SUPPORT

PREPARING YOUR CAMERA FOR VERTIGO

VERTIGO BASEPLATES

The Vertigo requires the prior installation of a 15mm rod base that doesn't extend forward of your camera’s e-mount port (see photo).

Many common 15mm rod baseplate or their dovetail plates do not meet this criteria without modification (ie. they extend too far forward). Here are some options we’ve found to get you started:

BEST OPTION: Bright Tangerine Leftfield

If you haven’t yet met this beauty, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to the best baseplate we’ve met.

Solid, flexible and future-proof, the Leftfield also has great features like side-loading and a single-lever-two-rod release. Super, solid stuff that will let you get your Vertigo swinging with the least amount of fuss.

OPTION 2: Modified 15mm baseplate and dovetail plate.

This option modifies a “universal” baseplate that works with an integrated dovetail plate. We tested a SmallRig 4002 baseplate combined with a SmallRig 3771 12” dovetail plate.

The modification requires the routing of a groove into the 4002 baseplate, allowing the spring-loaded safely “button” on the dovetail plate to slide into the baseplate, meeting the requirements of the Vertigo (see top photo).

Specs for the routing I used are below. I used a dremel with a steel routing bit but it gets a but messy. If you have a machinest friend this mod is very simple and a case of beer should suffice. Nice beer though. Life’s too short for cheap beer.

Note that your baseplate may require a different modification or may not be able to be modified (I ruined one of my baseplates getting this information). If you lack the skill, knowledge or courage to attempt all this, don’t be afraid to seek expert advice first.

OPTION 3: Off-the-shelf but a bit annoying

Combining a “universal” 15mm baseplate like a SmallRig 3357 and a sliding dovetail plate solution (like a Manfrotto 504PLONG and a Manfrotto 577) should create a system to attach your Vertigo to your Sony camera.

The combination linked above lets a FX6/FX9 attach to a Sachtler Video 18 III. You may need to experiment with dovetail lengths to fit your tripod so that the Vertigo can overhang the tripod top plate.

This solution works and is off-the-shelf, but is clunky and we recommend the other option for long-term satisfaction.

If you find any other options please let us know so we can share with other turret-mad folks.

Next, choose your camera below and mount that Vertigo!