I have the quick release plate version of this, and have no complaints.

I own one (without quick release) and am quite pleased with it. It allows me to get the GH2 very near to standard lens height for 15mm studio rods so standard pro accessories work correctly. With a quick release plate or something added under the camera it would get everything to perfect height.

Some rod support systems I saw had the mount points for putting the whole rig on a tripod directly under the camera mount, but once you add a hefty lens and a mattebox, it's better to have the mount points farther forward, as in this design. My rig balances extremely well on the mount points with a 14-54mm Olympus and a Genus mattebox.

I bought mine from DHFoto on eBay, and while it took a while to arrive, was even better than I expected in terms of build quality given the price.

@qwerty123 I use it on a previous generation DVtec DVRigPro that I've had kicking around for 7 years or so, and that works perfectly for me. It's probably faster for me switching the camera/rod support/mattebox as one unit between tripod/shoulder rig/Steadicam as one complete unit, rather than trying to add and remove handles and shoulder pads attached to the rods, but YMMV.

I have their rail support system plus a follow focus, quick release plate, and lens support. Excellent build quality. All metal (no plastic parts). The follow focus gearbox could have a tiny bit less play (but then it wouldn’t have any play at all and cost as much as the whole system).

I’m actually considering getting their matte box, but haven’t found any reviews of it yet. I might take the plunge and purchase it myself at some point.

I sometimes use it with a monopod folded all the way resting on my shoulder, and it creates a decent makeshift alternative to a fully fledged shoulder-mount system.

@mrbill Thanks for the heads up for Catclaw components. Looks interesting.

>The Catclaw components option looks decent.

No such thing as "Catclaw components " exist.
This is just cheapest Chinese produced components from different factories.
Made for this small seller.

Interesting. Cheap they may be, but the stuff is pretty well made

If you follow my link, you'll get to the seller's shop, where there are photos of everything. I bought 2 sets of 15mm rails, a shoulder pad, a z-shift clamp to join the 2 sets of rails, and a couple of handles - already had a fotga dslr baseplate and follow focus. VK's post on rig parts will show you where to go if this guy doesn't stock it.

How can one mount this to a tripod? I don't see a standard tripod-screw threaded mount: just a plate with holes.

If you look at photos, you'll see two 1/4" threaded holes and two 3/8" holes. Pretty enough for any tripod.

@Brian_Siano

Do not worry, they are threaded :-)

@qwerty123

Both look like good entry level bases.

I bought the Fotga baseplate, and it's great. Very solid construction, adjustable, and a nice quick release system. I only have two complaints after using it for three months: it is heavy, and the quick release seems to be a few millimeters wider than the quick release on my Ravelli tripod. I can still force it into the tripod mount, but it's not smooth at all. Of course this is only an issue when I want to disconnect the camera from my cage rig and mount it directly to the tripod, which I rarely do.

I just received mine-- a rail system and follow-focus. Very nice piece of equipment. Now, if my tripod head could hold it more stably, I'd be very happy. Time to shop again...