huge arri compatible interface with big steel rods I was hoping for suggestions.

Thanks for any help. I've searched and read but still a bit unclear.
Cheers,

[SF Geek]

It's not really a run and gun camera. You're going to need rods to mount your batteries or Red drive. The red bottom plate+shoulder dovetail is not a stable setup for mounting on a tripod. The cheese plate is too much work because you have to take off the bottom plate to put that on, and then put the bottom plate back on the camera. The base production pack is worth it just for the cradle, top mount, universal mount and handle. If you're not using rods on the bottom, you'll need an additional top mount. Also, buy all of your rods from element technica and make sure you get the ultra rods. They're awesome.

[Bill Goehring]

Hi,
I've heard people say that mounting the camera to the Red bottom plate/shoulder dovetail base has some play...which is not good. I'm having trouble figuring how some people's suggestions of using the cheezeplate fit's into this situation.

Coming from a video background where the camera manufacturer's plastic tripod adapter plates have a lot of play...I can appreciate the need for something solid!

I received the majority of my RED ONE package recently and today I returned my dovetail and baseplate (express paid by RED) with hopes that my rep can come up with samples that are a more solid combo.

The connection seems solid enough just holding the parts in your hands, but once the camera is mounted, the left-to-right wobble is obvious.

The problem seems to be with the dovetail locking mechanism. A hard plastic peg, surrounded by a softer plastic rectangle, rise from below flush to above flush as the dovetail lever on back is locked to secure it in one of many holes on the bottom plate.

I've considered several of the plates I've used with video cameras over the years to be kind of loosey-goosey, so I probably could have been convinced that it was usable, if it were like that. Unfortunately, it was quite a bit looser than that.

It appears that the upward pressure applied by the dovetail lever to the plastic rectangle to solidify the connection raises the camera a fraction of a millimeter only over the rectangle, leaving the camera to totter left and right within the dovetail connection. I think this would be fine if the rectangle was as wide as the dovetail groove...but it isn't.

I wonder if this oversight might lead to a redesign.

The top of the cheeseplate is screwed to the bottom of the baseplate within the groove on the baseplate, just like the dovetail plate does, but the cheeseplate is a little narrower than the dovetail so the dovetail groove does not obstruct it. The bottom of the cheeseplate then screws into the quick mount, and you're good to go, except that you can't quickly pull it off the tripod and onto your shoulder like you could with the dovetail plate, although you can quickly dis-/mount the camera from the tripod.

The cheeseplate is a viable option for quickplate mounting, and, if you're running lean and mean, you can mount the quickplate directly to the bottom of the camera.

Also, I think the shoulder dovetail locking mechanism is an accident waiting to happen. There is no safety lock on it and too little pressure is required to disengage it, potentially sending the camera slip-sliding away. This assembly should only be used as is if really necessary; otherwise, I think you're taking undo risk with your investment and liability.

Of course, the first solution that comes to mind is gaff tape.

[Finner]

Element Technica is the best red accessory choice you can make. Although Brian from the camera you are describing it does not sound like a red would be a good choice to meet those needs.

[Brian Broz]

Sorry...I should clarify. By "run and gun" I mean more of an Arri SR 16/S16 type setup where the camera op will be pulling focus (i realize this may not be easy) as we shoot alot of adventure sports here and keeping the size down will definitely make a difference.

I realize rods are required to mount the battery and red drive, but from what I've seen I'd prefer to mount these on the top rods in a compact configuration.

Of course every shoot is different, but I'm asking about a lightweight setup as an alternate to carrying an extra 5-8lbs of unnecessary weight (steel rods, drive cradle, etc from prodn pack) when shooting in the mountains, running around the city catching b-roll etc.

I'm not sure why I'm having such a hard time visualizing what accessories are required as to not miss anything! Any time I've ordered Chrosziel or Arri in the past they've had line art schematics to help figure things out...to make sure you aren't missing anything!

Finner, thanks for the video review. ET stuff looks great but having trouble find any information on dovetails, rods options etc. on their website...unless we're missing something here?!

Funny thing is that I'm asking for several people in Vancouver who have asked me the same question. At least 5 reservation holders who have cameras coming soon, and are trying to figure out a standard and compact setup....

[Bill Goehring]

I realize rods are required to mount the battery and red drive, but from what I've seen I'd prefer to mount these on the top rods in a compact configuration.


Not true. The rods are not necessarily required to mount the battery and/or red drive.

If you're wanting to go as light weight as possible, yet use the typical follow focus on rods, you can probably get by with only the bottom rods.

Either the quick plate or the cradle can be attached to a top mount on back. LCD or EVF can be mounted to a front top mount as well as the top handle. The mic can be mounted from the top handle.

[Matt Uhry]

The camera does have 2 3/8-16 holes on the bottom if you want to go really minimalist.... Element has a top rod / cheeseplate set that you can mount your battery plate directly on. ( see redmodz.com )

Get in touch with ET and tell them what you are looking for. I think they could help you out. If you are willing to spend some cash you can have them or one of their partners build you some slick custom stuff.

Matt Uhry
www.mattuhry.com

[Brian Broz]

Thanks guys. Found some good info/pictures at www.redmodz.com (hope that's ok to post) but not alot of info yet on the Element Technica gear...sounds like they're busy developing products right now.