Dovetail Plate

162 threads in the archive

Based on 191 threads · 47 cited

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Which plate fits depends on the sled, though SK2, Provid, Flyer, Pilot, Zephyr, Scout and Archer share one size 1. If the camera slips, tighten the lock screw and add removable threadlocker, then shim the clamp if it still moves 34 36 37.

The questions 8

Which dovetail plate fits my sled, stage or topstage?15 threads · latest 2018

In short

It depends on the sled, and SK2, Provid, Flyer, Pilot, Zephyr, Scout and Archer share one dovetail plate size 1. Zephyr and Ultra differ, and the M1 takes Pro-standard plates with some tweaks 2 3.

How the pros do it

Start with the model, because the SK2, Provid, Flyer, Pilot, Zephyr, Scout and Archer all share the same dovetail plate size 1. Tiffen can supply a plate under part number 601-7412 for $350.00 plus shipping 1.
On an SK2 or Provid, check the fore-aft gear, because they need a rail underneath for the fore and aft gear mechanisms 1. A Zephyr plate fits the SK2 slot after you remove a safety screw, but the rack and pinion balance control won't work with it 4.
Don't mix up Zephyr and Ultra, because they have different dovetail plate sizes 2. Zephyr plates share the same width as Archer plates 2.
Check height and safety screws on the M1, which accepts Pro-standard plates with minor tension adjustment 3. The Tiffen plates supplied with the M1 are about 0.4 inches high, so Pro plates at 0.27 inches may need an aluminum spacer strip or safety screws 3. The M1 needs safety screws protruding from the bottom of the plate at each end 3.
Check XCS plates against Betz-Tools gear, because current XCS Standard and XCS Side Adjustable plates in standard version don't fit a Betz-Tools topstage or tripod plate 5. Older XCS Standard plates may fit, and on the M1 an XCS plate depends on the model and the height of the dovetail face 5 3.
On a PRO DB2 or DB3 donkey box, Cam-jam plates work on both 6. Cam-Tec plates are made for Betz topstages, but their thickness may stop proper clamping in a PRO DB2 6.

Caution

Don't force an oversized dovetail onto a stage, because it can stick after the first few millimeters and removing it with force can damage the top stage 8. Too much force on the Kipp handle of an XCS clamp can also damage components 7.

Opinions differ here

Operators disagree on Panavision Alexa plates in an XCS Topstage 7. One side says the non-standard geometry puts excessive upward pressure on the locking mechanism and can cause bolt failure 7. The other side points to Panavision testing on multiple Topstage units that found no issues, plus a user with no problems across two seasons 7. Cam-Tec plates split opinion too, with reports of a rigid low-profile fit for Betz topstages against slippage in a PRO DB2 even at maximum tightening 6.

What changed

Earlier, in 2014, the SK2 depended on a rack and pinion fore-aft balance system tied to its plate 4, today, going by 2015, gear rack plates are no longer commonly used in newer camera stages 1.

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What plate should I use to mount an Alexa on Steadicam®?11 threads · latest 2024

In short

It depends on the model: Alexa and Alexa Plus take third-party dovetail plates, while the Alexa Studio wants the official ARRI baseplate 9. For the ALEXA 35, look at the Apex A35 plate or an ARRI SAM plate 10 11.

How the pros do it

On an Alexa or Alexa Plus, use a third-party dovetail plate such as Camera Positioning Systems or a Cam-Jam conversion plate 9.
On an Alexa Studio, use the official ARRI baseplate, because its flat bottom and different center of gravity don't suit some third-party plates 9. It matters most with 35mm or shorter lenses at faster move speeds, where it cuts vibration 9.
If you have an older bridge plate, the Alexa's uneven bottom needs an adapter plate, but the newer BP12 bridge plate designed for the camera needs none 12.
On a DBox, an Alexa plate with an integrated Pro-style dovetail mounts directly and gives about 2 inches of side-to-side adjustment 13. It comes in 10.25 inch (prime) and 12.25 inch (zoom) versions 13.
On an ALEXA 35, a screw-mounted SAM-6 with a Steadicam® or Apex plate saves about 1/8 to 3/8 inch of height, and the longer SAM-6 gives more balance travel for different lens weights 10.
On a Flyer, the Apex A35 plate inserted into the cage saves about 1.5-2 inches of height compared to a SAM plate stacked with a Trinity dovetail 11. The camera's supplied shoulder pad plate was also flat enough to take the dovetail directly 11.

Caution

One operator reported broken yoke forks on the gimbal under heavy camera loads, so inspect them regularly when running heavy cameras on the Flyer 11.

Opinions differ here

Several reported satisfaction with its weight saving and rigidity 14, but one participant asserted design weaknesses without giving structural details 14.

What changed

Earlier, in 2010, operators needed a custom adapter plate to fit older Arri dovetail plates to the Alexa's uneven bottom 12, today, in 2022 and 2024, ALEXA 35 operators use ready-made Apex or SAM plates 10 11.

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Where can I mount follow focus receivers and accessories on the dovetail?11 threads · latest 2022

In short

Put rods on the dovetail plate or on a universal baseplate between dovetail and camera, and clamp the receivers to the rods 15. Velcro also works for receivers, but it is less reliable than fixed brackets 16.

How the pros do it

Check your rod spacing first, because Arri-compatible brackets use 60mm and 100mm, Glidecam plates 52mm and PRO plates about 49mm 16. The FlyerLE dovetail is too narrow for standard 60mm centered rods without extra bracketing 17.
Attach the rods directly to the Steadicam® dovetail, or to a separate universal baseplate between dovetail and camera 15. The baseplate lets you switch between Steadicam® and other supports faster without recalibrating the focus motor 15.
For a lighter camera on a FlyerLE, a Zacuto Universal baseplate gives you 15mm rods without modifying the dovetail 17. It has 1/4x20 threaded holes on the bottom, so it stacks between the standard plate and the weight plate 17.
On a Zephyr, mount a quick-release plate with integrated rods on the dovetail 18. You can also buy a 15mm motor rod set of two rods and a bracket from Cinewidgets or PRO-GPI 19.
If the holes don't line up, add a mounting plate or extension to the end of the dovetail and drill your own holes 16. A hot shoe mount on the camera handle is another option for a receiver 16.
To put a Bartech receiver on dovetail rods, reverse the clamping pieces of a standard bracket so the flat faces grip the rods 20. Add non-skid rubber tape and longer machine screws, because the reversed pieces have no countersinks 20. For accessories under the post, use the solid lower dovetail on Tiffen rigs or screw a cheeseplate into the 1/4-20 insert on the bottom of the sled 21.

Opinions differ here

Some operators trust velcro: one used it on multiple Bartech receivers for years, checking it periodically, and zip-tied the housing for extra security 22. Others say velcro mounting of receivers is convenient but less reliable than fixed brackets for professional follow-focus work 16.

What changed

Earlier, in 2006, operators velcroed Bartech receivers straight onto the rig 22, today, by 2011, they put rods on the dovetail or on a universal baseplate 15.

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How do I mount my camera for low mode with a bracket?9 threads · latest 2023

In short

The bracket inverts the gimbal, so the arm post goes in from above through the bracket where the regular post attaches 23. Fix the dovetail plate to something solid, either a metal handle or the camera chassis 24.

How the pros do it

Match the bracket to your arm post 23. The III A arm uses 5/8 inch posts, and brackets in that size come from GPI and Cinewidgets 23.
Pick a solid attachment point 24. Metal handle adaptations beat clamping to plastic handles, which gives mediocre stability and only suits slow walking 24.
Consider a chassis bracket like the VLS 24. It attaches to the camera chassis and puts the dovetail plate near the center of gravity, but you must remove the shoulder pad 24. It works with the F900, D600, Varicam and SDX-900 24.
Check your camera's shape 25. The 435 ES needs a dedicated low-mode bracket, and generic brackets from other cameras are not compatible 25.
On an Alexa, mount a dovetail plate to the top handle 26. That gets you a few inches lower 26.
Go for an angled bracket with extra radius between the receiver holes 23. It gives more rig clearance and keeps your fingers off the gimbal yoke 23.

Caution

Overtightening the stirrup rods on a video bracket can damage plastic camera components, so keep them snug 24.

What changed

Earlier, in 2004, clamping brackets to plastic handles was called mediocre and fit only for slow walking 24, today, as of 2013, a dovetail plate on a sturdy Alexa top handle is a workable way to go low 26.

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What quick-release plate lets me swap cameras fast?8 threads · latest 2026

In short

Get one plate that fits both your tripod head and your rig, so the camera swaps without an assistant changing plates 27. For most setups the lightweight Cat Griller is the pick 28.

How the pros do it

Start with the Cat Griller for most setups, since it is lightweight and preferred unless you move to handheld often 28. Check the width first, because it is too wide for Pilot dovetail plates and several other Steadicam® models 29.
If you go handheld often, use an Arri dovetail with 19mm rods and a short plate from Innocinema/ActionProducts 28.
For quick body swaps, put a Sony-style plate with rods on the stage dovetail and an Arri digicine baseplate on the head 28. Lens support and follow focus then stay on the head 28.
On the tripod side, an Arca-Swiss system keeps you compatible across several tripod brands 29. On small rigs it costs more than the Manfrotto 501/502 system 30.
Avoid the Manfrotto 577, 357 and Giottos M621 if you have gear above or below the plate, because the tightening lever can collide with it 29.
That adds weight and height 28 and increases vibration while raising the center of gravity 30. Check fit against your camera, top stage and tripod head before you buy, since a plate that works for one crew may not work for another 27.

Caution

Carbon fiber support rods may be more prone to stress damage than metal rods when a follow focus motor or similar gear clamps on them 33. That claim comes from anecdotal field experience 33.

Opinions differ here

Some operators question whether tool-free quick-release suits platforms that get repositioned often 32. The Betz Top Stage side values mounting and unmounting without tools 32. The Pro DB-3 side sees its tool-based mounting as a safety feature when gear moves between operators 32.

What changed

Earlier, in 2009, operators solved the swap with a quick-release bracket above the dovetail or several purpose-built dovetails on one quick-change mechanism 31, today, in 2026, a plate that fits both tripod and rig is standard enough that assistants ask whether you have one 27.

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Why does my camera keep slipping on the dovetail plate?7 threads · latest 2026

In short

Usually the lock has worked loose or the plate is undersized for the clamp 34 35 36. Tighten the lock screw, add removable threadlocker, then shim the clamp if it still moves 34 36 37.

How the pros do it

Tighten the flat head screw on the latch if the plate slips down when you tilt the rig, as reported on the Archer 2 36. Put removable threadlocker on the main locking screw so it stops unscrewing itself 34 36.
On M1/M2, Axis and Pilot, adjust the lever per the manual with a small hex key through the gap in the lever mechanism 38. On a Clipper, check first that the lever pivot screw is tight, because a loose one reduces downward pressure 38.
Clean the gunk out from between the stage and the tightening mechanism, since it hurts grip on a well-used DB2 35.
A Zephyr uses a smaller dovetail than standard rigs, so borrow a different plate to test compatibility 38. In a DB2, PRO plates are slightly wider and hard to clamp, and XCS plates give a tighter fit 35.
For a lasting fix, fit a shim in the locking lever mechanism 37. On the Archer 2 you may need to contact the manufacturer for the correct thickness 36, and on a Clipper use a steel shim behind the closing plate 38.
For a quick fix, put a thin strip of gaffer tape on the plate 35 38. Take it off after use because the residue is hard to clean 38. If the camera itself shifts sideways on the plate, put gaffer tape or thin rubber between camera and plate 39.

Caution

Don't shim with cardboard, because it is too compressible and can bend or crack the hardened closing plate over time 38.

Opinions differ here

On a Zephyr the smaller, wrong plate may be the culprit 38. On a Clipper 312 even the supplied plate slipped under heavy load 38. On a well-used DB2 the worn lock that has lost clamping force is blamed 35.

What changed

Earlier (2007) operators fought slipping with gaffer tape or thin rubber between camera and plate, today (2026) tape is only a temporary fix and older rigs get a proper shim in the locking mechanism 39 38.

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How do I use the dovetail plate to balance my rig?6 threads · latest 2015

In short

Slide the dovetail plate fore and aft until its mounting point sits under the camera's center of gravity 40. That sets your front-to-back balance 41.

How the pros do it

Find the center of gravity first by laying the camera and weight plate on a rod across a table edge 40. Mark the balance point, rotate the rod 90 degrees, mark it again, and the crossing point is your center of gravity 40.
Position the dovetail plate so its mounting point lines up with that center of gravity 40. For rough dynamic balance, the camera's center of gravity should sit about 0.75 inches behind the gimbal post centerline 42.
If the camera is front-heavy from lens, motor and accessories, slide the plate backward on the camera bracket 42. The Steadicam® plate then reaches further forward under the lens and the balance point moves rearward 42. Use the bracket's mounting holes to reposition it, and a longer plate gives you more range 42.
If the plate is still off, move the camera to a different mounting hole 41. Trim side-to-side with the control knob on the top stage 41. Don't overextend a flexible plate forward, because it can vibrate the image, while a rigid plate like the XCS avoids that 42.
Fine-tune for a drop time of about three seconds 41. If front-loading stops you reaching proper drop time, add dead weight to the sled bottom, but plate position is the primary fix 42.
Check the result by rotating the camera 180 degrees on the docking pin 40. If it goes out of balance, the gimbal is misaligned and the plate is not the problem 40. Tighten the plate firmly to the top stage, because a loose one can slip when you rest the rig on your shoulder and shift your balance 43.

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What mounting screw size does my camera plate need?5 threads · latest 2012

In short

It depends on the plate system, and the sources cover three of them 44 45 46. Panavision-style dovetails take 10-32 screws, XCS-style plates take 3/8-16, and a Merlin plate takes a 1/4 inch screw 44 45 46.

How the pros do it

For a Panavision-style dovetail, use a 10-32 screw, 3/8 inch long for a normal-thickness plate 45. Stainless steel is the recommended material 45.
For a thicker dovetail, switch to a 10-32 screw in 1/2 inch length 45. Some Panavision-compatible plates use 10-24 instead of 10-32, so check your plate before you order 45.
On a Panavision Lightweight II you need 10-32 screws, not the typical 3/8 inch ones 47. If you run 3/4 inch risers, you need 10-32 screws that are 3/4 inch longer than standard 47.
On an XCS dovetail plate, 3/8-16 Allen head bolts work well because of the slot design 44. Stainless ones from McMaster-Carr are much cheaper than cinema suppliers 44.
Don't grab hardware store screws for shallow plates, because their heads are usually too tall to fit 44.
On a Merlin plate, use a 1/4 inch diameter screw with about 1/4 inch of threads and a very thin 1/2 inch diameter head 46. If the screw is too long to seat the camera, it is the wrong part and you should replace it 46.

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Sources 47

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What operators found

Still argued about

Often in the same threads

Top Stage41, Base Plate24, Zephyr17, ALEXA 353, Low Mode35, Volt8, Master Series8, Arm Post4, Follow Focus18, Docking Bracket5, BFD8, Modulus4

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Ask about Dovetail PlateThe answer cites the archive