2005Brackets/Widgets forum
Finding flexible fiber cables for Sony 950 HD cameras on Steadicam rigs
21 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Sony 950 HD camera cables contain fiber optic strands for video and control signals along with copper conductors for camera power, making them stiff and unsuitable for mobile camera work like Steadicam operation.
- Telecast Copperhead fiber systems offer lightweight, flexible non-powered cable options that reduce pull on the camera compared to standard powered cables.
- A key technical challenge in creating custom jumper cables for this application is managing the DC voltage delivered through the camera cable when a non-powered intermediate cable is introduced, as power cannot be disabled at the camera control unit.
- Mohawk/CDT offers a 6-foot flexible fiber adapter (Item M82046 or SOCX#521-4) designed to connect to Sony fiber connectors, previously priced around $605.
- Telecast Fiber Systems can provide custom solutions and modifications for Steadicam-compatible fiber cable boxes tailored to specific camera systems.
Depends on
- The discussion focuses on 2005-era Sony 950 cameras and may not apply to current broadcast camera systems.
- Cable sourcing options were limited at the time this discussion took place and availability may have changed.
- The power management issue with non-powered intermediate cables remained unresolved in the thread.
- Pricing information is from 2005 and unlikely to reflect current costs.