Sony FX9 SHAPE Rig and Accessories now Available

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by Jakub HanJanuary 20^th, 2020

The core of the Sony FX9 SHAPE rig is the camera cage with a side pillar. It connects the top plate with a top handle with a rear insert plate. On top, SHAPE offers two types of baseplates. Both viewfinder mount and the remote extension arm include SHAPE’s patented push-button system for quick position adjustments. All SHAPE FX9 accessories are available for pre-order now.

SHAPE Rig for Sony FX9. Source: SHAPE

The new full-frame cinema camera Sony FX9 is shipping now and many third-party manufacturers are starting to present their rigs and accessories for this camera. Few days ago, we informed you about the Zacuto Recoil Rig and Accessories for the Sony FX9. Another company that presented their solution to improving ergonomy of the FX9 is SHAPE, the camera accessories manufacturer based in Canada. What exactly do they offer?

Sony FX9 SHAPE Rig

SHAPE’s solution for the Sony FX9 consists of several pieces of accessories. Some of those can function standalone and some only in connection with others. Not all of the accessories in this article are of course specially designed for this camera – SHAPE has many universal accessories, which function with wide variety of cameras.

The complete SHAPE Shoulder Rig includes a shoulder mount baseplate with 15mm rod system, a form-fitting side plate with ARRI rosette, a top plate, a rear insert plate, a rosette handle with black push-button, a viewfinder rod clamp with 25mm push-button, a modular top handle, a 4 x 5.6″ matte box, and a follow focus pro.

Sony FX9 V-lock Quick Release Baseplate and Lightweight Baseplate

SHAPE actually offers two models of the baseplate. Both of them are designed to match the Sony FX9 optical center.

SHAPE V-Lock Baseplate for Sony FX9. Source: SHAPE

The FX9 V-lock (VCT) quick release baseplate includes a bracket system with a magnet which allows users to swivel the baseplate to the left for easy access to the camera screws. It is designed with 2 standard ARRI rosettes for handles or accessories mount. The quick-release adapter plate is compatible with most VCT tripod plate and there is also a protective rubber pad on top of the plate to protect the camera.

Two 15 mm lightweight rod blocs can be fixed to the front and rear of the baseplate. The thick shoulder pad is made of gel padding and slip-free material. The baseplate is also designed with a sophisticated toolbox to store extra screws and Allen key. The shoulder plate is equipped with 1/4-20 and 3/8-16 threaded holes allowing extra screws to be stored and there is a magnet at the back to attach the Allen key.

SHAPE Lightweight Baseplate for Sony FX9. Source: SHAPE

The lightweight baseplate with 15 mm rod system features two attachment points (1/4-20 and 3/8-16) for securely mounting the Sony FX9 body. The baseplate also comes with a pair of 15 mm rods that are 12” long through the length of the baseplate. The bottom of the plate feature several 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 mounting holes for mounting and balancing the camera.

Sony FX9 Cage With Top Plate, Top Handle, and Rear Insert Plate

One of the accessories which are custom designed for the FX9 is the cage. It features a side pillar that connects the top plate and rear insert plate. There are various 1/4″-20 mounting threads with ARRI locating (anti rotating) pins and one ARRI rosette in the lower section of the side pillar.

SHAPE Cage for Sony FX9. Source: SHAPE

The rear insert plate is a CNC aluminum support plate that mounts to the camera body via three M4 mounting screws. The center of the plate is designed with three 3/8″-16 and three 1/4″-20 threaded holes for tripod mount. The large surface of the plate also provides necessary support when the camera is mounted to a tripod or a shoulder mount.

The lightweight top plate is designed to fit around the native Sony FX9 top handle. The top plate offers an array of twelve 1/4″-20 and twelve 3/8″-16 threads with ARRI locating pins. The Sony FX9 top plate is also designed with a threaded hole to insert the FX9 sensor pin and the FX9 viewfinder cable clamp. SHAPE top handle can be used in a short version or it can be stacked to create a very long handle even with a 90° connection piece to add a rear handle.

Sony FX9 Push-Button Viewfinder Mount

SHAPE Viewfinder Mount for Sony FX9. Source: SHAPE

The Push-Button Viewfinder Mount is designed with a 15mm rod with push-button and an L-bracket viewfinder clamp with ratchet knob. It can be used with the original Sony top handle or any top handle with a 15mm rod clamp. It features two points of articulation for horizontal, vertical, and transversal adjustment of the viewfinder. By simply pressing the SHAPE patented push-button, users are allowed a 360° rotation.

Sony FX9 Remote Extension Kit

SHAPE Extension Arm for Sony FX9. Source: SHAPE

The Sony FX9 remote extension handle from SHAPE offers a 2″ adjustable arm extension for the side handgrip of the Sony FX9. The extendable arm is equipped with a ratchet key to easily adjust the length of the arm. It is designed with ARRI rosettes to mount on the camera or baseplate. It also features SHAPE’s patented Push-Button technology for easy angle adjustment and 360° rotation. SHAPE is well known for its patented Push-button system and many camera operators prefer it for its speed.

Price and Availability

All SHAPE accessories for the Sony FX9 can be pre-ordered now. Prices range from $224 for the bare camera cage till $2,244 for the complete FX9 rig with follow focus and matte box. You can find links to all the products below the article.

What do you think of the Sony FX9 SHAPE rig? Do you use some products from SHAPE? How are you satisfied with their quality? Let us know in the comments underneath the article.