2006Cameras (Film/Video/HD) forum
Operational considerations and mounting issues when using an Ikegami HL-55 camera on a Steadicam rig
20 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The lens mount on Ikegami cameras sits higher compared to Sony or Panasonic models, which may require a special mounting bracket to position lens motors at the correct distance
- Ikegami cameras have a tendency for viewfinder sag when the internal tension ring loosens; removing the viewfinder or securing it with tape can prevent balance issues
- Powering down the camera before connecting or disconnecting the Triax adapter prevents blowing fuses in the base station
- Ikegami cameras use their own proprietary mounting plate that differs from Sony quick-release plates and cannot be used interchangeably
- The Ikegami mounting plate can develop play over time and may require shimming with tape to maintain a solid connection to the rig
- A monitor output BNC door on the right side of the camera must be opened to enable video feed to external monitors
- Triax connector ports and video connections on older Ikegami units may have reliability issues that should be inspected before use
- The camera is heavier than typical Sony models, which influenced some operators to remove the viewfinder for better balance
Depends on
- The referenced mounting bracket solution applies specifically to motorized focus systems and may not be relevant for manual focus setups
- Viewfinder sag issues and plate wear are described as experienced problems but their frequency across all HL-55 units is not quantified
- The discussion focuses on experience with the HL-55 and similar HK models from around 2006 and may not reflect current unit conditions
- One operator mentioned using a custom switch box but did not provide detailed specifications or construction details