Wooden Camera recently unveiled a new range of Universal Accessories. These are small, yet practical products that can be added to any camera build.
The Wooden Camera Universal Accessories range consists of:
Rod Clamps
The Universal Rod Clamps are available in two different versions.
You can also choose whether to have a 1/4″-20 or 3/8″-16 mount with the 15mm Rod Clamp. If you choose the 19mm version it only comes with a 3/8″-16 mount.
The Universal 15mm and 19mm Rod Clamps are single rod clamps that attach to any 1/4″-20 or 3/8″-16 mounting point (depending on the version you choose). This allows you to then mount a 15mm or 19mm rod for running lens motors or other accessories.
Above you can see that I have mounted one onto the side of the camera so I can run a lens motor.
Two detachable locating pins are utilized to prevent twisting. The 3/8″-16 locating pins are compatible with any ARRI-standard mounting point. The 1/4″-20 locating pins are compatible with both Wooden Camera and ARRI-standard mounting points.
Because the locating pins are detachable you can actually take them out and either re-position them if you want to change the orientation of Rod Mount or not use them at all if your attachment point doesn’t have holes for locating pins.
Having a small-sized rod attachment that you can bolt onto a camera is very handy, especially if you need to run a lens motor and don’t have a set-up that includes bottom or top-mounted rods.
The Universal 15mm and 19mm Rod Clamps are also compatible with the Wooden Camera Bolt-On Accessory Rods and Kits.
The build quality of the Universal Rod Clamps is good. The locking mechanism tightens down securely which is good because you don’t want a rod to move, especially if you are running a lens motor.
Both the Universal 15mm and 19mm Rod Clamps retail for $45 USD each. The Universal Rod Clamps work as advertised and that’s pretty much all you can ask of a product.
Bubble Levels
The Bubble Levels are available in two different versions:
The Round Bubble Level is available in either 1/4″-20 or 3/8″-16, and it can be attached to a single mounting point to provide a low-profile spirit level for leveling equipment.
Being able to just screw one of these onto the top of a camera gives you a quick and easy way to make sure your camera is level. This helps when using your camera on a tripod, gimbal, etc., or even when you are shooting handheld.
The Round Bubble Level is a set-and-forget type product. As it doesn’t take up much space, it’s a good little accessory to attach to your camera.
The Linear Bubble Level features a single detachable locating pin that is utilized to prevent twisting.
The 3/8″-16 locating pin is compatible with any ARRI-standard mounting point. The 1/4″-20 locating pin is compatible with both Wooden Camera and ARRI-standard mounting points.
Just like the Round Bubble Level, this is a handy item to have. While a few digital cinema cameras now have an electronic-level horizon, a lot of smaller cameras don’t By adding a small bubble level it makes it easy to see if your shots are level, especially if you mount it somewhere that is easy to reference.
I would have liked to have seen a version where the bubble illuminates so you can use it in dark conditions or at night.
The Round Bubble is $12 USD and the Linear Bubble retail for $29 USD.
Accessory Cubes
The Accessory Cube is a small accessory that provides 5 sides of 3/8″-16 mounting points for attaching accessories. This gives you a way of mounting accessories in different directions depending on your needs.
Two detachable locating pins are utilized to prevent twisting. The 3/8″-16 locating pins are compatible with any ARRI-standard mounting point. The 1/4″-20 locating pins are compatible with both Wooden Camera and ARRI-standard mounting points.
Just to be clear you need to choose your mounting option. You need to specify 1/4″-20 or 3/8″-16 when purchasing.
These cubes are nice because they allow you to attach a myriad of different accessories to your equipment. However, I would have liked to have seen a version that featured 5 sides of 1/4″-20 mounting points as that would arguably be a more popular choice.
If you wanted to you could just insert 3/8″-16 to 1/4″-20 adapter screws if need be.
You can remove the locating pins if need be and attach an Accessory Cube, but just be cautious because it can still twist slightly if you move it too hard.
Above you can see that I have attached it directly to a mounting point that doesn’t have locating pins.
The Accessory Cube retails for $39 USD.
Conclusion
The Wooden Camera Universal Accessories are useful additions to your kit. Sometimes the smallest items can make a big difference. They are versatile products that provide added functionality without getting in the way.
