Rigging the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera

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by Sebastian WöberApril 25^th, 2014

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We came across this great overview video of how to rig your Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera. Now that so many great accessories are available for the camera it can be transformed into a very strong camera.
This is a video by filmmaker, composer and video artist H. Paul Moon who runs an online User Group at www.focuspulling.com.

This very informative video is very much in line with what we would recommend, but here are some additional comments from my side:
Regarding the Holymanta Variable ND and Speedbooster Adapter note that these are passive adapters so you will not be able to change the aperture on automatic iris lenses! You will only be able to control manual iris lenses like the Rokinon lenses. Alternatively the Fotodiox Throttle adapter also does ND changes in a very ergonomic way. You should check it out.

Concerning the Fader ND’s we have a review comparing 3 different brands here, but note that the one used in Paul’s rigging video is a new version of LCW’s FaderND which apparently has improved optical quality closer to the Tiffen and the thin size is an extra plus too.

GEAR LIST mentioned in the video (in order of appearance):
• Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera
• Panasonic 12-35mm f2.8 zoom lens
• Rokinon Cine lenses for EF mount
• HolyManta VND
• Light Craft Workshop Rapid ND
• View Factor Contineo cage
• Tamrac N-45 padded leather quick-release camera strap
• Zacuto Z-Finder
• Ikan battery adapters (choose desired battery & mounting)
• 5.5 x 2.1mm female (Ikan) to 2.5 x 0.7mm male (BMPC) adapter
• Tascam DR-60D audio pre-amp/recorder
• Rode NTG-2 shotgun mic
• Polaroid shotgun mic mount
• Flolight 1/4″-20 Stacker for mic mount
• Tether Tools Jerkstopper thread mount
• Roxsen Speedbooster Focal Reducer EF to Micro-4/3 (passive / can’t change aperture on digital lenses)

Guest post by H. Paul Moon:

Last year, when the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera arrived, I made a video to break it in – and laid down a commentary to share some insights.
Not the newest thing now, it’s still the only option for capturing 10-bit 4:2:2 log video without a big rig, and costing under a grand. But it’s always needed a bit of rigging, and while filmmakers keep using it to make amazing films there’s still a lot to talk about, in terms of rigging it right.

Following up the commentary I made last year that went sort of viral, here’s a similar chat: because sometimes showing stuff and talking over it works better than writing an article. For a streaming clip, it runs long, but it covers a lot of ground – and I’m looking forward to your comments below.

For more exploring, visit the portal to these user groups at www.focuspulling.com where you’ll see daily user contributions of sample videos, tips, and news on your favorite gear.

Shot on the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera: