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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

New V-mount plate on a budget

C

Charles Nader

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We recently purchased another Epic V-mount Pro plate from MG1 - incredible build quality & great customer service. For all you cash strapped Scarlet owners, they are now offering a new V-mount plate - Scarlet Standard.

Here is a picture of their new battery plate. If its anything like their Pro line, it will be hard to pass up especially for the price.

www.mg1concepts.com
 

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MG1's is the cheapest way, I've seen, to get a V-Mount or AB battery onto the back of your camera. The only thing cheaper is to duct-tape the Red Belt Clip or just a V-Mount plate to the back of your camera, which isn't really a great idea . . .

I snagged a plate, 2 batteries, and a charger when they had a special during NAB. The plate is pretty solid. I like it. One of the batteries I received turned out to be defective, and I only found that out last week. MG1 was quick to respond to emails, and the battery is currently in transit to the manufacturer to be replaced. So no complaints on the customer service front either, is what I'm saying.

Though the plate is solid, and attaches nicely without wiggle room, I have a feeling I would like the quick-release of the View Factor plate better (I've tried Wooden Camera's, and there was something off about it as well, though marginally better than the MG1). But for about 2 times the cost, is it really worth it? For me, for now, for where I am and what I do, I don't have that luxury. For the price, it's fantastic. The only actual tangible thing I could say against it, is that if you don't have the tension of the mechanism that secures it in place adjusted correctly, and you turn the camera over, the mounting plate could come off the camera. But, if you're conscious of that, and adjust the tension of the plate accordingly, it won't ever be an issue.
 
So this doesn't have quick release? I'm guessing not (hence the tension thing you mentioned.) What's the difference between the "Pro" and the "Standard"? One is plastic, and one is "genuine"? Does it have p-tap; I can't see it?

I don't mean to sound like a bunghole, but if you could source the proper red-compatible lemo connector/cable, you could make these plates for about <$100 (all manufacturers' not just MG1's, which is clearly the most cost effective right now... cheap as the battery belt, which is definitely cool). Does anyone know where to get the lemos?
 
Will it work with the Global Media Pro batteries? Does it attach directly to the back of the scarlet?
 
I have the version that existed before the "Scarlet" version came out. I don't know how they differ.

It does quick release. But in a different way than the WC or VF plates. You a screw (they come with the plate) into each of the 4 mounting holes on the back of the Scarlet/Epic. The plate slides onto these screws and "clicks" into place. One of the mounting holes has an adjustable (with a provided screwdriver) tension. Screw it tight, and the plate doesn't come off. Aside from that, adjust tension to taste. When I first put the plate on, it was incredibly loose, and easy to knock off. A few turns of the screwdriver, though, and problem solved.

So rather than have a "quick release" button, you just push/pull the plate on and off, and it "clicks" into place.


It should be compatible with all V-Mount batteries that all the others are compatible with.


As for "creating your own plate" from sourced parts, $100 is a low estimate. It has been mentioned multiple times before on the forums. Even if you know what you're doing and have machining gear, the time lost in making your own plate is probably worth more than what you would have spent on a WC, VF, or MG plate. If you disagree, you are more than welcome to make your own plate.
 
Daniel Kunz said:
What do you mean by "on a budget"?
Click to expand...


Hi Daniel,

We feel this new battery plate is a great option for all new Scarlet owners that need a complete power package at a reasonable price. You won't need anything else to power and mount this Scarlet Standard with our D-plate 2.0 onto your RED camera. Either on an Epic or Scarlet.
 
Mike P. said:
So this doesn't have quick release? I'm guessing not (hence the tension thing you mentioned.) What's the difference between the "Pro" and the "Standard"? One is plastic, and one is "genuine"? Does it have p-tap; I can't see it?
Click to expand...

Like Nick said above. It’s a quick release plate. It doesn't have a button on the side but a locking screw. It drops down onto those M4 screws and locks. I have no tension in mine so I'm not sure what you are talking about. It’s different and it’s cheaper. I wish MG1 had theses when I need one but I'm very happy with Scarlet V-mount Pro.
Pro is made of steel. I don't think it’s a big deal and it’s heavier.

The RED belt clip or Switronic V-mount is made of plastic. Both great V-mount plates. Again, whoopee do

I think all V-mounts & Anton Bauer battery plates have p-taps. I haven't seen it without one. I could be wrong.
 
Cool, thanks. This is basically the same price as the battery belt, but actually mounts on the back of the camera. Can't complain about something that is a giant step towards awesomeness.
 
Mike P. said:
What's the difference between the "Pro" and the "Standard"? One is plastic, and one is "genuine"? Does it have p-tap; I can't see it?
Click to expand...


Our new Scarlet V-mount Standard is made of High Grade plastic and its not user-interchangeable cable system like our Scarlet V-mount Pro line.
Scarlet V-mount Pro is made of steel.

Scarlet V-mount Standard does have a P-tap.
 
Mike P. said:
Cool, thanks. This is basically the same price as the battery belt, but actually mounts on the back of the camera. Can't complain about something that is a giant step towards awesomeness.
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Yes.

We begin shipping Scarlet Standard this week. All orders are time stamped and shipped out accordingly.
 
Glad, I got my e-mail notification. Sweet. Thanks.

By the way, do you know if it's lighter than the Scarlet Pro? It's made of plastic than steel.
 
I'm surprised that no one has commented on their new Scarlet Standard plate. I just got it last week. Putting it through its paces. Wow...it's light.

Quick pic

Thanks again, MG1
 

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Hey Caden, how long is your cable? Could it wrap "around" the plate before being plugged into the camera? As in, up-over-around-down, and then in the back, or is it too short? I'm getting concerned I'll have excess cable length at 12" but not enough to actually make wrap it taut before insertion.

I don't understand why plates don't come with a mere 3-4" cable (knowing they'll likely be mounted directly to the back of the camera), and then have additional "extension cords" (female lemo on one end, male on the other) at various lengths sold separately. I'd really love to be able to attach a belt clip on the back of the plate, add a 4ft power extension cable (~$150), and use it like RED's battery belt clip putting the weight somewhere else on my body (or in a backpack).
 
Mike P. said:
Hey Caden, how long is your cable? Could it wrap "around" the plate before being plugged into the camera? As in, up-over-around-down, and then in the back, or is it too short? I'm getting concerned I'll have excess cable length at 12" but not enough to actually make wrap it taut before insertion.

I don't understand why plates don't come with a mere 3-4" cable (knowing they'll likely be mounted directly to the back of the camera), and then have additional "extension cords" (female lemo on one end, male on the other) at various lengths sold separately. I'd really love to be able to attach a belt clip on the back of the plate, add a 4ft power extension cable (~$150), and use it like RED's battery belt clip putting the weight somewhere else on my body (or in a backpack).
Click to expand...

I think 12" gives you the option to mount it at the back of your rig when doing handheld for counterbalance but is still manageable when mounted on the back of the camera. Those extra cables you are suggesting defeat the purpose of this low cost solution, have you seen what the lemo connectors cost?
 
Adam Levins said:
I think 12" gives you the option to mount it at the back of your rig when doing handheld for counterbalance but is still manageable when mounted on the back of the camera. Those extra cables you are suggesting defeat the purpose of this low cost solution, have you seen what the lemo connectors cost?
Click to expand...

Yeah I know... I was kind of thinking $300 for the unit (like the battery belt, but without a long cable), than $100-150 for a 1-6ft extension cable? $200 for the cable?... $400-500 is still cheaper than most.
 
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