What the thread found

• The Lightweight II requires non-standard 10-32 tie-down screws rather than the typical 3/8 inch screws used on standard baseplate systems.
• The camera package typically arrives with Steadicam 3A camera plates even though the Lightweight II uses a different mounting system.
• Eight flathead screws with proper pitch are needed for mounting, though rental shipments often include only four or include wrong-sized variants.
• The tachometer and footage counter box with dual 8-inch yellow cables with 4-pin Lemos should be obtained to verify actual frame rate during shooting.
• Power connections require a 3-pin Lemo cable, run-stop control uses a 10-pin hermaphrodite connector, and video output on standard models uses a 12-pin Hirose cable.
• Newer Lightweight II versions with silver non-anodized risers include an internal video system requiring only a BNC connection from the sled and a separate grey Hirose cable from the internal video system to the XC-75.
• The video tap cable on newer models runs directly under the camera plate in low mode and is prone to damage due to insufficient length, requiring careful cable management.
• Board failures can occur, making it essential to carry two complete spare board sets when traveling to remote locations.
• Video tap electronics can be unreliable and may require power cycling to restore functionality.
• Using 3/4 inch risers between the low mode dovetail plate and mounting blocks prevents interference between the plate and the video tap camera housing.
• Longer 10-32 screws extending 3/4 inch beyond standard length are needed when using risers with the mounting system.
• The Lightweight II balances well on a rig when properly configured and is considered suitable for sync-sound work.
• D-Box 3 with XCS plates can be used with the Lightweight II without clearance issues, and Panavision added spacers to resolve the earlier tight clearance problem with the color tap.
• Grip tape on XCS plates helps prevent the camera plate from sliding, and four corner-positioned screws may be sufficient to secure the plate in some operational scenarios.
• Focus, iris, and zoom require different cable pitch specifications (0.8/32 for focus, 64 for iris, 48 for zoom).

Depends on

• Information is based on experiences from 2004 and earlier; equipment specifications and available accessories may have changed.
• Some details about newer camera variants with internal video systems indicate ongoing equipment evolution, making specific configuration advice potentially outdated.
• Experiences described are primarily from Los Angeles rental sources and may not reflect equipment packages available in other regions.
• One participant mentioned limited recent experience with the camera, requiring validation from current users.
• Conflicting minor details exist about screw quantities needed (four versus eight) depending on configuration and interpretation.

Parts

Dovetail Plate, Donkey Box, Low Mode, Base Plate

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