Filmmaking takes a lot of time. We know this. However, often it's the little things, not the big things, that are most time-consuming, like, for example, mounting your camera to different stabilizers that require different plates. Anyone who has worked on a film set knows that this is one of the most frustrating and irritating tasks, but what if there was a way to make switching from one stabilizer to the next a whole lot faster and easier? Well, in this video, Jordy Vandeput from Cinecom shares a simple trick that will help you do just that. Check it out below: 

While many experienced filmmakers use this trick, most beginners (and even pros) are still running around with their hex keys and quarters loosening and tightening all of these different mounting plates from their camera. That process, as simple as it is, eats up so much time,  not to mention causes wear and tear to your gear and puts it at higher risk of getting misplaced.

Having a few quick-release plate adapters around is a really cheap and easy way to save time and energy on set because you bypass all of the screwing and unscrewing. Just grab an adapter and screw whatever weird mounting plate your device uses on the bottom. That way, when it comes time to switch between rigs, you don't have to take the quick-release plate off of your camera; you can just slide it right into the adapter that is already mounted to your device.

But that's not the only cool thing you can do with these adapters. You can mount them to all sorts of things to get creative shots, from DIY crane rigs to branches you find in the woods (makeshift nature monopod). You can even mount them to the wall and throw some lights up without needing to set up C-stands.

Vandeput uses this quick-release plate adapter in the video, which goes for about $10 on eBay, but if unbranded gear makes you nervous, you can get a comparable plate adapter for about $45.

Source: Cinecom

Quick release platestricks
Cinematography & Cameras