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2009Cameras (Film/Video/HD) forum

Adapting Panavision Lightweight camera mount to standard 3/8 inch tripod screws

17 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.

What the thread found

  • The Panavision Lightweight uses proprietary mounting holes that do not directly accept standard 3/8 inch camera screws
  • An adapter plate can be created to convert Panavision Lightweight mounting points to standard 3/8 inch threaded holes for tripod use
  • The Cat Griller adapter from Baer-Bel is a commercial solution that converts dovetail plates to 3/8 inch mounts
  • Mounting a Lightweight on a conventional head requires an external monitor since viewfinding through the camera becomes difficult with certain adapter configurations
  • Panavision may provide camera equipment on an as-used basis for productions, potentially offering alternative camera models instead of adapting the Lightweight

Depends on

  • The adapter plate appears to have been a custom solution in the past with no established standard product
  • Viewfinding and monitor setup present operational challenges when using this mounting method
  • Availability and lead time for the Cat Griller adapter may affect quick procurement
  • The necessity and practical use cases for mounting a Lightweight on a conventional tripod head versus using steadicam dovetail systems is not fully resolved in the discussion

Parts

Dovetail Plate

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