Camera cages are undoubtedly one of the most convenient filmmaking accessories used in production as these allow you to mount different accessories to your camera from monitors and lights to audio equipment, SSD sleds, additional batteries and everything in between.
As useful as your camera cage may be, any camera operator or assistant would agree that removing and replacing accessories on a cage is a whole different story as it can be pretty daunting and time-consuming, especially when you have to deal with different accessories that require to be constantly replaced multiple times during the shooting day. Fortunately, filmmaker Armando Ferreira has found a neat solution to this issue, that can save you a significant amount of time and effort on set.
While doing some research on the topic, Ferreira came across an enticing offering known as the Cine Lock. It’s essentially a quick release system for your accessories that mounts directly onto camera cage screws. The Cine Lock is composed of two main components – a quick release plate and a mounting plate. To use the system, you’d first need to attach the mounting plate onto your camera cage using the included screw and washer.
Afterward, you’ll have to install the quick release plate to your chosen accessory – whether it be a monitor, light, or any other screw-mounted piece of gear. Another convenience is that you won’t have to worry about the thread size since the quick release plate supports both 1/4-20” and 3/8” screws. As you can see, the accessory fits perfectly on top of Ferreira’s C200 allowing him to remove and attach the SolidPod CFast 2.0 Adapter safely and efficiently, just in a matter of seconds.
Once set up, all you have to do is install the quick release plate onto the Cine Lock mounting assembly, making sure to lock the system when mounted. It’s also worth mentioning that if you have a mount such as the ARRI 3/8”-16 Accessory Mount, the company behind Cine Lock sells a spacer to use the quick release system with the ARRI mount.
Even though the Cine Lock can be a very convenient time-saving tool during production, it is a pretty costly piece of equipment at roughly $81 per unit. While the construction and design of the device are rock solid, this hefty price tag for such a tiny quick release system may be considered more of a luxury than a necessity. Then again, if you have the extra funds, using the Cine Lock may help speed up your own production workflow significantly and become one of the essential accessories in your gear bag.
[source: Armando Ferreira]
B&H Order Link:
16×9 Cine Lock Quick Release Mounting Device
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