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Fotga Rail Support
  • qwerty123qwerty123
    Does anybody have experience with this Fotga Rail Rod support system? (I have a mattebox and follow focus I'd like to use, but need some support for it.)

    Pics:

    Photobucket

    Photobucket



    **Available at:**

    http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l2736&_nkw=FOTGA+DP500+support
  • 31 Replies sorted by
  • JohnTollwannabeJohnTollwannabe

    @Sangye Good to know! Thanks. :)

    Can you easily add a third-party camera platform to the non-quick release version of the Fotga as listed above? Are the bracket screw holes spaced at a standard distance?

    One of the reasons I ask is that the Acratech 2173 anti-twist quick release plate is perfect for the GH2. The only problem is that it's an arca-swiss type design, which requires a small arca-swiss QR clamp.

    Since the GH2 is so popular amongst the indie DSLR community, you'd think there would be more choices for relatively inexpensive designer anti-twist rig plates and clamps that would fit a variety of 15mm rod brackets!

  • SangyeSangye

    @JohnTollwannabe

    The Fotga quick release plate actually grips the GH2 pretty well. I've never had an issue with camera twisting on the Fotga, even when pulling my follow focus past the end of the focus range.

  • JohnTollwannabeJohnTollwannabe

    @Strangways looking forward to your solution!

    Anyone else modding their Fotga rig's camera bracket so as to add a GH2 anti-twist solution for safe and effective follow focus usage?

  • StrangwaysStrangways

    I got my rail support without the quick release platform, and have recently ordered a separate quick release platform (the actual Fotga one intended for the unit) and will look into modifying it with some sort of anti-twist solution. If I find something that works well, I'll post it here.

  • JohnTollwannabeJohnTollwannabe

    Would this Fotga rail system work with an anti-twist quick release plate (with or without HDMI bracket) for the GH2 since the supplied Fotga plate is attached by screws, because the camera has no extra support pin hole (thank you Panasonic for this stupid design oversight)?

    Anyone do this mod for their GH2 using this rail system or one similarly constructed? If I get a follow focus, I don't want the camera body to twist or flex/torque and possibly get damaged and end up with wobbly video.

  • StrangwaysStrangways

    There are some photos showing a nice dual-point lens support setup here:

    http://provideocoalition.com/index.php/aadams/story/cameras_food_fights_with_the_fs700/

    http://provideocoalition.com/index.php/awilt/story/an_nex-fs700_amuse-bouche/

  • peternappeternap

    I got mine also and yes, it's a little heavy but that's because it's just built sturdier. I was so impressed with it, I decided to get a Fotga follow focus also.

  • Brian_SianoBrian_Siano

    I just received mine-- a rail system and follow-focus. Very nice piece of equipment. Now, if my tripod head could hold it more stably, I'd be very happy. Time to shop again...

  • peternappeternap

    I went ahead and bought the rail system for my 2nd GH2.

    http://www.amazon.com/BestDealUSA-Fotga-DP500-Support-System/dp/B008KU872K/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1342544301&sr=8-3&keywords=Fotga

    I'm not worried about the weight. I need the exercise.

  • SangyeSangye

    I bought the Fotga baseplate, and it's great. Very solid construction, adjustable, and a nice quick release system. I only have two complaints after using it for three months: it is heavy, and the quick release seems to be a few millimeters wider than the quick release on my Ravelli tripod. I can still force it into the tripod mount, but it's not smooth at all. Of course this is only an issue when I want to disconnect the camera from my cage rig and mount it directly to the tripod, which I rarely do.

  • peternappeternap

    @qwerty123 I found the Fotga for a couple of dollars less. Now I just have to decide if I need another set of rails.

  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    @qwerty123

    Both look like good entry level bases.

  • qwerty123qwerty123

    Ha. :)

    Vitaliy, what do you think about this fotga in relation to the new small / cool $62 rig you posted about a few days ago?

    The Fotga currently sells for $64.28 including shipping. Seems to be a bit bulkier with longer rails: http://www.ebay.com/itm/FOTGA-DP500-DSLR-15mm-Rail-Rod-Support-System-For-Matte-Box-Canon-5D-Mark-II-/130729108529?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e700fe431

  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    @Brian_Siano

    Do not worry, they are threaded :-)

  • Brian_SianoBrian_Siano

    Thanks. I saw the holes, but didn't see any threading.

  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    How can one mount this to a tripod? I don't see a standard tripod-screw threaded mount: just a plate with holes.

    If you look at photos, you'll see two 1/4" threaded holes and two 3/8" holes. Pretty enough for any tripod.

  • Brian_SianoBrian_Siano

    How can one mount this to a tripod? I don't see a standard tripod-screw threaded mount: just a plate with holes.

  • mrbillmrbill

    If you follow my link, you'll get to the seller's shop, where there are photos of everything. I bought 2 sets of 15mm rails, a shoulder pad, a z-shift clamp to join the 2 sets of rails, and a couple of handles - already had a fotga dslr baseplate and follow focus. VK's post on rig parts will show you where to go if this guy doesn't stock it.

  • qwerty123qwerty123

    @mrbill can you show some pics of the Fotga setup with handles and a shoulder pad and / or the rig you use? Thanks!

  • mrbillmrbill
    Interesting. Cheap they may be, but the stuff is pretty well made
  • allenswrenchallenswrench
    Still looks very good with free shipping everywhere...
    @Vitaly Almost a year ago you mentioned very good carbon rods and I can´t find this thread now, can you please repost the linkfor it, or maybe you have some better ones now :)
    I remember they were sturdy and the site had this video where they don´t even bend under extreme pressure
  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev
    >The Catclaw components option looks decent.

    No such thing as "Catclaw components " exist.
    This is just cheapest Chinese produced components from different factories.
    Made for this small seller.
  • qwerty123qwerty123
    Thanks all, useful information! The Catclaw components option looks decent.
  • Mr_MooreMr_Moore
    I have their rail support system plus a follow focus, quick release plate, and lens support. Excellent build quality. All metal (no plastic parts). The follow focus gearbox could have a tiny bit less play (but then it wouldn’t have any play at all and cost as much as the whole system).

    I’m actually considering getting their matte box, but haven’t found any reviews of it yet. I might take the plunge and purchase it myself at some point.

    I sometimes use it with a monopod folded all the way resting on my shoulder, and it creates a decent makeshift alternative to a fully fledged shoulder-mount system.

    @mrbill Thanks for the heads up for Catclaw components. Looks interesting.
  • mrbillmrbill
    I use mine regularly with a shoulder rig made from catclaw components.

    http://stores.ebay.co.uk/orpheus-c?_rdc=1
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