I'd like to see how other people are mounting their monitors, I feel the mount on the top handle is way too high for most of the stuff we're doing. I saw in the launch video for the Atomos Ninja Inferno they had the monitor mounted midway down on the ring but I couldn't find the hardware they used to do it. Thanks!
Hi Martin, I've tried several monitor mounts, and my favorite has been an Impact Atom Clamp with an UltraLight Ball mount system. Typically the Ultra-Light I use is 1/4-20 to 1/4-20, but they also have a monitor mount that I'm working in to my system to keep the monitor from rotating loose on the 1/4-20 bolt. My setup is relatively inexpensive, won't break if you push on it or over-tighten, modular\repairable if something does break, and the Atom clamp can switch from the Ring to the Handle to a C-Stand or whatever in seconds. Because we're moving the Movi from one different setup to another, I like the flexibility of the Atom clamp. I like to put my monitor low on the Ring if possible, typically toward the bottom, so I can see the image and the ground where I'm walking. If it's mounted on the top, you can't see trip hazards as well. Also, I use a Ready Rig support vest, and the straps will get in the way of the monitor unless I mount it below them. I've also tried the DJI monitor clamp, the Movi Accessory mount, and the Cinema Oxide Rings. I had issues with all of them, but have really liked the Impact Atom clamp. It allows me to move the monitor around wherever I want on the Ring. Here's some links: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/831804-REG/Impact_me_100_Atom_Clamp_with_Ratchet.html http://www.filmtools.com/13baadulcosy.html http://www.filmtools.com/clbyulcosy.html http://www.filmtools.com/nemosubaulco.html
Thanks Graham! We also have a ready rig and cinemilled spindles so your solution should work perfectly.
It's nice to be able to quickly move the monitor from low on the ring to high, like when you go to low-mode shots. Doing some digging into Ultralight's offerings, there's a clamp that might be more useful, because it allows for more positions of the ball joint by having cut-outs in it: https://www.samys.com/p/Underwater-Accessories/ACCSSK/ULTRALIGHT-SUES-KNUCKLES/189974.html I just pre-ordered the SmallHD 503 monitor, so I'm looking forward to seeing how well it works out in bright daylight. My TV Logic 5.6" is too dim to see much outside. I would like to get better locking-action from the 1/4-20 attachments... they can spin loose on me sometimes, which is why I'm looking to use the UltraLight 'Monitor Support Base' with the new monitor. It wouldn't work with the TV Logic because it would block all the BNC ports, which are on the bottom. Using a lock-washer can help though.
Yes, a 1/4-20 male thread, but be aware that it can loosen up on you unless you add a lock-washer. The rubber O-ring also helps keep it in place, but I tend to just grab the monitor and nudge it a lot, which can loosen it. I also just got the 'Sue's Knuckles' version of the Joint, and it allows a bit more flexibility in the angles you can set. You can go with 1/4-20 male ball adapters on both sides of the Ultralight, or go with a Monitor Support on the Monitor end. I received the Small HD 503 the other day and it's much easier to see outdoors. With the V-mount battery back, the 'Monitor Support' will only work on the top because it hits the battery on the bottom, but it should help to prevent the monitor spinning on the 1/4-20 joint. I can't say if it will work well with the Atomos or not, but you might consider trying it.