FUJI XT- 4 CINEMA RIG WITH SmallRig PRODUCTS
CINEMA RIG
Gimbals are great but they take time to setup and they could make you lazy. So, I decided to make a cinema rig to get stabilize footage with my Fuji XT- 4. The rig does not make as stable footage as we could get using a gimbal but it is far easier to operate. All the products I used to build it are from Small Rig. They make great quality products at affordable price.
The first thing we need is a cage on which we will be mounting other accessories. There are many companies making out cages but I found Small rig cage much better than others. The cage has multiple 1/4” - 20 and 3/8”- 16 accessory threads. It comes with Arca Swiss plate and a flat head screw driver attached on to the bottom. It make life easier having the screwdriver attached to the bottom.
The cage fits perfectly on the camera. It makes the grip on camera better. It weights just 206 gram which is not much considering the benefits we get from it. It comes with strap slots on both sides. You can use neck strap to get extra stability when shooting. Moreover, the cage acts as a protection for the camera.
SIDE HANDLE
This handle can be used on either side of the cage but I prefer it on the left side as there is already grip on the right side. It attaches to the cage with two 1/4” - 20 screws. This handle is up and down adjustable so you can set it wherever you want.
TOP HANDLE
Top handle comes in really handy when doing low angle shots. It helps you go low to the ground and get some cool shots. The top handle I chose has a record start/stop button and it is compatible with most of the camera brands. It comes with the cables for Sony, Fuji, and Panasonic cameras. You can mount any accessories to the top of handle as it has multiple mounting holes and cold shoes.
FOLLOW FOCUS
Regardless of great auto focus system in Fujifilm XT-4 there are times when you need to use manual focus to get the desired shot. This follow focus helps you to control the focus quickly. It comes with snap-on gear ring which is compatible with most of the lenses. It also comes with an external joystick which increases the range of follow focus.
RODS
The follow focus comes with a rod but I decided to buy 15mm carbon fibre rod set. They are pretty cheap and you can mount the follow focus as well as a Matte Box. If you are using big lenses then you can attache lens support on them.
BASE PLATE
To attach the rods this base plate is required. It attaches to the camera with a 3/8” - 16 or 1/4” - 20 screw.
MATTE BOX
This helps to prevent the sunlight from hitting the lens which further prevents glare and lens flare. It is light weight. If you need to use filters then you can easily put square filters in it.
MONITOR MOUNT
It supports 5” or 7” monitors. It tilts 180 degree which lets you lock the monitor in any position. Just to protect the monitor from scratching, it has rubber pad on top.
MINI QUICK RELEASE NATO RAIL
This NATO Rail attaches to the cage and the monitor mount is attached on it.
