It’s only inevitable that you’ll be in the situation of having to move fast and treat your cool Sony EX1 like the news gathering machine it wasn’t created to be. The first shoot in Mexico taught me this camera needs a little more time and effort, finessing those switches and menus. But once you’ve got the basic setup dialed in and have a good feel for the ergonomics, there’s no reason you can’t run and gun.
The video is the easy part with the EX1, it’s the audio that’s the hang up. Sony knows you want a shotgun on top and provides a means for mounting it. I wanted more. You’ve got to be able to have the wireless mic system running along side with you. I know it’s preferable to have a sound tech, but there are too many times they aren’t in the budget. So you’re on your own, carrying it all. That’s been made easier by Jeff Rhode and his J-Rod Super Strong Twin Mount ($45). I recently purchased this and his shotgun shock mount, replacing the existing Sony shock mount ($40).


The design makes sense. It seems to be pretty sturdy and after using it a couple of times, it’s made my work much easier. Especially having the ability to mount the Lectrosonics wireless receiver in a position that’s balanced and out of the way. I also purchased a hot shoe adapter from Trew Audio ($60) that made it possible to put the B.E.C. receiver box on the second J-Rod shoe.


Here’s a couple of cautions: the bend in the metal on the shock mount is the weak point and began fatiguing after shooting all day with constant moving around. I’m pointing to bend with a screwdriver.
The big fuzzy started leaning forward and dipping into the shot (wide angle converter was being used, probably not an issue with standard lens.) Also the set screw didn’t want to stay down and the shock mount would become loose, making me retighten it a few times. I’m experimenting here with putting a rubber washer in there, but haven’t given it a good field test. I was surprised the shoe adapter for the wireless receiver was made of some sort of plastic. Everything else is B.E.C.’s standard crinkle-finish metal. Not an issue yet, but this bears watching.
So everything fits on my EX1 nicely and allows me to work effectively and efficiently. It does add some weight, but feels pretty balanced despite the weight of the receiver on the side. Here’s something important I forgot to add: the existing hot shoe on the EX1 is still available for a top light. I’ve got the LitePanels MicroPro from Abel Cine Tech ($$). There’s a rebate on them for $75 until the end of February. Missed that one.



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I would like to mention that I have replaced the rubber band shock mount on the site with a much stronger design and large thumb nut. Please take a look at http://www.thej-rod.com.