2011Brackets/Widgets forum
Mounting solutions for back-heavy Alexa cameras on steadicam rigs
15 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- When an Alexa is equipped with back-mounted accessories like Codex, transmitter, or batteries combined with front-mounted prime lenses, a single forward mounting point can create balance problems and a springboard effect on steadicam rigs.
- Extended dovetail plates with rear mounting points provide two-point rigid mounting that significantly reduces the springboard effect and improves balance control compared to single-point mounting.
- The Arriflex WA-1 Wedge Adapter enables alternative mounting configurations on the Alexa and allows use of V-Lock style plates designed for other cameras.
- Using a longer steadicam plate with holes distributed across its length allows operators to position their dovetail mounts wherever the camera's balance point requires.
- Custom-made plates designed specifically for Alexa steadicam use can provide better weight distribution than standard bridge plate adapters by offsetting mounting holes to align with the camera's center of gravity.
- Pre-filing the edges of standard plates can provide marginal additional forward reach but offers limited improvement for severely back-heavy configurations.
Depends on
- The discussion references equipment from around 2011 and Alexa mounting preferences may have evolved since then.
- Some plate manufacturers and contact information mentioned may no longer be current or available.
- Specific pricing and availability of custom solutions were noted at the time but cannot be verified as current.
- The thread does not provide definitive comparisons of all available options with side-by-side performance data.
- Some participants reference personal equipment configurations that may not be universally applicable.