Make your Sony FS5 a comfortable, ergonomic shoulder-mounted system with the Sony FS5 Z-Finder Recoil Rig from Zacuto. This kit bundles together a few essential pieces that will comprise a complete customizable rig for shooting. At the heart of the rig is the VCT Universal baseplate with a built-in curved shoulder pad. It also features a V-wedge tripod connection and removable 15mm rods for accessories. For enhanced operation, it has the FS5 Grip Relocator, which mounts to a 15mm rod and can be set at multiple angles and lengths. This includes a 13.5" LANC extension cable for keeping everything connected. An FS5 Top Plate fits around the camera's top handle and provides a side-facing 15mm rod and multiple mounting threads for accessories such as the included Z-Finder. This viewfinder can be flipped up when not in use and provides a crisp clear view of the screen when desired.
The Zacuto VCT Universal Baseplate features a built-in, curved shoulder pad, a V-lock plate, removable, 15mm LWS spring-loaded rod clamps with 1.6" of vertical adjustment, and rows of 1/4"-20 mounting threads along the sides for accessories. The contoured and cushioned shoulder cavity allows your camera to sit only three quarters of an inch above your shoulder, and you can mount the VCT Universal Baseplate to a tripod with a VCT14 QR plate. The shoulder pad is made of soft-gel polymer and a two-piece shoulder pad accounts for the natural slope in shoulder, and is designed to balance your camera on the operator's right shoulder only. The V-lock tripod connector also incorporates 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 threads for direct connection to your tripod quick release plate.
The spring-loaded rod clamps are set far back in the baseplate. This allows you to position your camera further back on the plate, thus keeping the balance point of your rig directly over your shoulder. The sliding track of the rod riser offers 0.87" of vertical adjustment. The riser can also be flipped to offer up to 1.57" of adjustment from the lowest point. The shoulder pad is set as far forward on the plate as possible in order to maximize your accessory capable rod area and help with balance. This baseplate is designed to provide balance and comfort for every camera.
The Rosette Grip Relocator from Zacuto is a useful extension arm designed to relocate the grip of the Sony FS5 or Panasonic VariCam LT to a more comfortable position for the user. The rosette adapter easily connects to the camera and grip via four included screws and a standard M6 screw, and does not interfere with the remounting or functionality of the FS5 grip.
The grip is fully articulating via an integrated ball joint which is controlled by a quick release lever. A Z-Mount Zwivel 2 has also been incorporated into the arm in order to accept standard 15mm rods which may be adjusted to the required angle. It is important to note that the Relocator does not contain any electronic connections, and a separately sold LANC extension cable is required in order to maintain functionality of the FS5 grip.
Offering the ability to seamlessly integrate accessories into the FS5 shooting workflow, the FS5 Top Plate from Zacuto comprises a dedicated plate with a built-in 15mm side-facing rod lock to permit attaching various 15mm rod accessories to the camera. Included with the top plate is a separate 3"-long 15mm rod for mounting accessories, such as the FS5's LCD with attached Z-Finder. Both sides of the top plate also incorporate one 3/8"-16 and five 1/4"-20 threaded mounts, as well as custom-sized screw holes for relocating the Sony cable holder and film plane marker.
The FS5 Z-Finder for Sony FS5 Camera from Zacuto is made specifically for the monitor that is included with the Sony FS5. It features a magnification factor of two, and a diopter adjustment wheel for tuning the finder to your eye. The flip-up frame slides onto the viewfinder and locks into place. When you want to flip the Z-Finder up and out of the way without removing it, you flip the red lever at the bottom of the frame. A custom-designed and built 40mm optic magnifies the camera's screen, and the rubber eyecup allows you to press your eye comfortably against the viewfinder for added stability when shooting handheld.
The two included extension frames are used when the diopter adjustment is insufficient for people who are farsighted, and can be used one at a time or together. The included mounting bracket positions the Z-Finder for shoulder-mounted shooting. This Z-Finder comes with a lens cap, sun mask, protective boot, and Z-Finder dust cover. Two included replaceable anti-fog disks, one of which comes installed, help prevent the optics from fogging up.