Kinefinity Mavo s35 Mk2 Ergonomic Rig Build

Hello everyone, I'm sharing with you a project I've been working on for almost a year. It's a 3D-printed camera module with the following main functions:
1. Shifting the camera's center of gravity backward.
2. Adding power outputs and SDI protections.
3. Using NPF batteries to power the camera.
This project start from a simple observation about the ergonomics of hybrid cameras. Although the market is flooded with fantastic hybrid cameras, I find them impractical for professional shooting with a team, mainly due to their photo camera-like ergonomics. While a photos cameras ergonomics are great for taking photos, they prove to be uncomfortable when it comes to filming. It's inconceivable for me, even with the best in-body stabilization, to hold my camera at arm's length throughout a day of shooting. I used BlackMagic's pocket cameras for a long time, and while they have excellent sensors and codecs, using them in various shooting setups became painful (the 5-inch rear screen was rarely used due to its placement, the camera body's width resulted in cables near the ear or face when on the shoulder, they were challenging to balance on the shoulder and suffer of a lack of connectors).
In the end, the ideal solution was always to rent an Alexa when the project allowed it.
We are now at a point where most digital camera sensors are fantastic. I don't care about resolution, framerate, dynamic range, LF or not LF... The photographic qualities of a film are not played at this level. If there were a real revolution to mention it would be, in my opinion, about advances on the lighting équipement side and the flexibility offered by LED sources in terms of power, consumption, and energy savings. When choosing a camera for a project, the only criterion that truly matters to me now is the overall ergonomics of the camera. Does this camera meet my needs in terms of configurations and usage ? Cameras are tools manipulated with hands and the body, so it's essential that the tool adapts to the body and not the body adapts to the tool.
In France, we had an engineer who was highly interested in the ergonomics of cinema cameras, Jean-Pierre Beauviala, who theorized the concept of a camera "like a cat on the shoulder." He designed Aaton's cinéma cameras and contributing to the French New Wave. Due to their ergonomics and lightness, Beauviala's cameras became an extension of the body and eye. The camera is perfectly balanced on the shoulder, generating no tension, making it pleasant to use for the operator. I drew much inspiration from his work in this project.
When the Kinefinity Mavo MK2 was announced, I was excited because, for the first time, I saw a camera under €10,000 that, with some work and improvements, could possibly suit my needs and be more affordable, compact, and lighter than an Alexa. I needed a camera that could still be sufficiently heavy for stability without in-body stabilization, easily transitioning from a tripod setup to a shoulder or steadycam configuration.
The cube form factor and professional connectors convinced me and served as an excellent foundation to match the lovely ergonomic of Alexa's or Sony Venice. Whenever possible, I like to use Sony NPF batteries to power my cameras, and the Mavo's power consumption allowed for it. (It would also be possible to replace the NPF with V Mount on the module if necessary.)
I have developed this module, which is still improvable but currently suits me well. Now, it remains to test the durability and reliability of these Kinefinity cameras over time.
The result of this project is a highly versatile camera perfectly balanced in terms of dimensions and weight, while remaining lighter than an Alexa, providing even greater mobility. It meets industry standards and can be used in a team setting.
Hope you enjoy
#kinefinity #smallrig #mavo #mavo35 #mavomk2 #camerarig #camera #zcam #niceyrig #3dprinting #cinematography #cinemacamera #dop #cinematographer #tilta #rig #ergonomics

[@AndyLSB]

Hands down, the best rig I’ve seen, it’s crazy clean and sexy 👌🏻

[@nahlene1973]

This is when LEGO boys grewup and become cinematographers by accident lol

[@jobuscker]

Can you put the link of all those ? I think other like me neeed to know the prices. A Good video.

[@starterpvck2043]

That’s a mean rig build!! 😤🔥

[@paoloa424]

What screws did you use for the small rig 15mm rod lws on the top plate?

[@gabrielbaxas]

the default screws sell with the rod adapter, I simply enlarged the threaded holes with a drill.

[@manuelbustamante2664]

Hi man, recently bought the same NP-F module from Hawk Woods. It hasn’t arrived yet. I intend to use it with my Red Komodo. You are the first one I see use it, plus you have the same Baxxtar batteries I use. Let me ask you a question: when you use the D-Tap on the sides, does it drain both batteries simultaneously ? Or just the one on the same side as the D-Tap port ? Can you use both D-Tap outputs on the side at the same time or does that drain the batteries to quickly ? Also, is the low-voltage warning trust worthy ? What’s your over all experience with the Hawk-Woods NP-F plate ? Thanks a lot and great build.

[@gabrielbaxas]

Hi thank’s ! Yes the npf module act like a normal Vmount battery and use the 2 npf at the same time because they are connected in series, so the addition of the 2 7,4v output result as a 14,8v output via any ports. My camera is set to shutdown at 12,3v so don’t realy need/use the 11,5v warning. The overall tool work great. It just the build qualitie that seems not very durable.

[@CineDailies]

whooooaaa thats such a cool back mod!! love that. sick build

[@gabrielbaxas]

Thank’s ! I really like your vidéos too.

[@MeviMadeThis]

really nice build, love the custom printing and threading of the 15mm rods 👏👏

[@danielagyei6363]

This is amazing! Picking up a Mavo s35 mk 2 soon and the one thing I’ve been hoping someone makes is an expander module, but you’ve taken it to the next level with SDI protection! I would still prefer a V-mount plate on the back of the expander purely because of the type of work I do but I love this and I hope I see more!!!

[@ArmandoDagoDP]

Very cool rig dude, love the 3D printed module, what a beast of rig!!!

[@wearehierophants]

Awesome! You've touched on all the factors missing in most rigs and I love your SDI + Power Distro solution!

[@gabrielbaxas]

Thank’s a lot ! Yes i think lot of rigs are not really fieldproof, and i try to solve that.

[@hirsch899]

je suis fan

[@maxyoubi3917]

​@@hirsch899 Moi de même

[@Berna75]

Bro I love the way you thought about everything so carefully with this rig! Only one sugjestion, look into the Quick Adjust Rosette Adapter by Tilta, for your two front handles, instead of having to take them off, maybe you can just flip them up to put down your camera on a table or something.

[@gabrielbaxas]

Hey ! Thank’s a lot ! I understand what you suggest but i find very annoying to have unused handles which can also hinder access to certain functions of the camera or tripod. I prefer to remove them, they are 2 screws to unscrew, it's not death and it's also something that can be done by an AC while I put on the shoulder pad. Team effort !

[@moocorp]

Your only vid is a banger. Even practical for other cam builds. So- uh- got any sweet test shots? *scratches neck*

[@gabrielbaxas]

Thank’s ! I’m on set in january maybe i will share content about this build on field.

[@be83tube]

Super clean. What an awesome rig.

[@EmileModesitt]

insanely clean build. well done!

[@Vlogtravelinchina]

looks cool