Frustrated with EX-1

[David Smith]

I’m thinking Michael meant that EX1 owners would like a similar option?

There are some interesting ideas in this article, which is written for underwater photography but deals with using magnifiers for lcd screens:

https://www.camerasunderwater.info/optics/lcd_mag.html

And Hoodman makes a 3″ magnifier. Their H3-C Magnifier Kit has a hood and magnifier combination. Probably too small for the EX1’s 3.5″ lcd, but worth a look and perhaps lobbying them to make a larger one would be effective.

Regards,
David

[Michael Slowe]

Paul, why are you confused? I said exactly what I (and others) want. We want the same contraption over the screen that the EX3 has. Have you seen it, it’s so much better than trying to look at the screen of the EX1 in daylight and trying to focus. Even max peaking is not sufficient and can even be confusing if you are in a hurry.

Michael Slowe

[Paul Zwicker]

Michael,
My apologies, I misread your post.

Paul

[Agust Gudbjornsson]

I did not read all the responses here above. But I just want to share my thoughts on the issue since I just got my EX1 and I´m started to play around with it.

First of all, cameras aren’t getting bigger in the future – that’s an obvious fact. But this also means that you (operator) needs to adjust your self according to the sizes and adjustments. The solution for me was MultiRigPro: http://www.dvtec.tv

With MultiRigPro you´re not only getting good stable grip with your camera, you also have a huge “on production” stability when you move from the rig to your tripod since you can place everything onto the rig (batts, spot lights etc.etc.)

Regarding the buttons, I must agree without having to much experience on the camera yet. They are quite easy to press in many areas on the camera which can lead to operator mistakes in many cases. Then again I think this is something we need to adjust our self to.

But if you look overall on the camera and price, I think EX1 is far from being “bad” choice out there. Its just hard to move from the older bigger cams into such small things.

[Lance Herring]

This shoulder rig as well as others look pretty cool, but I still see a problem with how to control the camera when using these shoulder mount rigs. Particularly with this Multirig Pro, how do you control the focus, zoom, rec button, etc. when using the shoulder mount system? It seems the best kind of shoulder mount add-on would be something that just extends the length of the camera giving it a balanced secure feel on the shoulder, but still allow your hands to be on the camera controls and lens so everything can be operated as you would with a larger camera. It’s issues such as this that make me lean towards the EX3 more. Sure it doesn’t really sit on the shoulder.. just kind of props against the shoulder, but I can still keep my hands on the camera this way.

It’s a tough debate. Small cameras are easier to tote around, get into smaller spaces, and are cheaper. But it’s hard to mount accessories to them and gives up weight (thus losing inertia for smooth shots) and shoulder mountability.

[Agust Gudbjornsson]

Here is a sample video from DVTEC : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIifee6yK9I

I honestly dont like to hold the 2 handles when I shoot, since its impossible to control any functions on the camera at the same time, as you correctly pointed out.

I instead have the pin going down into my belt, and control the camera with my other hands. We could say its a fluid belt-tripod. This just requires some training to hold the camera horizontal steady with you hands, but its actually quite easy when you train little with it.

But again, I understand what you mean Herring, and this is tricky with so small cameras.

[Bill Kerrigan]

As a DOP, one day I’m shooting with the Sony F900R and the next… the EX1.
But, after a summer of shooting with the EX1… I’ve learned to love this camera.

I solved the zoom problem with a Manfrotto 521EX remote control.
I’m working on a number of hoods for the monitor… some with magnifiers.

I was using a DV Multirig Pro… to hold the camera.
But I’m working on another solution and would like some help.

– I would like to make a rig with 2 comfortable short handles… so my left hand can rack focus and my right will operate the 521EX remote control.
– A base plate… the camera on top and tripod base plate on the bottom.
– Shoulder pad
– All mounted on 2 rods.

I’ve looked at Redrock, Cavision and Zaccuto.
(The rods need to be compatible with other 15mm rods so I can add a Letus system.)

Any other suggestions or photos of other rigs?

[Paul Miller]

The Ex1 and EX3 are both not very ergonomic. I have shot with both. I tried every imaginable attachment made from varizoom media rig to other products to help stabilize them and no good options. the ex3 is not balanced despite cliams of semi shoulder mounting. Lens is heavy.

I tried a grip from manfrotto. It seemed to really be the solution as it wasn’t expensive and it allowed me to handhold without wrist fatigue. Guess what? The screw mount for the tripod adapter cracked and now I am ordering a new one through sony $40. It seems the tripod plate screw is too flimsy for these adapters. So beware! you could end up having the plate rip out and the camera fall to the ground.

Solution. Sony makes a durable plate since you have to have some kind of adapter to handhold.

[Craig Seeman]

https://www.vortexmedia.com/SB_VSB1.html
and
https://www.vortexmedia.com/SB_VSB3.html

I haven’t used it but I am considering it. It allows one to add counterbalance weights.
They show the EX1 version as easily used with a tripod but apparently not the EX3 version though.

[Bill Kerrigan]

I’ve solved the probem with both the EX1 and EX3 with a rig from Redrock.