February 19, 2007
Fastening System for FS-100 DTE
16x9inc
http://www.16x9inc.com/
3605 West Pacific Avenue - Suite B
Burbank, CA 91505
818.972.2839
$385.00 (promotional price)
Review by David A. Saraceno
The Box-FS Holder for
the Focus
FS-100 (see review) is a redesign of the company's previous fastening
system for securing DTE devices to the HVX200.
The new version significantly improves on the ergonomics, security
and usefulness of the original design. This mount kit attaches
to the HVX200 base plate, and provides additional rigidity and
stability to the cam itself, which is a pleasant surprise.
The system consists of a solid metal cage and movable tray to house the FS-100. Brass release pins located on each side of the cage unlock the drawer to permit it to move backwards to place, view or remove the FS-100. As the drawer moves back into the cage, you'll sense some resistance as the drawer locks in a forward position in the Box-FS.
The holder is secured to the cam's base plate utilizing an orienting pin and 1/4 inch screw. The connection is secure, aligns the HVX200 correctly along base of the cam, and contributes to the overall rigidity of the arrangement. The FS-100 (or FS-4) is oriented with its operating LCD facing upward. To access the DTE, release the brass pins and pull the tray outward until it locks in the backward position.
Several 1/4-20 mounting screws are available to fasten the Box to a standard tripod plate. Whether attached to a tripod, or placed on a level surface, the tethered device and cam was solid and balanced. The device also provided plenty of ventilation for the FS-100 and access to the device to attach the Firewire cable.
The movable drawer can be used with either a FS-100 or FS-4 with a standard or extended battery. Because the drawer does not extend fully when removing the FS-100, there is less chance of damaging the DTE. The Box-FS is constructed out of heavy gauge black anodized aluminum and shock resistant polymer material and weighs 1.1 pounds (499 grams). Its dimensions are 8"x4.6"x2.6". And it looks pretty cool just sitting on a tripod.
The Box-FS redesign has left room for additional accessories. They include lightweight support with 15mm rods that are screwed directly into the front of the box and an adaptor to fit the Box-FS on the tripod using the Sony broadcast VCT-14 tripod plate. Planned as well is a surprise attachment to contribute to the overall usefulness of the device.
While the Box-FS is more expensive than other cage/mount products, it offers more capabilities as well. Noteworthy are the safety lock/unlock mechanisms, solid integration of drawer with the FS-100, and potential to add functionality with future accessories. The company has done its homework in this excellent redesign.
Copyright ©2007 David A. Saraceno
David A. Saraceno is a motion graphics artist located in Spokane, Washington. He has written for DV Magazine, AV Video, MacHome Journal, and several state and national legal technology magazines. David also moderates several forums on 2-pop.com.
