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Baseplate Suggestions


Emily St. Pierre

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I'm looking into a cheap back up option for a Baseplate with a rod support system that is compatible with a Steadicam Archer Dovetail plate. It would be for the volunteer small indie productions that i'm doing to gain experience and skill.

 

Anyone have any suggestions on what I should go for that isn't super expensive. I've been looking into this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/841127-REG/Zacuto_Z_CGB_GORILLA_BASEPLT_f_C300_SCRLET_EPIC_CAM.html

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Hi Emily - I picked up the Zacuto Universal a while ago when they dropped the price:

 

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

 

Looks like they have a new one about to be released at closer to $600.

 

Anyway, it's a bit more cash but pretty bombproof. I also had a semi-stripped clamping lever on it and their support was excellent, mailing out a replacement one the next day.

 

I'm a fan of Zacuto and would buy again.

 

Good luck!

Chris

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If you're looking for really, really affordable solutions you might want to check this out:

 

Cheeseplate Base

 

THE GOOD: Cheap (60 bucks). Very Solid. Small. Fits 15mm rails. Cheeseplate set up, lots of threaded holes. Has some forward and aft adjustments. Fits DSLR's and smaller cameras like the fs-100/700 and C100/300, AF-100.

 

THE BAD: No vertical adjustments for rail clamps. Plastic knobs, washers (metal screws, tho). Small/short footprint. Shipped from Hong Kong, so I'm not sure how long it would take to get to you...

 

I have one, and it's pretty solid. I used it for about a year on my shop's fs-700, and it worked fine. Never stripped any threads, or busted any screws. As for support, well...don't expect any, it costs 60 bucks. the company who makes this also makes a lot of handy little doodads, which you can find in their eBay store, most of which is of middling quality, but extremely affordable.

 

Here's a version with the vertical rail adjustments: Cheeseplate with Vertical Adjustment

 

 

Looks kinda tall, tho...maybe too tall? I don't know. Hope this helps!

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  • 4 weeks later...
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Hi Emily, I like the option that Beau suggested. Here is one that I like:

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/15mm-Rod-Support-Dovetail-Quick-Release-Base-plate-fr-Rail-DSLR-Rig-Follow-Focus-/271366879743?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f2eb9f9ff

 

It's half the cost of the Zacuto and has adjustable height Rods and a Quick Release Plate. It is going to put the center of gravity of the camera relatively high which could be an issue when balancing but I think it will work fine.

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