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Inexpensive EVF mount alternative

Gregor Hagey

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I just wanted to post a few pictures of an inexpensive EVF mount that I've been using on some lower budget jobs. I've taken a Manfrotto Arm 196B-2 and modified it by removing one of the arms and adding 2 washers to the mounting bracket. The washers allow the Operator to tighten the bracket holding the EVF, but still allows some slip so the EVF can move with the Operators head when tilting. A 3/8" threaded rod with 2 nuts was added to the spigot on the other end to attach the Arm to the Red Handle.

This Arm is very strong and handles the weight of the EVF with ease. It's also very quick and easy to place the EVF at the back (my preference), side or front of the camera. It's also very easy to flip the EVF over to the right or 'dumb' side of the camera for operating in unusual situations.
 
Is the thread of the red handle capable to take this weight? I mean there must be quite some torque involved.
 
Is the thread of the red handle capable to take this weight? I mean there must be quite some torque involved.

Our Red Handle easily handles the weight of the EVF and Manfrotto Arm. The beauty of using the Red Handle as the mounting point is that this centre position allows a very wide radius of placements for the EVF around the camera (including the dumb side).
 
I see the Manfrotto 196B-2 articulated arm at B&H for $42. Talk about a low-budget solution!

Is the 3/8" threaded rod (threaded internally?) just a basic hardware store item, like the nuts and washers?
 
Thanks Gregor.

Have the same Manfrotto Arm 196B-2.

Now I'm working to do the same set up.

I will post some pictures.
 
Georg,

Thanks once more.

Works great!

All is very lightweight.

EVF_02.jpg

Leica Summilux-R 50mm f/1.4 with IMS on RED, Light Vocas Matte Box, Lightweight Vinten ProTouch Tripod, Manfrotto Fluid Head, Gregorios-Manfrotto 16B-2 EVF mount.

EVF-03.jpg

Leica Summilux-R 50mm f/1.4 with IMS on RED, Light Vocas Matte Box, Lightweight Vinten ProTouch Tripod, Manfrotto Fluid Head, Gregorios-Manfrotto 16B-2 EVF mount.

EVF_01.jpg

Leica Summilux-R 50mm f/1.4 with IMS on RED, Light Vocas Matte Box, Lightweight Vinten ProTouch Tripod, Manfrotto Fluid Head, Gregorios-Manfrotto 16B-2 EVF mount.

IMS_Leica50mm1-4_07.jpg

Leica Summilux-R 50mm f/1.4 with IMS on RED, wide open at f/1.4, ASA 320, Kelvin Auto WB at 3448, Neon lighting: on the left side lamp with one tube + matt diffuser, on the celling 2 tubes lamp.
 
Thanks, Gregor and Sanjin. This is a no-brainer for a no-risk tryout.
 
3/8 adaptor

3/8 adaptor

Please note that we first used the brass Manfrotto 3/8 adaptor, but it broke from overtightening on the Red Handle. That's when we switched to a threaded rod (with two nuts for tightening).
 
Thanks for the tip, Gregor. I just made the order and had planned on using the Manfrotto brass 3/8" adaptor like Sanjin since I have on on-hand, but I will take your advice on the threaded rod and nuts.
 
Please note that we first used the brass Manfrotto 3/8 adaptor, but it broke from overtightening on the Red Handle. That's when we switched to a threaded rod (with two nuts for tightening).

Also I broke a year ago the brass Manfrotto 3/8 adaptor.

Searching for a better solution here in Vienna.
 
Gregor--

One more tip of the hat to you for the Manfrotto Arm idea. I received mine from B&H yesterday, reconfigured it in a few minutes, made a quick trip to the hardware store, and, voila!, a more stable, more flexible EVF arm option than the RED arm for under $50 complete!

I didn't even have to cut a bolt apart like you did to get the threaded rod. The Ace Hardware I went to had a 1/4 20 X 3" threaded rod, which I got, but they also had 1/4 20 X 1.5" and 1/4 20 X 1" headless screws with a slot on one end for driving with a standard screw driver. With the addition of a nut and tension washer on each end, the 1.5" was ideal. All the hardware was less than $2.50 and the 1/4 20 will fit into either the RED top handle or top mount.

No, I don't suppose it's as elegant and impressive as the ET solution or even some of the others, and maybe DPs would cringe if they found it in a rental package, but you just gotta love this kind of idea for the indy shooter who will be using it him/herself.

Thanks again.
 
Thanks Georg and Sanjin,

I can't believer the Manfrotto 196B-2 for that price. I'm putting together a car mount and a few Manfrotto 196B-2s might be just the thing.

Think I'll go see if Samy's has them in stock.

Edit: Hmmmmm... not beefy enough. On to plan B
 
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