Renting Alexa, Basic Steadicam Accessories

[Tom Wills]

Nope, those are new bridge plates which are configured for the Alexa, but they're not bridge plate adapters. A BPA plate is a little wedge that mounts onto the camera and allows you to use legacy bridge plates on the Alexa. A BPA in essence gives you a flat bottom with 3/8" threads at the right place for any standard bridge plate. See picture here: http://www.vistek.ca/store/ProVideoLightingComponents/261486/arri-lighting-bridge-plate-adapter-bpa2.aspx

 

The Cinematic Precision plate (which looks fantastic, by the way) requires something like a BPA, since it doesn't have the raised portion on the plate itself.

 

Hope that helps.

[Janice Arthur]

Hi all;

 

I would add that IF you are going to rely on rented accessories, then what you really need to buy is the specific power cable to your sled. Preston to X sled power cable; Bartech to X sled power, simple, and cheap and will make renting a reasonable option.

 

I would not rely on the rental house selection of P-tap or 4pin XLR which are both not the best options.

 

I have a few people who rent some parts from me and that's the deal so that when they have a need its not a firedrill to make this shoot happen for them.

 

(No one, including the renter, has time for any of that stuff the day before a shoot.)

 

JA

[Charles Papert]

With Steadicam package rental rates on the dwindle, it's time to get creative, peeps. Years ago I started getting my Preston on as part of the camera package, so it lived with whatever camera I was working with as the full-time FIZ. Additional rental, anywhere between 500-800 a week. Yes, more wear and tear, but it can really add up to a lot of extra income. A lot of shows are using transmitters now full-time so that's another way to get in there. You may have to go head-to-head against the AC's who may well be trying to do the same thing.

 

On the specific issue of owning Alexa plates: it's the age-old dilemma that is particularly an issue in smaller markets. Rental houses don't have the right parts, and who wants to buy more stuff. However, ending up with vibration in your shots may just lose you a job (or the next job) so keep that in mind when considering the price of an Alexa baseplate.

 

Anyone want to buy my Hill Arri 3/SR low mode bracket? didn't think so, haha.

[Benjamin Treplin]

The Cinematic Precision plate works with the Alexa Studio, Alexa with Bridge Plate Adapter "BPA-1", Wedge Adapter "WA-1" and adapters like the one Matthias Biber built.

One plate that works with all Alexa bodies. Sal was kind enough to listen to my input and redesign for the Alexa Studio. It saved me several times.

[Twojay Dhillon]

I didn't know that Cinematic Precision sold Bridge Plate Adapters as well. Do you have a link?

 

http://www.arri.com/..._and_bp_13.html

Should this be a sufficient replacement to the BPA-1? I think that this is just an updated version of the BPA-1, to allow the use of the Alexa shoulder pad.

 

 

Just ask Sal Sr. when you call down there. He has them; They're an un-listed item for now.