modified Manfrotto Element with befree fluid head update 5/3

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Leon Benzakein

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modified Manfrotto Element with befree fluid head update 5/3

PostSun Apr 22, 2018 4:55 pm

This is a post in reply to Rick Lang started here
viewtopic.php?f=2&p=405756#p405756
You are absolutely on the right track.
I have just put together a travel Manfrotto tripod that should work well with the Pocket 4K.
I will have to wait and see if the weight factor of a long lens will be an issue.
The tripod comes with a ballhead but I have replaced it with a Manfrotto befree live fluid head.
One of the legs screws off to be used as a monopod. The head can be transferred to the monopod.
I have found that if I replace the riser column with a 3/8 inch coupler, I can have the camera way down on the ground working as if on a high hat.
I am blown away by the versatility of the tripod.

UPDATE 5/3/18
I had the chance to try the BMPCC4K with Sigma 18-35 lens on my modified Manfrotto travel tripod.

The head could take the weight comfortably but the plate is not long enough to be able to get the optimum balance point for a zoom lens.
I have a solution for this that involves an Arca Swiss setup that I still need to test and I am waiting for a part to arrive.
Will post when it arrives towards end of May, way before September when the camera hits the market.

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Last edited by Leon Benzakein on Thu May 03, 2018 6:26 pm, edited 4 times in total.
Television: Lighting/Cameraman, O.B. Camera Operator, Experience in EFP, EPG and ENG , Grip, Lamp Operator
Film: Grip, Lamp Operator
Theater: Lighting Designer, Light board Operator, Stage Electrician, Stage Management
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Leon Benzakein

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Re: modified Manfrotto Element with befree fluid head

PostSun Apr 22, 2018 4:56 pm

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Television: Lighting/Cameraman, O.B. Camera Operator, Experience in EFP, EPG and ENG , Grip, Lamp Operator
Film: Grip, Lamp Operator
Theater: Lighting Designer, Light board Operator, Stage Electrician, Stage Management
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Leon Benzakein

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Re: modified Manfrotto Element with befree fluid head

PostSun Apr 22, 2018 4:57 pm

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Television: Lighting/Cameraman, O.B. Camera Operator, Experience in EFP, EPG and ENG , Grip, Lamp Operator
Film: Grip, Lamp Operator
Theater: Lighting Designer, Light board Operator, Stage Electrician, Stage Management
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Leon Benzakein

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Re: modified Manfrotto Element with befree fluid head

PostSun Apr 22, 2018 5:00 pm

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Last edited by Leon Benzakein on Sun Apr 22, 2018 5:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Television: Lighting/Cameraman, O.B. Camera Operator, Experience in EFP, EPG and ENG , Grip, Lamp Operator
Film: Grip, Lamp Operator
Theater: Lighting Designer, Light board Operator, Stage Electrician, Stage Management
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Leon Benzakein

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Re: modified Manfrotto Element with befree fluid head update

PostSun May 06, 2018 5:34 pm

The part arrived sooner than expected.

This is my solution for positioning the camera with zoom lens when using Manfrotto Befree live fluid head to get a good center of gravity.

Arca Swiss clamp
Arca Swiss plate
Manfrotto plate that comes with head.

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Television: Lighting/Cameraman, O.B. Camera Operator, Experience in EFP, EPG and ENG , Grip, Lamp Operator
Film: Grip, Lamp Operator
Theater: Lighting Designer, Light board Operator, Stage Electrician, Stage Management
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rick.lang

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Re: modified Manfrotto Element with befree fluid head update

PostMon May 07, 2018 1:09 am

Thanks for all those detailed shots! Having the camera supported so low to the ground is a great option to have. Have you put a camera on those sticks? It looks very portable and flexible. Do you get the stability you want when the legs are extended with a DSLR and lens that will be comparable in weight and size to the Pocket 4K with a Cine lens?


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Rick Lang
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Leon Benzakein

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Re: modified Manfrotto Element with befree fluid head update

PostMon May 07, 2018 2:02 pm

rick.lang wrote: Do you get the stability you want when the legs are extended with a DSLR and lens that will be comparable in weight and size to the Pocket 4K with a Cine lens?


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Now that I have the parts I will do some tests.
The primary attraction of this setup is the portability and versatility. With that comes compromise.
Having the right tool for the job is always key and what we strive for.

Here is the next episode in the saga.

Television: Lighting/Cameraman, O.B. Camera Operator, Experience in EFP, EPG and ENG , Grip, Lamp Operator
Film: Grip, Lamp Operator
Theater: Lighting Designer, Light board Operator, Stage Electrician, Stage Management

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