Direct Mount U-Boat : Canon EOS 5D Mark II & 7D Only
The "Direct Mount" U-Boat name describes how one would use this video cage. Mount your camera body directly to the U-Boat baseplate with one flat head screw and included camera specific anti-twist plate (If you wish to use a quick-release method while shooting, then we suggest the iDC Quick-Release model of the U-Boat).
An optional Direct Mount Viewfinder Kit attaches directly to the U-Boat baseplate (not to the camera body like the complete iDC Viewfinder). All of the iDC Viewfinders offer open-slotted holes for quick attachment functionality.
This cage provides a simple and tidy solution for capturing HDSLR footage. Snowboarders, skiers, photojournalists and documentary filmmakers all love working with this U-Boat model. The baseplate offers camera body form-fitment to allow immediate access to the battery door for quick battery changes without removing the camera from the cage. Sweet!
However, if you wish to use your BG-E6 Canon Battery grip with this set-up, then substitute the taller Extended Handles for the Standard Height Handles. Please note that when using the Direct Mount U-Boat Video Cage with your camera's Battery Grip, it will not accept the Direct Mount model of the iDC Viewfinder. Our personal preference is to use this cage with our Direct Mount iDC Viewfinder and no battery grip, for a super lightweight package.
The top Bridge Plate, Balancing Block, and Grip Handle make under-slung video capture a snap. You also have the option of adding an adjustable-length shoulder brace for assisting hand-held work or the Arm will also function as a pan-handle once the U-Boat cage is mounted to your tripod.
This cage is perfect for attaching accessories to your HD video capable DSLR Camera and makes a great second-camera cage. Mount the U-Boat to a Tripod via any Quick-Release Adapter Plate which accepts industry standard 1/4-20 mounting options.
All U-Boat Kits quickly disassemble for very compact packing. Made in the USA with quality materials and attention to detail.
Note: The iDC Follow Focus will not work with the Direct Mount U-Boat. There are videos which were produced in the early days of the U-Boat rig. It shows Bruce using this U-Boat model with our Follow-Focus Kit. But since making said video(s) the Direct Mount U-Boat baseplate has changed and no longer accepts the iDC gearless Follow-Focus system.
If you are interested in using either our Follow-Focus an/or our Viewfinder Kit with our U-Boat cage then the Quick-Release U-Boat model is the one you want. Here.
All U-Boat kits quickly disassemble for compact packing... always easy to travel! Just ask Steven Frischling of Flying With Fish : For Those Who Fly & Those Who Want To Fly Smarter. Read his review of the iDC Direct Mount U-Boat Here.
Optional accessories:
Adjustable-length Shoulder Brace for stabilized hand-held shooting. Has all necessary hardware to mount to the U-Boat.
iDC Direct Mount Viewfinder to mount directly to this model of the U-Boat baseplate (Camera specific).
UBC Replacement Hardware Set:
- (1) 5/32" Hex Wrench
- (1) 1/8" Hex Wrench
- (1) 9/64" Hex Wrench
- (1) 1/4-20" x 1/2" Flathead Screw
- (1) 1/4-20" x 3/4" Flathead Screw
- (1) Thumbscrew
- (1) 8-32" x 3/8" Screw
- (1) 1/4-20" x 1/2" Flanged Buttonhead Screw
- (1) 1/4-20" x 1-1/8" Set Screw
- (1) Wingnut
Extended Handle Upgrade: Upgrade the Side Handles from the standard 4.75" handles to the extended length 6.6" handles. The side handles go between the Baseplate and the Bridge Plate; extended handles will give extra clearance or accomodate a camera accessory grip such as the Canon Battery Grip BG-E6 for the Canon 5D Mark II.
Note: Optional Cold Shoe(s) may be attached to the Top Bridge Plate to accommodate shoe-mounted accessories such as video lights, microphones, or external monitors. By adding three additional Grip Handles you can create a lower handle threesome group to create a rudimentary table top tripod.
Above