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Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Sun Aug 26, 2018 6:51 pm
by rick.lang
For those times when your Pocket4K won’t be truly handheld, we need to consider the options for rigging the BMPCC4K.

Here’s 8Sinn, a manufacturer from Poland that already offers items for rigging the camera including cages, handles, and various supports:

http://www.8sinn.com/index.php/products ... orpio.html

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Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Sun Aug 26, 2018 7:01 pm
by Denny Smith
SmallRig is also developing a PC4K Cage, both full and half style. I am holding out to see what Wooden Camera comes up with.
Cheers

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 12:55 am
by Chris Leutger
I'll probably get the Small Rig one. I have their cage for the original pocket and it's served me well. I had lost a screw for the handle and they were super helpful getting me a new one. Nice to see people getting ready for this. I can't see using these cameras handheld. If I want to do that I'll get a gimbal.

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 1:53 am
by rick.lang
I was impressed to see the photo on the 8Sinn site of the Canon CN-E 24mm prime with its outside diameter of 114mm mounted on the not-quite-a-pocket BMPCC4K. Here is was afraid I’d look stupid putting on the SLR Magic APO primes with outside diameter of 95mm. Now I can’t deny I may be stupid, but at least it won’t be because of a mismatch of a lens and a body. That Pocket is a beefy looking camera that obviously works out in the gym three nights a week. It’s going to handle those APO primes like they are a match made in Heaven.


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Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 4:31 pm
by Denny Smith
If I get a PC4K, I will be putting my PL Zoom on it, it has a 114mm front. But the Duclos 11-16 is more likely to live on it, which is 77/80mm with the option for 114mm, via a Duclos step up ring. Or my PL 12-60mm, which also has a modified front to 77/80mm. So Rick, your 95mm SLRs are going to look just right, in between the standard 77/80mm and the larger 114mm. Anyway, your matte box is going to hide this.
Cheers

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 4:50 pm
by rr-aws
I'm partial to Tilta products for support cages -- and I've reached out to them and have informed me they are currently working on a cage for the BMPCC4K.

I do really like the way both the 8sinn and SmallRig cages look as well, so I'll probably wait since my pre-order is estimated to ship not until early October from B&H.

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 5:41 am
by rick.lang
I believe the Tokina Cine-ATX 11-20mm T3 will also have a 114mm outside dimension. As William Shatner would say of Amazon, “This is big, real big.”


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Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Thu Aug 30, 2018 4:11 am
by rick.lang
There are so many rigging options I hope I can figure this out without having to make a trip to Vancouver to see how the pieces work together. It was easier rigging the URSA Mini due to the shoulder kit including the interface for the VCT-14 quick release plate.


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Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Thu Aug 30, 2018 4:13 am
by Alex Garland
Any chance this camera will work on the new Ronin S?

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Thu Aug 30, 2018 5:20 am
by rick.lang
It fits, so that’s a start!


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Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Sun Sep 02, 2018 3:31 am
by michaeldhead

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Mon Sep 03, 2018 4:40 am
by rick.lang
4 hours gets a “like!”


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Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Fri Sep 07, 2018 4:52 am
by rick.lang
I hope to find out tomorrow if my budget can manage the Wise Portable SSD that will be shown at IBC2018. In another week it will all be public knowledge but I’m trying to jump ahead in the improbable situation that I get this camera in another week and I need all my ducks lined up. I believe that may handle 4K 60 fps so that’s a good tool to have in the kit.


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Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Fri Sep 07, 2018 5:03 am
by Denny Smith
Yes it is...
Cheers

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Fri Sep 07, 2018 7:08 pm
by AdrianSierkowski
What I really need is some kind of cage with an integrated 15mm studio (preferably) rods system which can go all the way through for, say 18" rods. I always worry when it's two separate "adjustable" units that it won't line up properly.
I suppose could do 15mm lightweight as well; however, the between rod spacing is often problematic for things.
Also needs to have a way to lock a PL mount onto it, or some kind of locking EF Mount (e.g. RED/Arri) for proper lenses.

So far there seem to be no options. Also on the want is a battery plate, gold mount, with cable out to the DC-In (-v- using a dummy battery, so I can keep a LP inside for hot-swap) as well as a small hot-swap power so when I inevitably do use the pocket in a studio setting I don't have to cycle power to all the accessories.

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Fri Sep 07, 2018 9:16 pm
by rick.lang
BMD sells the right D-tap to 2-pin power cable so you can hang a large V-mount or Gold Mount battery.


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Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Fri Sep 07, 2018 11:29 pm
by AdrianSierkowski
rick.lang wrote:BMD sells the right D-tap to 2-pin power cable so you can hang a large V-mount or Gold Mount battery.


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Workable; though I'd much rather have it off of the plate to keep a Ptap free (though of course, often will need a PTap splitter anyway)

Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Fri Sep 07, 2018 11:34 pm
by rick.lang
Yes, I’m planning to go with the D-tap from the Cinegears 270WH battery, not my BMD battery plate D-tap since that is wedded to the URSA Mini 4.6K. The battery plate is regulated 12V, and the battery D-Tap may not be regulated.

The battery voltage never goes over 16V and usually runs from about 15-12V so I think I’m safe.

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Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Sat Sep 08, 2018 1:25 am
by Denny Smith
Some V mount camera batteries can go from 17.5 to 12VDC, at 12VDC, the battery is considered going flat.
Cheers

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Sat Sep 08, 2018 4:02 am
by rick.lang
Mine is rated 16.8V to 12 but it will operate a little less and BMD seems to handle that but I only ran that low once and tried hard to save the battery.


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Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Sun Sep 09, 2018 3:08 pm
by Leon Benzakein
Has anyone come across a reliable inline 12 volt regulator?

If not, how difficult would it be for our in-house forum member developer community to design one?

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Sun Sep 09, 2018 5:33 pm
by Denny Smith
No need, IndiePro has a very good one, as do some other owner accessory vendors.
Cheers

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 12:56 am
by rick.lang
Sounds like I should pickup the Indie Pro 12V in-line regulator if I’m going to use my naked Cinegears battery to power the BMPCC4K on a shoot.


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Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 2:11 am
by Denny Smith
Why? The power plug on the side of the camera should handle from 12-16vdc. I saw this somewhere, the Q’s and A’s I believe. Just use the DTap cable.
Cheers

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 5:02 am
by rick.lang
That’s what I said earlier, but I thought you were recommending the regulator. I’ll skip it for now.


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Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 5:44 am
by Denny Smith
No, someone just asked about getting or making one, I did not check to see why. I will que a question to BM to confirm this. I got this when the original Mini Converter (Analog to SDI) and it only took 12VDC, also used with the Video Assist, as a precaution, when it’s max voltage was rated at 16VDC, my battery was around 17VDC fully charged.
Cheers

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 3:23 pm
by Leon Benzakein
I asked about a recommended 12 volt regulator.

As to why:

Because there have been many posts about operators damaging cameras and monitors with dirty power.

I was asking if anyone can recommend a small device that can take any 12 to 18 volt power and clean it.
With an indicator as to good ground and polarity. Thereby avoiding blowing up their world.

When working at the low end of budgets one explores all kinds of power, if there is a magic device that
prevents the battery apocalypse, that would be wonderful.

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 3:25 pm
by Leon Benzakein
Denny Smith wrote:No, someone just asked about getting or making one, I did not check to see why. I will que a question to BM to confirm this. I got this when the original Mini Converter (Analog to SDI) and it only took 12VDC, also used with the Video Assist, as a precaution, when it’s max voltage was rated at 16VDC, my battery was around 17VDC fully charged.
Cheers


Can you please shed light on what is "this"?

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 3:26 pm
by AdrianSierkowski
Even if there is a range on the input; it is still very wise to control your VDC with a regulator when coming off of any type of battery.

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 5:26 pm
by Denny Smith
Yes it is. Leon, the first BM Mini Converters (Rev 1), only took 12VDC, higher voltage would damage the DC/DC Converter, according to the instructions thst came with the Converter.

IndiePro came up with a inline voltage regulator that was very good, and took a 12-16VDC DTap, and output a clean 12VDC to a BMCC type plug which is the same used on the Mini Converter. I can look up the IndiPro model number for you.

This is nice to use with monitors that are being powered from the camera battery, as it reduces/stops the chance of a ground loop, or other power related issues, by isolating the monitor power. BM already does this with the Ursa family Cameras (Minis and Broadcast), as the DTap output on the Ursa battery plate is from the camera’s DC/DC pier Converter, and is regulated to 12VDC for powering an external monitor/EVF.
Cheers

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 6:48 pm
by Leon Benzakein
Hi Denny

Is this the device that you are talking about?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... cable.html

indipro_tools_inpcn12vbm_powertap_blackmagic_converter_cable_1495652785000_1026690.jpg
indipro_tools_inpcn12vbm_powertap_blackmagic_converter_cable_1495652785000_1026690.jpg (26.93 KiB) Viewed 21901 times


The 30" 12V D-Tap to Blackmagic Cinema Camera / Production Camera Power Converter from IndiPRO Tools enables you to power your Blackmagic Cinema Camera / Production Camera using a 12 to 18V battery with a D-Tap connector. It converts the 12 to 18 volts to regulated 12V with a 3-amp rated draw, providing a safety margin for the Blackmagic Cinema Camera / Production Camera. Use this converter with a D-Tap–equipped pro-style battery to obtain a longer run time than that provided by the camera's internal battery.

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 9:36 pm
by Denny Smith
Yes Leon, that is the one I got, about the time the BMCC was released. Works very well
Cheers

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 10:07 pm
by Leon Benzakein
Denny Smith wrote:Yes Leon, that is the one I got, about the time the BMCC was released. Works very well
Cheers


Thanks Denny.

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Tue Sep 11, 2018 2:01 am
by rick.lang
I suppose Indie Pro will come in a version that includes the proper 2-pin connector for the BMPCC4K.


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Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Tue Sep 11, 2018 1:37 pm
by Leon Benzakein
Rick

I found this on the BMD website.

Blackmagic Pocket Camera DC Cable Pack. $55.00

https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/produc ... a/workflow

blackmagic-pocket-camera-dc-cable-pack.jpg
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Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Tue Sep 11, 2018 4:17 pm
by AdrianSierkowski
Wooden Camera; as they oft do, has brought out a nice little rig:

https://www.woodencamera.com/blackmagic ... nt=bmpcc4k

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Tue Sep 11, 2018 8:48 pm
by Dmytro Shijan
You can check my ongoing 14.8V Battery Module. It is designed for BMMCC but should work with Pocket 4K as well and can be mounted in many different ways. viewtopic.php?f=2&t=71520

Image
Image

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Tue Sep 11, 2018 10:34 pm
by Leon Benzakein
Dmitry,

How close are you to getting to market?

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Tue Sep 11, 2018 10:43 pm
by 71m363nd3r
Dmitry Shijan wrote:You can check my ongoing 14.8V Battery Module. It is designed for BMMCC but should work with Pocket 4K as well and can be mounted in many different ways. https://forum.blackmagicdesign.com/view ... =2&t=71520

Image
Image
That's nice Dimitry.
Willing to share the 3d parts?

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Tue Sep 11, 2018 11:11 pm
by Dmytro Shijan
Leon Benzakein wrote:Dmitry,

How close are you to getting to market?


I need to cast rear shell caps and LP-E6 plates. All other parts are ready and assembled. So i hope to start shipping soon. Actually i expected to ship final product in the Summer but because this is DIY project, things not always goes as fast as expected. 3 months delayed

71m363nd3r, Sorry, i don't share 3d files yet. Only final product in small batches.

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Tue Sep 11, 2018 11:29 pm
by Leon Benzakein
Dmitry,
I was hoping that you would join this conversation.

My initial question was about finding a magic box that can be put inline to safeguard and regulate
12 to 18+ volts to 12 volts. Such as the IndiPro that Denny mentioned @ $70.00.

You have been working on your design for a while so I imagine that you would have the know how to build a box like that.

I see that your device has several outputs.

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Wed Sep 12, 2018 12:23 am
by Dmytro Shijan
Leon Benzakein wrote:Dmitry,
I was hoping that you would join this conversation.

My initial question was about finding a magic box that can be put inline to safeguard and regulate
12 to 18+ volts to 12 volts. Such as the IndiPro that Denny mentioned @ $70.00.

You have been working on your design for a while so I imagine that you would have the know how to build a box like that.

I see that your device has several outputs.


There are external voltage regulators on the market, usually they build inside LP-E6 or Sony dummy batteries, they are designed to convert 14.8V to 7.2V and mostly used to power DSLRs from large V-mount batteries. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Andoer-D-Tap-t ... 3386256701?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/D-Tap-to-for-C ... 2236795659?

May i ask why you need regulated 12V battery? Almost any camera or device already have its own internal voltage regulator. Usual power range in professional devices is 12 to 20V, (sometimes even wider). All common batteries outputs voltage directly from battery cells without any additional regulation circuit. This is just how all things works.
Additional OEM battery voltage regulators may affect power quality and may be not compatible with some specific voltage regulators that build into devices.

My battery has several output sockets but it is just a passive splitter. Please check the link to my project, you found all tech specs and info there. viewtopic.php?f=2&t=71520

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Thu Sep 13, 2018 2:09 am
by Dmytro Shijan
Just thinking... For regulated 12V power you can also go for DIY solution. There are lot of DC-DC Step-Down Converters on eBay or your local electronics stores. They will cost you only few dollars.

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Thu Sep 13, 2018 2:49 pm
by Leon Benzakein
Dmitry Shijan wrote:May i ask why you need regulated 12V battery?


Hi Dmitry.

To prevent problems when plugging monitors and camera into same battery source.

The idea would be to have a safe power source when using power tool batteries.

Some power tool manufactures have adapters to USB e.g.
https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCB090-12 ... B00EYSUK7W

power tool battery to USB.jpg
power tool battery to USB.jpg (36.94 KiB) Viewed 21464 times



If these adapters can be modified to provide a regulated 12 volts from 12-20 volt batteries this would work well for no budget rigs.
For any device that works on 12 volts.

Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Thu Sep 13, 2018 5:52 pm
by rick.lang
The Wooden Camera rigs for the BMPCC4K look good. But $79 for a single short D-tap to 2-pin power cable? I’m balking at paying $55 for the three BMD cables Leon posted when I only need the one cable!


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Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Sat Sep 15, 2018 1:33 pm
by Bunk Timmer
rick.lang wrote:For those times when your Pocket4K won’t be truly handheld, we need to consider the options for rigging the BMPCC4K.
For all amateurs around here, that don't mind walking around with a diy-support-rig.
There is a simple way to create relative stable footage with the help of a travel tripod.


The nice thing about it is you probably have everything in the house already.
tripodrig_parts.jpg
tripodrig_parts.jpg (46.2 KiB) Viewed 21335 times
Test it out with a piece of rope, if you like it get yourself some belt and a camera head that allows you to adjust the all axis with just one knob to get the cam level.
I use it with my BMCC camera and nikon lenses. It weights, depending on the lens attached, around 2,5kg. The full weight is on the belt and the leg in the neighbourhood of your groin (add something to end of the leg to make more comfortable). You only need a hand to focus and keep the rig from flipping over (single finger will do), so no fatigue there. Small quick release plate on top of the head and your good to go to.
It's not shoulder kind of stable, but close. Should work nice with a gimball attached to the ballhead as well.

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Sat Sep 15, 2018 4:53 pm
by rick.lang
Could work well when the weight is relatively light.


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Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Sun Sep 16, 2018 7:40 am
by Bunk Timmer
The ballhead I use comes from a slik table tripod. On paper it's good up to 0.5 kg …yet works fine up to 2.5/3 kg …so far. When I use this with my BMPCC I add some weight by adding a videohead of 0.95kg. The more weight the more stable it will be (within reason). The most important factor considering weight is you groin. I drilled a hole in a small rubber ball and put that on the end of the leg, works like a charm.
You will have to play with angles/ length of the legs, length of the belt and find what is most comfortable for you as it will be different per individual.
angle_length_legs.jpg
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Oh and I will use the word 'hobbyist' next time as the word 'amateur' seems the be reserved for an entirely different category.

Re: Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Sun Sep 16, 2018 3:16 pm
by Leon Benzakein
Bunk

The concept you suggest has a great deal of merit.

I made up a similar system using a mono pod and tool belt worn as a belt.
I modified the tool belt to have device that would accept the foot of the mono pod similar to a fishing belt.

The weight is taken on the hips. I also have a shoulder set up that attaches to the mono pod and works with the waist belt so that I can be hands free when needed.

In the days of the Sony PD 150 it worked really well.

Now days with age the eyes need to be a certain distance from the screen due to wearing reading glasses so now the camera needs to be held so far from the face it becomes impractical when working with cameras that do not have an eyepiece.

Rick
With the weight taken on the hips this system can take a great deal of weight.

Rigging the BMPCC4K

PostPosted: Sun Sep 16, 2018 3:19 pm
by rick.lang
Bunk is onto something and Leon proves “two heads are better than one.” You guys need to take out a patent on this and retire on the royalties. Great stuff.


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