What the thread found

• All ARRI SAM plates feature 3/8-inch threads on the underside and can be stacked directly; the SAM-8 is noted as compatible.
• The Apex plate for the A35 is shorter than SAM plates and, when inserted into the cage system, saves approximately 1.5–2 inches in overall height compared to stacking a SAM plate with a Trinity dovetail.
• A Level plate offers a lighter alternative, approximately 0.5 cm flatter than the standard ARRI plate.
• Some operators have successfully used the camera's supplied shoulder pad plate, which was flat enough to accept the Steadicam® dovetail directly.
• Inverted mounting (upside-down camera) with the entire shoulder harness removed is an alternative approach.
• One operator reported broken yoke forks on the gimbal under heavy camera loads, suggesting regular inspection when running heavy cameras on the Flyer.

Depends on

• Camera weight and gimbal model affect safe payload and risk of structural failure.
• SAM plate variants exist for specific Steadicam® brands, requiring compatibility verification.
• Third-party plates from Camvate and SmallRig show variable quality.

Gear in this thread

ALEXA 35catalog

Parts

Dovetail Plate

Same gear or parts

1. 2026Eliminating vibration with the ARRI ALEXA 35 on Steadicam®: rigid mounting plate options to bypass the dovetail systemFacebookThe Steadicam Group
2. 2026Mounting the RIA-1 wireless receiver on ARRI Trinity with ALEXA 35FacebookArri Artemis Trinity
3. 2026Power distribution failure of D-Tap step-down splitters on a Venice 2 rig, and proper AKS accessory power supply methods.DisputedFacebookSteadicam operators group
4. 2026Swapping an ARRI ALEXA 35 between tripod/studio and Steadicam® mounting: baseplate choice and fastest workflow.FacebookSteadicam operators group