How To Build A V-Mount Blackmagic Pocket 4k & 6k Rig - Using Smallrig Components!

Heres a breakdown of how we setup our Blackmagic Pocket 4k to use v-mounts. We chose to go with the under mounted v-mount so we still had access to the primary display.
Smallrig Affiliate Link: www.smallrig.com?afmc=25i
Parts used for the build:
V-mount plate - amzn.to/35ybGTp
Smallrig Baseplate - www.adorama.com/sr2039.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiArvX_BRCyARIsAKsnTxMUrutpWMlHEBsUVoG1q0tktUiWSi4v8VSZB9ZSdbBUCs-RMqW3zmAaAr-kEALw_wcB&
15mm Rail Clamp - amzn.to/3bvad3W
D-Tap Splitter - amzn.to/35CiKy6
15mm Rails - amzn.to/2XyOM9R
D-Tap to BMPCC4k - amzn.to/3i5rp18
Our Favorite Storyboarding App:
boords.com?via=threefold
20% off your first payment with the code: BOORDS20
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Gear we use!
Threefold Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/threefold
Lighting Gear we use : www.amazon.com/shop/threefold?listId=1Q2WSIJZEPBRC
Cameras & Lenses: www.amazon.com/shop/threefold?listId=1IGMD0RO856Y6
Audio Gear: www.amazon.com/shop/threefold?listId=18AHWTWERGMKM
Miscellaneous gear (Drones, gimbals, tripods, monitors): www.amazon.com/shop/threefold?listId=153BWDR64HYAU
Blackmagic Pocket 6k: amzn.to/2Lh19VL
Blackmagic Pocket 4k: amzn.to/3i5CK1f
Sigma Cine 18-35 EF: amzn.to/2Kb5hpG
Tokina Cine 11-20 EF: amzn.to/3qdGL6x
Aputure 300x: amzn.to/35yOHro
Aputure 300D II: amzn.to/2LIFy8m
Aputure 120D II: amzn.to/3iiilq1
Rode NTG3: amzn.to/2LtoV0L
DJI RS2: amzn.to/3bBStUv
DJI Mavic Pro: amzn.to/3oEhhyZ
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Website: www.threefold.tv

[@ericstephan5953]

Love that the V-Mount is underneath. Makes the screen fully useable!

[@litfilms771]

Best efficient + compact BMPCC setup I’ve seen so far! Thanks for sharing

[@threefoldtv]

Thanks, and thanks for watching!

[@ThinkingArtEntertainment]

V-mount is the way to go with these cams for sure! Great video guys!

[@threefoldtv]

We think so too! Thanks for watching!

[@marcopervo]

Nice set-up with the tucked away V-mount. For shooters closer to 40 than 20, I highly recommend a 7" monitor for your studio/cinema rig. The extra heft and $$$ is more than made up for the with extra speed and focus/exposure accuracy gained on shoots.

[@Aaron_Smith_OM]

Not gonna lie, that smaller, contained rig looks really nice! I might try that out!

[@janeisenbeton9030]

Interesting video! I love this style of content.

[@threefoldtv]

Thanks, we appreciate you watching!

[@falcon8967]

This is the best rig I’ve seen!

[@threefoldtv]

Thanks Austin!

[@larrydickem]

This is pretty slick. 👌🏾👌🏾

[@earnieboy54]

Dope rig but that cable management is A1! Really nice!

[@stevofoo]

Love the setup, save a lot of space and it doesn't block the screen. Also, has lower gravity and should be quite stable when handheld. I got a core base battery which as a quick release on it. I didn't use the reel, I mount it on the tilta cage with camvate quick release plate and clamp. And Tilta mini focus as a follow focus, as i did not have the larger cine lens, I use converted vintage photos lens, the diameter of the lens barrel is small, even after install follow focusing gear. ( still waiting for the gears, hope they work well with Tilta mini focus!!!)

[@joaomestre2584]

Great video! Unfortunatly, the base plate is no longer available and can't be seen in any other store. Could you please specify how many parts do we need to buy just to build that base plate? Thanks!

[@OmniVisionElite]

maybe the smartest setup I have seen!

[@benbrick8880]

that mug is quite the conversation piece. haha

[@arisezim5038]

This is the best rig so far online

[@aaammm0011]

Great video , Kindly .. How did you install power Splitter with Clamp Single Camera Rod Mount, Does any Type of power Splitter correspond to it?

[@MichaelPerez83]

This is what I've been looking for. I've trying to find a video where someone makes a DIY Anton Bauer Titon Base. This is way better! Thank you!!!

[@chungdha]

What is the sequence you power it on to avoid the issue camera first or monitor first?

[@StickmanProductions]

Great rig, thanks for sharing @Threefold

[@PBarry]

Great video. Would you suggest this over the Tilta Battery Baseplate for the Pocket 6k?

[@gtdreamer86]

I love this setup! Sorry for the noob question...to shorten the cable for the DTAP splitter you simply have to cut it and put it back like a regular electric cable? Or there are some "rules" to follow? Thanks

[@aarams5379]

Great looking rig. But I noticed the Smallrig Manfrotto baseplate linked is discontinued. Do you have an updated parts list? Thanks!

[@user-nu8bf3bf9m]

Thank you for a great solution!! I'll definitely try this setup! Could you please go over "HDMI ports getting fried" issue on BMPCC 4K/6K more specifically? I'm searching all over the internet for couple of weeks and found some threads but still couldn't figure out how to power the camera and monitor properly at the same time while they're connected with HDMI which may cause "ground loop" that can damage the HDMI ports. You guys are hands down one of the best on KZbin!! Thank you as always!!

[@Mimunga]

So in this setup you you can't connect camera and the monitor with HDMI or it will damage the ports?

[@MightyMayoFilms]

Yall gonna reply to x8?

[@Mimunga]

@@MightyMayoFilms I've build this setup and powering with no issues NINJA 5 + BMPCC 6k + Focus Motor + Focus Controller. Just need to power as they've said one after one. Thanks again.

[@threefoldtv]

Hey so sorry for the late reply, we somehow missed this! According to BM they told us there shouldn't be an issue with powering both the camera and the monitor through a single V-mount battery as long as the monitor and camera are powered in sequence vs at the same time. I've heard some horror stories of HDMI ports getting fried but so far for us we've had no issues with our two pockets being powered this way. We always make sure to power them on one after the other and NOT at the same time.

[@jamesbiggins2524]

@@threefoldtv So you power the on the camera first correct?

[@LarimoreStudios]

I would love to see a video of how you guys go about color grading Black Magic footage!

[@ecoxtremecl]

Hi, thanks for share. Do yo know if the new "SmallRig Universal Baseplate with 15mm LWS Rod Support" works to? because the Smallrig Baseplate you posted is discontinued. Thank you so much

[@benwatford3068]

Can you attach some kind of quick release plate at the very bottom to mount the whole thing to a tripod?

[@Roboccobo]

I love the tilta NPF battery side handle. Keeps things low profile and tidy. I got a little over 3 hours on time yesterday and haven't had any problems with reliability. I just wish it could be on the right side of the camera instead of the left. I can't pull focus with my right hand very well.

[@threefoldtv]

Yeah NPFs are still a solid power solution, and it definitely helps having GOOD NPF batteries. Alot of our NPF batteries we have are cheapo ones haha The Tilta side handle is a really slick solution too!

[@Roboccobo]

@@threefoldtv what are some NPF batteries you suggest and what are some to avoid?

[@TheToneWork]

That's what I use too. It gets 3 hours continuous runtime. I use the Powerextra batteries and have never had an issue. They even have ones that have an indicator to see how much charge you have.

[@kevnatividad]

Great idea! And what kind of top handle do you have on your blackmagic?

[@threefoldtv]

We use the Smallrig top handle and then added the extension piece they sell. We love the handle and having the extension comes in real handy! www.smallrig.com/smallrig-top-handle-accessory-kit-2027.html www.smallrig.com/smallrig-top-handle-straight-extension-htr2297.html

[@robertsteinberger]

Finally a solution to put the V-Mount underneath! I'll use this for my A7S III, hope you don't mind. What are the rails for though?

[@ToneLovesLove]

If you have a long lens, the rails can be used for lens support. Also, since these cameras are pretty much manual focus, you may need to mount a follow focus system on the rails so they can touch the lens to zoom and focus.

[@AyechinoProd]

So @ 2:55 you mean we gotta power on the camera first THEN the monitor in order to not fry any ports?

[@miguelherrera9269]

Hi, nice config! I have a KingMa v- mount battery, BP-150WS 14.8v 10.4Ah and is 150W/h. I understand the bmpcc4k needs 12 volts to work. Would this battery be suitable for my camera? Thanks very much in advance.

[@wizardofauss4852]

Can you screw your niceyrig plate directly into the tripod mount on the bottom of your camera and attach the battery upside-down?

[@PulledPinProductions]

The small rig base plate is no longer offered, any alternatives?

[@tylerhillside7147]

Can this exact rig, minus the monitor and handle be balanced on a dji ronin S gimbal?

[@stephenmclean3029]

What brand/type of v mount battery are you using in this video?

[@damiencooper]

hey, saw your post on FB, fellow youtuber here ;). I like the rig although it's a little to vertical for me. But how do you intend on pulling focus on that rig?

[@threefoldtv]

With our Pockets we usually just pull focus manually. I craddle the 15mm rails with my hands and use my thumb to change focus. Although in cases where we need to attach follow focus motors they reach the lens just fine ( we use the Nucleus M system)

[@damiencooper]

Threefold thanks. I always felt the rails are in the way of my hand.

[@DASwealth]

what is that vertical piece called? im trying to order that piece separately

[@adeeboberoi5362]

thx, nice video. But what exactly does BM mean power in sequence and not simultaneously?

[@joaomestre2584]

Didn't get it too.

[@user-oc7zh3ld2o]

Can anyone tell me where can I find a replacement rot the same baseplate

[@jpbersabe]

Thanks for this. The vertical piece in the beginning, is that something you can buy on its own?

[@threefoldtv]

Unfortunately I don't think they sell it separately, its only sold as a kit.

[@jpbersabe]

Threefold thank you.

[@florian8736]

Hey I am new to this topic. Can I use ANY V Mount battery for my rig? What do I need to look for? Can someone please help?

[@smooth8155]

can you give me a link for the small v mount battery pls?

[@NewRiseTV]

Great Video! Can't find that Smallrig Manfroto Baseplate anywhere. Any other link to get that exact same one?

[@Tornaventofilms]

Same here, can’t find It anywhere...

[@davidvchrn520]

Same

[@ondrejjanoska660]

How long does it last on this v mount?

[@priesjensen]

Great video as always. How long are your delay when sequential startup?

[@threefoldtv]

Not that long, maybe a couple seconds.

[@Mimunga]

@@threefoldtv I did see a question on top about HDMI issues if monitor is connected in this rig creating a group loop, is it just a scary story? :)

[@atlasfielding]

has anyone found a good alternative too the small rig 2039 baseplate since it's discontinued?

[@qaisquraishi95]

Most of these items are no longer available on the links... Please suggest other options?

[@khurrammughal8999]

hey thanks for the video, what matte box are you using?

[@threefoldtv]

Thanks man! We use the PolarPro Basecamp mattebox, we really like them. The only downside to them is they take proprietary filters, but we'd still recommend them.

[@divisionoflabor3070]

Aw, smallrig baseplate is no longer available. Any alternatives?

[@visionary_vega]

Ready to try this, but don't understand why someone ppl online say a dummy battery is needed. Does this setup require a dummy? Also I read that you shouldn't have a battery in the bmpcc when using a v-mount. Would anyone be able to verify this

[@dareckmaurice9435]

So powered on in sequence is the trick? interesting...i fried my HDMI port a few months back, I just got mines back, but nervouse as hell to run BOTH Monitor and BMPCC 4k? So power off/on in sequence?

[@andrewpressrecord1706]

Has anyone found a replacement to the SmallRig 2039 Baseplate yet? (I have seen the Tilta version - it's big and expensive)

[@damiencooper]

oh, and you said you contacted BMD. Did you also ask about powering Camera and monitor off a Sony NPF Battery or just V-mount?

[@threefoldtv]

I only asked about the V-Mount solution. We have powered both off NPF Batteries though before and have never had any issues.

[@dannysong]

Are you powering your BMPCC + monitor off of one NPF battery?

[@yinkababalola989]

the smallrig baseplate is discontinued. is there an updated version of this rig with parts available?

[@chrisso1973]

I love this rig, it’s the most compact I’ve seen using v mount, but I don’t recognise the actual battery you use here. What is it? Great work guys, thanks for such smart content!

[@threefoldtv]

Hey thanks Chris! It's actually the Core SWX Nano 98wh. I believe they stopped making them, but I think they have some similar ones that are about as slim. We've been really happy with their slim batteries.

[@chrisso1973]

Thanks guys. I’ve got one on order! 👍🏼

[@jamesbiggins2524]

@@threefoldtv Would you mind linking one that you are using that is currently available? Just don't want to buy one that isn't compatible or can harm the camera. Thank you!!

[@threefoldtv]

@@jamesbiggins2524 Hey James here's the Coreswx that we use. www.coreswx.com/store.coreswx/product/core-n98s/

[@jamesbiggins2524]

How is your guys SSD attached? I am following this build and I am confused about where to attach the SSD for placement. Was hoping I could get some help from you guys! Thanks!

[@jamesbiggins2524]

Also could you guys maybe reach out to me about how you hooked up the niceyrig v mount to the camvate quick release? Would appreciate it greatly!

[@GuillePozzi]

do you use the 15mm rods for something else besides the DTAPs? If not, why not getting just one shorter rod?

[@threefoldtv]

I like to use them for extra support for holding when I'm shooting handheld and it helps protect the lens. But you definitely could use a smaller one to slim it down!

[@AustralianImage]

NP-F batteries are not unreliable. I've been powering one of my BMPCC4Ks since the beginning of this year with nothing but an NP-F battery system and they have been as reliable as my V-lock on my other BMPCC4K. Using one NP-F970 + in-camera Canon LP-E6N, I get four hours of continuous shooting in 4KDCI. You can build a much lower profile setup and save some weight by using NP-F batteries, and have the ability to easily hot swap while on the go (if you decide to use smaller NP-F batteries).

[@threefoldtv]

Us saying they are unreliable isn't totally accurate, we used NPF batteries for some time (check out our older videos) and they do work great and definitely way better than the LPE6 batteries but we did have some occasional problems with battery plates failing on us. For us gauging the remaining battery capacity was a pain since most of our NPF batteries did not have battery indicators on them ( and we didn't want to re-invest in purchasing a bunch of new npf batteries that did have capacity indicators) and the other big factor was powering both the pocket and our BM5 monitors really drained NPF batteries much faster. We certainly are not hating on NPF as we still use them for many pieces of equipment, we just decided to move to v-mount so that all of our cameras ran off the same battery system, and so we could gain the extra battery capacity. NPF are still a great power solution for the pockets and do cut down on weight.

[@AustralianImage]

@@threefoldtv For sheer endurance the V-lock option is clearly the best choice, but you do pay a price with sheer size and weight. I've considered the new nano V-lock batteries, but even they aren't that small or light given the capacity, with the only advantage being 14.8V output. As for indicators, I'm pretty happy with the battery gauge on the BMPCC4K, the updates provided this year give a much better indication than previously. For those who want a reasonable compromise between size and weight, and the ability to place a battery pretty much anywhere, the NP-F option is still perhaps the best solution (in my opinion) and much better than the power banks that some advocate. And, as I mentioned in another of your videos, I hand hold one of my rigs for hours on end and the lower profile that the NP-F solution affords just can't be beat.

[@jildert.]

Any one know the name of that vertical piece he mentions at 0:35 The links are outdated and I'm trying to find something like it.

[@briandecasa5444]

How do you pull focus with this? Would you opt to use tilta side focus handle ?

[@threefoldtv]

Usually I prefer cradling the 15mm rails in my hand and then use my thumb and pointer finger to pull focus. We did just get the Portkeys keygrip handle in and it works great with the nucleus N motor, so we might have to give that a try!

[@YourMovieFix]

You mention that the monitor and camera should be turned on in sequence, but which do you turn on first?

[@threefoldtv]

According to Blackmagic it doesn't matter which one you turn on first as long as you turn them on in sequence.

[@ndstrlsm]

Wish we could get an update on this, the baseplate is nowhere to be found!

[@MrGabbass]

nice man!!! so no problems with frying up the hdmi port? I am curently trying to make a set up of the same style

[@threefoldtv]

Nope, no issues what so ever!

[@MrGabbass]

Thanks for answering even though awnser was in the video!!

[@Lauryyno]

What do you mean by "Its ok to power monitor and camera with single v mount as long as monitor and camera are not powered at the same time"? There is a known issue aboud hdmi port frying when using such setup. Please explain, thanks :)

[@threefoldtv]

We had heard about these issues, which is why we contacted Blackmagic asking there input on the subject. There direct response was "It should be fine to power both a Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and your monitor from the same power source. The crucial factors are powering the devices in sequence, as opposed to simultaneously, and ensuring the HDMI cable between both devices is connected prior to powering the units on." We have been powering all or pockets using v-mounts for quite a while and have never had any issues.

[@Lauryyno]

Threefold thank you. So basically if the hdmi cable is connected, then you can safely turn on camera and a few seconds later turn on the monitor. But I see there is room for human error. Normally I do not transport camera with hdmi connected so if somehow I would turn on the camera and monitor (one after another) and only then connect cable it might burn and damage the camera? Well I personally do rent my camera occasionally, this sounds risky tbh.

[@jasonkohnke7979]

Do you also have the ability to add a manfrotto mount to the bottom as well for tripod use?

[@threefoldtv]

Yep! We have a Benro tripod but we do just that.

[@RodneyCooperFilmz]

@@threefoldtv Some of your links in the description are not working.

[@theancientmariner2569]

Can you use a gimbal or a steadicam if the battery is below the Camera?

[@threefoldtv]

If you're using something like the crane 3s you probably could but I don't think this setup would work very well with something like the ronin S. Although we did do a video on a ronin S build that uses v-mounts!

[@js_filming7701]

Whats that rod clamp You have on the cage?

[@threefoldtv]

Its a Smallrig clamp, super useful piece to have! www.smallrig.com/smallrig-single-15mm-rail-clamp-1549.html

[@OwenAssman]

What's the total weight of the rig? I've thought about getting the 6K but I'd want to make a somewhat heavy rig to help smooth out handheld work.

[@threefoldtv]

The total rig (with a battery, lens, matte box and 2nd monitor) comes in around 11-12lbs. Varies a bit depending on what lens you have on. We definitely like having the little extra weight for handheld, definitely makes a difference!

[@OwenAssman]

​@@threefoldtv Good to know! Been loving the content y'all are putting out!

[@threefoldtv]

@@OwenAssman we appreciate it man, glad you're following along!

[@aybee5908]

NPFs are not reliable? Didn`t have any isues so far. Advantage of NPFs: just 1/3 weight/size of V-batteries. I´m still able to use a gimbal (battery on monitor). Runtime is of course 3 or 4 times lower than V-mount. V-mount is good for shoulder or tripod stuff. I love Smallrig and this solution with thinner V-battery is very smart.

[@threefoldtv]

I guess "unreliable" probably isn't the right word. We've never had any major issues with NPF and it definitely cuts down on the weight. The main reason we switched away was we were having some issues with the NPF plate adapters, and the NPFs we have don't have battery life indicators on them so its can be a bit harder to know how much battery life you actually have left. But NPF do work good and are a much better solution than using the LPe6 batteries. We actually have a very similar build to the one in this video but instead of V-mounts it uses NPF batteries. If you havn't seen that video you can check it out here : kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGGtZWmMrb57idka

[@aybee5908]

@@threefoldtv I see. I`ve used big NPFs with DC out and indicator, connected on my monitor and with the DC out to the BMPCC. I think Tom Antos does it that way, too. More runtime is definately with V-batteries.

[@james_slaven]

What lens and adapter is that?

[@threefoldtv]

The adapter is the Metabones EF to MFT 0.71x Cine Adapter. The Lens is the Tokina Cinema 11-20mm T2.9. www.amazon.com/Metabones-Camera-Adapter-Magnification-Generation/dp/B079KTS2NY/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=metabones+ef+to+mft+cine&qid=1591025401&sr=8-4

[@MisaelRodriguez]

Do y’all have a 6K Pro? I’m interested in seeing this setup for a Pro.

[@threefoldtv]

We do, unfortunately we havnt figured out a good v-mount setup with it yet. Since it's a bit taller than the 6k (and the smallrig cage is bigger) were afraid to do a v-mount underneath and make the camera rig ridiculously tall. But maybe we'll try it and see if it can work!

[@MisaelRodriguez]

I’d love to see that. I’m thinking the same thing with it potentially being too tall.

[@local130]

You state that NPF batteries can be unreliable. Have you had lots of problems with them?

[@threefoldtv]

We've had a handful of them die on us and they are naturally a lower operating voltage, so depending what you're powering they can be at "0%" even tho there is still 30-40% left on the battery but they are displaying at 0% because the operating voltage has dropped to much. We still use NP batteries all the time, they certainly aren't bad but with v-mounts costing $200-$300 they should be more reliable.

[@local130]

@@threefoldtv I will definitely take this into consideration. Thank you for the reply.

[@daltonldavis1995]

NPF batteries can be unreliable? Really? Anyone care to explain?

[@sienasaba]

what battery is this ?

[@threefoldtv]

It's the core swx nano slim battery!

[@curvadesign]

my hdmi fried using d-tap cables to power camera and monitor with same battery.

[@threefoldtv]

Dang that sucks to hear, were you using a d-tap splitter or some other sort of power distribution (v-mount plate)? Do you know if it was because of powering on simultaneously?

[@curvadesign]

@@threefoldtv I was using pretty much the same way you are. Youre warned. Beware

[@curvadesign]

Yeah it was because I was power g câmera and monitor with same power source. Never do that.

[@Mimunga]

@@threefoldtv So guys, can we run the same rig as you, BMC confirmed it's fine?

[@threefoldtv]

According to the the support agent at blackmagic I talked to... yes. Although I have no doubt people have had some hdmi ports fried, which sucks. Personally we've never had any issues and have been powering 2 pocket cameras with monitors using v-mount batteries for quite a while.

[@bodycampolicevideos2270]

Which matte box is that

[@threefoldtv]

It's the PolarPro Basecamp, super awesome mattebox! Only downside is that it takes their proprietary filters, but other than that we've been happy with it.

[@austinwhelan7719]

@@threefoldtv to piggyback of this question, did you need to have a step up/down ring to mount to that lens? I'm looking to do this same setup. Thank you!

[@FREExHUGSxFORxYOU]

Have you tried this v-mount battery with the bmpcc? www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1416942-REG/core_swx_pbe_bmpc4_powerbase_edge_small_form.html My friends who own one all run it off this. Curious to hear your thoughts. Thanks

[@joelmulder]

Sadly, it appears Small Rig is no longer making part 2039 (the quick release system). If you wanna build this rig, I suggest you buy that part as quickly as possible from any camera store that still has them in stock, since once they're gone, they're probably never coming back.

[@Tonymalon]

Any solution to this? I can no longer find it anywhere

[@joelmulder]

​@@Tonymalon Not as far as I've found. I've also talked to SmallRig, but it doesn't sound like there's gonna be anything similar released in the future. One thing I did before switching to V-mount batteries was using a large NP-F battery on my monitor, and then taking a 12V cable from that battery into the camera. Worked fine, although I prefer my current V-mount on rails behind the camera solution.

[@TheToneWork]

Looks like Smallrig already discontinued the baseplate in this video. lol.

[@threefoldtv]

Dang that's a bummer! Well if it helps we've used this camvate one and it works pretty much as good as the smallrig one. www.amazon.com/dp/B075XJ68B6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_LItnFb907J97T

[@TheToneWork]

@@threefoldtv Yeah, was looking at that. They don't have the inside height listed. Wondering if it would work for what I'm using.

[@no15minutecities]

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[@insanedb]

Nice hipster video

[@warathanuts.1005]

What do you mean by power on in sequence? Can you explain in detail?

[@dannysong]

Power on each device that's connected to the v-mount one at a time instead of all at the same time. For example, turn the camera on first, then turn the monitor on, then the next device, etc.