We offer one Sony FS7 and FS7 II Next Generation Recoil Rig and two Sony FS5 and FS5 II Next Generation Recoil Rigs.
The Sony FS7 and FS7 II Recoil and Sony FS5 Recoil can be used with either an EVF, like our Kameleon, or with a Zacuto Z-Finder using the camera’s own LCD monitor. The Sony FS5 Z-Finder Recoil is a complete rig that can be used right out of the box. It includes a Z-Finder for use with the Sony LCD screen. There were three specific challenges to designing rigs for the Sony FS7 and FS5 cameras. The first was finding balance for shoulder mounted work, the second was re-positioning the camera handgrip forward, and the third was making the built in LCD screens usable by creating Z-Finders and moving them far forward to accommodate camera balance.
A built-in shoulder pad does not always mean a balanced camera. Older Betacam’s had built-in shoulder pads with heavy recorders and batteries as counterbalance, as well as a lower center of gravity. But, with modern lenses and cameras being similar weights, the balance point is approximately where the lens meets the camera body, which puts the camera behind you when properly balanced on your shoulder. By adding our VCT Universal baseplate you can slide the camera backward and forward to achieve perfect balance and comfort to accommodate various lenses and accessories. If you want steady shots and want to be able to shoot all day you need to realize that your hands are not there to support the camera, that’s what your shoulder is for. Your hands should be guiding the camera, controlling the camera and focusing the camera. If you are supporting the weight of the camera with your hands you cannot move your hands to engage a button or focus without shaking the camera. Be able to shoot steady shots all day with our Next Generation Recoil--The only perfectly balanced rig for all cameras!
Sony FS5
Like the FS7, they Sony FS5 and FS5 II have a removable camera control grip. We re-positioned it using our FS5 Grip Relocator that includes a rosette that attaches to the Sony Grip. Together when installed on your rods you can get your grip anywhere in three dimensional space. For working with the Sony FS5, the LCD was key to address. It does not come with loupe like the FS7 making it hard to use, particularly when shooting outside in sunlight. We solved this problem by creating a FS5 Z-Finder with a secure connection and ideal placement options. Attach the Z-Finder mount directly to the camera using either Sony’s built-in mount, a Zacuto FS5 Top Plate, or use the recommended Axis Mini EVF mount and FS5 Adapter for a much more secure rosette mounting option. Using the Axis Mini also offers articulation for quick changes to LCD placement. It keeps your rig balanced and comfortable. For those who prefer a more feature-rich viewfinder set up, the Gratical EVF can be used instead.
************
Next Generation Recoil rigs are designed for optimal balance and comfort when shoulder mounted or on a tripod. In a Recoil rig, the balance point needs to be directly over your shoulder which puts the camera behind you. This requires focus, monitoring and camera controls to be relocated forward, creating a lighter and shorter rig. Next Generation Recoil rigs are compatible with all cameras from a tiny mirrorless to a camera the size of an ALEXA.Thank you for your interest in Zacuto’s Next Generation Recoil rigs for the Sony FS7 and Sony FS5 cameras! Have questions about any of these rigs or individual accessories? Please contact our sales and customer service team at (312) 863 3452 or sales@zacuto.com. Live chat is also available during Chicago business hours.