ARRI Releases Professional Cage System for Fujifilm GFX ETERNA 55 – Modular Design, BUD Compatibility, NATO Rails

Camera Accessories

by Nino LeitnerDecember 22^nd, 2025

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ARRI has expanded its Pro Camera Accessories (PCA) lineup with a dedicated support system for FUJIFILM’s GFX ETERNA 55 large format cinema camera. The modular cage features ARRI’s BUD base plate for tool-less compatibility with ALEXA 35 accessories, integrated NATO rails on the side brackets, flexible top plate options for ARRI or FUJIFILM handles, and a new Lightweight Tripod Plate (LTP-1) with Touch and Go 35 snap-plate functionality.

The FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA 55 has been generating significant interest since its release, offering cinematographers access to a large format 44x33mm sensor with a 55mm diagonal in a compact form factor, and we have reported extensively about it including regular check-ins with FUJIFILM at various trade shows. Currently, we are also reviewing the camera and we will likely release the review within the next weeks.

As with any new cinema camera entering the professional space, the accessory ecosystem takes time to mature. ARRI’s new cage system addresses this gap by bringing the company’s well-established rigging standards to FUJIFILM’s first dedicated cinema camera, allowing rental houses and owner-operators to integrate the ETERNA 55 into existing ARRI-based workflows.

The support system follows ARRI’s familiar design philosophy that we have seen in their cages for the Sony BURANO, Canon EOS C400, and Sony Venice Extension Mini. For those who have worked with these previous PCA offerings, the ETERNA 55 cage will feel immediately familiar while incorporating some new elements tailored to FUJIFILM’s camera body.

Cage construction and mounting options

The ARRI ETERNA cage comprises a two-part top plate, BUD base plate, and three side brackets. The top section includes multiple mounting threads and a top-mounted NATO rail that secures the side brackets while providing attachment points for rod clamps and accessories. This design allows users to mount ARRI handles such as the CCH-4 directly to the top plate, or the top plate can be removed from the camera body’s dovetail interface to accommodate the native FUJIFILM handle when preferred.

The side brackets integrate NATO rails directly into their structure, providing maximum rigging flexibility. This approach matches what ARRI has implemented on their other third-party camera cages and enables the use of NATO accessories such as the NRC-2 clamp for mounting wireless video transmitters. Having NATO rails built into the cage structure rather than requiring separate clamps simplifies rigging and reduces the overall part count on a build.

BUD base plate and stabilizer compatibility

Perhaps the most significant aspect of the ETERNA cage is its BUD (Balance Utility Dovetail) base plate. ARRI introduced the BUD system with the ALEXA 35, and extending this interface to third-party cameras represents an important step in their accessory strategy. The BUD design ensures tool-less compatibility with ALEXA 35 accessories, including SAM (Stabilizer Adapter Mount) plates.

This compatibility opens up quick transitions to stabilized setups with ARRI CSS products like the TRINITY 2 and ARTEMIS 2. Third-party gimbals including the Freefly MōVI and DJI Ronin 2 are also supported through appropriate SAM plates. For productions that regularly move cameras between tripod work, handheld, and stabilized shots, the BUD interface can significantly reduce transition times on set.

Viewfinder adapter and monitor positioning

ARRI is also offering a viewfinder adapter set designed to provide more varied and stable mounting of FUJIFILM’s 5-inch onboard LCD monitor. The GFX ETERNA 55 ships with a flexible monitor mount, but the ARRI solution extends the range of shooting styles the camera can accommodate. The set includes a Rod Mounting Bracket RMB-8, Viewfinder Adapter VFA-4, and Viewfinder Cross Pipe.

The viewfinder adapter can be used with either the FUJIFILM top handle or an ARRI handle, and can be further customized with ARRI HEX extensions for personalized operating comfort. This flexibility is particularly valuable for operators who have specific preferences about viewfinder positioning or need to accommodate different shooting scenarios throughout a production day.

Available configurations

ARRI is offering the ETERNA cage in four configurations. The Pro Set and Basic Set provide the core cage components, while the Extended Pro and Extended Basic Sets add handheld accessories including a shoulder pad, rosette brackets, and 15mm rods. These extended sets will be particularly relevant for documentary work or any production requiring extended handheld operation.

The new Lightweight Tripod Plate LTP-1 is included in the Basic Set and both Extended Sets. This plate enables direct tripod mounting of the BUD via an integrated Touch and Go 35 snap-plate mechanism. The Touch and Go system has become increasingly popular for rapid camera transitions, and having this functionality built into the base configuration should appeal to rental houses looking to standardize their support equipment.

Market context

The ARRI cage joins an already developing accessory ecosystem for the GFX ETERNA 55. Third-party manufacturers including MID49, Tilta, Kondor Blue, and Bright Tangerine have all released or announced cage systems for FUJIFILM’s camera. However, ARRI’s offering brings the specific advantage of native compatibility with the broader ARRI accessory ecosystem, which remains the standard on many professional sets worldwide.

For rental houses that have invested heavily in ARRI support equipment over the years, the ability to use existing SAM plates, shoulder pads, and CSS interfaces with the ETERNA 55 represents a practical advantage. Owner-operators who work frequently with rental gear may also appreciate having their camera ready to integrate with ARRI-standard accessories without carrying additional adapters.

The ARRI Support Set for FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA 55 is available to order now. Pricing has not been disclosed in the announcement, but given ARRI’s positioning and the quality of materials typically used in their PCA products, expect pricing consistent with their other professional camera support systems.

Are you planning to add the GFX ETERNA 55 to your kit? Does ARRI’s BUD compatibility influence your cage system choice? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!