Bright Tangerine’s LeftField 15mm & 19mm Studio Bridgeplates are now shipping and they feature the same patented Open•UP quick-release system used in the Universal 15mm LWS baseplates which allows the operator to simply lift off the camera from the dovetail.
The 15mm LWS baseplate version has been available since last year. I have been testing out the Left Field 19mm Studio Quick Release Bridgeplate Advanced Kit. So, let’s have a closer look at how they work and perform.
What do you get?
The Left Field 19mm Studio Quick Release Bridgeplate Advanced Kit that I was testing out consists of the following:
- Bright Tangerine Left Field 19mm Studio Bridgeplate with Open•UP Quick Release – 5-Year Warranty
- ARRI/RED Riser Adapter
- 4 x Allen Screw (3mm)
- 2 x 3/8″-16 Camera Screws
- Bright Tangerine Left Field ARRI Standard Dovetail (11.8″) – Limited 5-Year Warranty
- Bright Tangerine Drumstix 19mm Sterling Titanium Support Rods (12″, Pair) – Limited Lifetime Warranty
Bright Tangerine Left Field 19mm Studio Bridgeplate with Open•UP Quick Release
The Left Field 19mm Studio Quick Release Bridgeplate from Bright Tangerine features a three-stage Open•UP locking lever. This quick release system enables you to detach the bridgeplate vertically, saving the time and effort otherwise spent sliding your camera rig off the back of a dovetail. The vertical release feature is especially handy for heavier cameras or when switching one camera between multiple supports like a handheld rig, dolly, or tripod.
The Quick Release bridgeplate incorporates an inner plate that can be rotated to accommodate the different heights of both ARRI and RED cameras. This riser adapter can be swapped for separately available plates compatible with additional cameras. Bridgeplate features include 3/8″-16 camera screws, a right-side ARRI-standard rosette, and 3/8″-16 accessory threads.
Bright Tangerine Left Field ARRI Standard Dovetail (11.8″)
Quickly mount and remount your camera between a tripod, jib, crane, gimbal, and more with this heavy-duty, 11.8″ long Left Field ARRI Standard Dovetail from Bright Tangerine. The anodized aluminum dovetail plate features position markings to keep track while changing lenses or balancing your camera. A front safety stop and rear safety button ensure your camera does not slide off the plate.
The plate features six 3/8″-16 and five 1/4″-20 mounting threads with inserts to prevent stripping. The bottom part of the dovetail is compatible with OConnor 2600, 2575, and 120EX as well as Sachtler Cine 30 tripod heads. The dovetail can also be used with the Left Field 19mm Studio Quick Release Bridgeplate or 15mm LWS Baseplate.
It has compatibility with the following:
- Jibs, cranes, gimbals, tripods, etc. compatible with ARRI standard dovetail
- Left Field 19mm Studio Quick Release Bridgeplate
- Left Field 15mm LWS Baseplate
- OConnor 2600, 2575, and 120EX tripod heads
- Sachtler Cine 30 tripod heads
Bright Tangerine Drumstix 19mm Sterling Titanium Support Rods (12″, Pair)
This pair of Bright Tangerine Drumstix 19mm Sterling Titanium Support Rods follows in the Bright Tangerine tradition of relentlessly striving for less weight without sacrificing strength and usefulness. Each 12″-long support rod is extremely lightweight yet exhibits less flex than carbon fiber rods of the same length, and it is lighter than either steel or aluminum rods while being at least as stiff and strong. Made from titanium the rods are corrosion resistant, and each is machined and ground flat to prevent binding as you mount accessories.
Each titanium rod is machined and ground flat to within a tolerance of 2 microns, which prevents accessories from binding when sliding on the rod. The strength, hardness, and machining tolerances of the rod eliminate the need for the time-honored tradition of spinning the support rod in the rod clamp when trying to build the camera package.
Each rod is extremely lightweight, making it well suited for use with drones or in handheld configurations.
The stiffness of each rod means you can confidently use it to support heavy lenses and matte boxes loaded with filters without worrying about the rod flexing.
This is a nice kit because it comes with everything you need to get up and running. If you already own an ARRI standard dovetail plate and/or 19mm rods you would only need to purchase the Left Field 19mm Studio Bridgeplate with Open•UP Quick Release
Build Quality
No one is ever going to complain that Bright Tangerine products aren’t well built. The Left Field 19mm Studio Quick Release Bridgeplate Advanced Kit is beautifully made and most importantly, it is rock solid.
Lift Off
The Open•UP quick-release system is unique in that you no longer have to slide the camera package onto the dovetail but allows for snap on & off. This is handy for larger, heavier camera packages when it is difficult to slide the camera off while disengaging the safety on the dovetail.
I have struggled in the past when using a large camera and lens packages trying to line up the camera with the dovetail plate. This puts unnecessary strain on your shoulders, back, and arms. The quicker you can get your camera onto the dovetail plate the better.
Not having to slide the camera package onto the dovetail also allows for accessories to be mounted closer to bulkheads and closer to the camera which would normally block the camera from sliding off the dovetail.
3-Stage Release
The locking mechanism has three stages with a safety button in place on the middle stage to prevent any accidental releases.
Locked – Bridgeplate is secured to the dovetail.
Middle – Allows for sliding back & forth to position the camera for optimal balance or sliding on/off the dovetail.
Open – Bridgeplate is disengaged from the dovetail and camera can be lifted off
Unlike other ARRI dovetail clamps, the locking lever always returns flush and sits out of the way.
The whole design of the system means it is very quick and easy to take your camera off and put it back on the dovetail plate.
This 3-stage release works really well, but like any new system, it does take a little bit of time to get used to. Because it does have 3 stages it does give you confidence and peace of mind that when it is locked in there is no chance of your camera coming off the dovetail plate.
No Adjustments Needed
The Open•UP system automatically adjusts to any tolerances in the dovetail, ensuring a secure grip each time.
Many manufacturers produce the ARRI standard dovetail and variations from one brand to another can often cause issues. Different environments can also cause issues, with the dovetail expanding or contracting in extreme environments. Small changes in the dovetail, can cause the bridgeplate to not clamp down properly and this will result in the camera sliding when locked.
While you could use the Left Field 19mm or 15mm Studio Bridgeplate with Open•UP Quick Release on any ARRI dovetail plate, the obvious benefit of using Bright Tangerine’s dovetail plate is that is has been specifically designed and manufactured to work seamlessly with the Left Field Bridgeplates.
Interchangeable Standards
Depending on your camera system, the accessories may be using the RED or ARRI height standard for proper standard placement of the rods.
The inner plate on the LeftField Bridgeplate can be rotated 180-degrees to set the platform to ARRI or RED height standards, making it compatible with any camera system like Sony, Canon and others when using a 15mm LWS baseplate from any manufacturer.
I didn’t have access to a 15mm LWS baseplate for my Amira or Sony F35 as I have them set up with VCT so for this review so I was trying the Left Field 19mm Studio Bridgeplate directly mounted onto a Sony F35.
Now, just to be clear, mounting the 19mm Studio bridgeplate directly to the camera without a 15mm LWS baseplate will still work. The only caveat is that the rod placement is not going to be the correct height for 19mm Studio standards.
Real World Use
The Left Field 19mm Studio Quick Release Bridgeplate Advanced Kit is super easy to use, and most importantly it is not only safe and secure, but it also allows you quickly and easily remove or place your camera onto the dovetail plate.
When you are using large camera and lens package, the ability to be able to take your rig on and off a dovetail plate with a minimum of fuss makes a huge difference, especially when you are doing it many times within a day.
Expansion Points
You will find 1/4″ mounts on the front and the back of the bridgeplates. These are for future expansion accessories including a shoulder pad.
Pricing & Availability
The LeftField Studio QR Bridgeplate is available in three kits and either 15mm Studio or 19mm Studio standards.
Bridgeplate Standalone 
Base Kit with 12″ Drumstix 
Advanced Kit with 12″ Drumstix & 12″ Dovetail
15mm Studio Bridgeplate – $599 USD
15mm Studio Bridgeplate – Base Kit – $699 USD
15mm Studio Bridgeplate – Advanced Kit – $1,049 USD
19mm Studio Bridgeplate – $599 USD
19mm Studio Bridgeplate – Base Kit – $699 USD
19mm Studio Bridgeplate – Advanced Kit – $1,049 USD
Bright Tangerine Left Field ARRI Standard Dovetail (11.8″) $393.03 USD
Bright Tangerine Drumstix 19mm Sterling Titanium Support Rods (12″, Pair) $127.21 USD
Competition
Other studio bridgeplates on the market include ARRI’s BP-9 at $800 USD and Wooden Camera’s option at $499 USD. Both of these are set to ARRI height standards.
Competing 12″ ARRI Dovetail plates include:
- Tilta 12″ Lightweight ARRI Standard Dovetail Plate $320 USD
- ARRI Bottom Dovetail Plate (12″ / 300mm) $480 USD
- SHAPE ARRI Standard 12″ Dovetail Plate $175.12 USD
- LanParte ARRI Standard Bottom Dovetail Plate (12″) $319 USD
- SmallRig ARRI-Standard Dovetail Plate (12″) $155 USD
- Wooden Camera 2060/2575/120EX Dovetail Plate for OConnor Tripods (12″) $399 USD
Conclusion
The Bright Tangerine Open·UP Quick-Release Studio Bridgeplates are really well made, well thought out, and most importantly easy to use. Products such as bridgeplates and dovetail plates are hardly sexy, but they play a big role in keeping your camera balanced and secure when they are mounted on tripods, remote heads, jibs, and Steadicam, etc.
If you are using a large camera and lens packages then they are certainly worth checking out.
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