Right angle power and camera cable connectors on MDR2 ??

[Robert Starling SOC]

I just purchased an HU3 / MDR2 / DM1x / DM2 system from Preston last week and have a question about the power / camera run start connectors at the MDR2.

 

For my motor side of the MDR2 I bought motor cables with right angle connectors on both ends (plus one extra with a RA and straight on one end)

 

I didn't think about it though and ended up ordering my power and camera run / start cables with straight connectors.. duh and didn't realize the issue until I set it up to test on my rig today.

 

My instinct says I need and should have right angle connectors on both sides of the MDR2 so I plan to call Preston for an exchange (hopefully). Any reason I should NOT have all right angles at the MDR2 other than have a few straight backups? With the straight connectors and stiffer Preston cables they loop out quite a bit more than I would like.

 

Thanks!

[Lawrence Karman]

Robert, congrats on your purchase. I have a rt angle MDR power cable Lemo to a straight PRO focus connector Lemo. Works well for me. My camera run cable Lemo's are all straight at the MDR end. The other end is optional; nice to have a rt angle for Panavision since the connector sticks out near my head. At the very least get rid of the strain relief at the camera end. Preston will make it for you any way you want. I think my Genesis plug is also rt angle. Most other camera have plugs that come off the back. As for video, I don't think Hirose comes in rt angle or is necessary. As for the RED you have to be careful about rt angle Lemo's because of the way the connectors are keyed on the camera body.

[Alfeo Dixon SOC]

Hey Robert,

 

The only other reason I've come across is that you'll be limited to one side when splapping the MDR2 on the side of the camera for handheld or studio work. Not too much of an issue, but then your cables are coming out towards you. I've not had any issues with any other cameras, not too much PV work my way, but RED, ARRI, MvCam, Panasonic & Sony jobs have no issues using the straights. In fact, my last HPX3000 job I liked to put the right angled motor cables going into the camera body just pass the curved area on the body near the front so as not to stick out.

 

-Alfeo