MID49 Cage for Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K – First Look

by Francesco AndreolaSeptember 21^st, 2023

During IBC 2023, we talked with Ryan from MID49 about their upcoming camera cage and accessory kits designed specifically for the new Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K. This looks like a very comprehensive, well-designed set of accessories to go with Blackmagic’s first-ever full-frame, L-mount camera.

MID49 is a relatively new company that focuses exclusively on manufacturing high-end camera accessories. However, the team behind it is far from inexperienced. Indeed, MID49 is owned by Ryan and Elizabeth Schorman, the couple that founded Wooden Camera back in 2011.

After taking a break from designing camera accessories, they are now back under the new MID49 brand. We have already reported about some of their products like their Baseline 15mm LW Baseplate series as well as their Audio Breakout Boxes. On the show floor at IBC 2023, my colleague Nino sat down with Ryan to take a closer look at their new accessories tailor-made for the BMCC6K. Let’s take a detailed look!

MID49 cage for Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K – features

To start off, MID49’s new camera cage not only fits the newly-announced Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K, but is also retro-compatible with the Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro as well as the Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2.

The actual cage nicely wraps around the camera on three sides, offering numerous 1/4”-20, 3/8”-16, and M4x20mm mounting points for accessories. The right-hand side of the body remains free intentionally, in order to provide access to the new CFexpress Type B media bay and the camera’s built-in grip.

On the left side of the cage, we find a locking clamp for HDMI and USB-C cables as well as the very low-profile AB-6 dual mini XLR to dual full-size XLR audio breakout box. Both the top right and left sides of the cage offer an opening to securely attach two additional 15mm rods. These 9-inch stainless steel rods also provide a 1/4”-20 and 3/8”-16 thread, plus a cold shoe mount.

The bottom of the cage integrates an Arca Swiss dovetail plate with safety pins as well as a front clamp to secure a lens adapter support post. This can come in handy to avoid wiggle when using a PL mount adapter mounted to the camera’s new L-mount, for example. Additionally, the Arca Swiss dovetail plate mounts on top of a quick-release 15mm LW baseplate featuring an ARRI standard interface at the bottom.

At the top, a top handle slides into an Arca Swiss attachment. The handle can be quickly swapped with an Arca Swiss top plate when rigging the camera for drone or gimbal applications. The top plate provides enough clearance to adjust the camera’s EVF.

Price and availability

The new MID49 Cage for Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K is now available to pre-order from the company’s website starting at $299. MID49 also offers two pre-bundled accessory kit options, the Base Kit and the Full Kit. They retail for $695 and $995 respectively. The products should start shipping towards the end of October 2023.

For more information, please visit MID49’s website here.

What do you think of the design of MID49 accessories? Are you going to complete your new Cinema Camera 6K setup with this cage? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!