Smallrig plate for a7Rvi now shipping
p.2 #1Smallrig plate for a7Rvi now shipping
RRS just revealed their set but there is a pinky gap that I have really disliked on other models.
https://reallyrightstuff.com/camera-body-plates-5/?_bc_fsnf=1&Model=A7RVI
Looks like I might need to wait for the eventual Peak Design field bracket designed for this camera.
https://reallyrightstuff.com/camera-body-plates-5/?_bc_fsnf=1&Model=A7RVI
Looks like I might need to wait for the eventual Peak Design field bracket designed for this camera.
Jul 25, 2026 at 09:22 AM
p.2 #2Smallrig plate for a7Rvi now shipping
ketang wrote:
RRS just revealed their set but there is a pinky gap that I have really disliked on other models.
https://reallyrightstuff.com/camera-body-plates-5/?_bc_fsnf=1&Model=A7RVI
Looks like I might need to wait for the eventual Peak Design field bracket designed for this camera.
I think that various manufacturers are trying different ways of keeping the battery door accessible. Here it looks, as best as I can tell, tht RRS decided that they wanted the structural base of the L=bracket to extend across the full width of the camera — which is a bit more stable when you put the camera down.
That created a challenge for designing the portion that extends to the battery side. They added this sort of “loop” effect on that end of the base plate to match the contours of the camera’s grip. But I suspect that could have impacted the ability to get th battery out of the camera — not by blocking the door but by making it hard to reach the battery. I wonder if that odd little cutout in that part of the base plate is to allow the user to get a finger on the batter and remove it more easily?
My (much) older L-bracket for the Canon 5DsR simply stops before it would interfere with the battery access at all. That works pretty well on the older, wider big DSLR bodies. But on smaller cameras, where the battery door takes up a larger percentage of the camera’s base width, it starts to leave a pretty short base plate and the camera sits on it with less stability when it isn’t on the tripod.
I’ve used brackets with the shorter base plate, such as my Kirk L-bracket for the Fujifilm XT5. The bracket works fine on the tripod, but its shortened length beneath the camera feels truncated.
As an aside, I really wish that more camera manufacturers would put remote releases someplace other than on the side where the cable path interferes with the L-bracket. Using the RRS L-bracket on my old Canon system, the Canon remote release’s plug has a 90 degree bend, so I can plug it in and route the cable through a gap in the L-bracket without that awkward step of sliding the L-bracket away from the camera body.
RRS just revealed their set but there is a pinky gap that I have really disliked on other models.
https://reallyrightstuff.com/camera-body-plates-5/?_bc_fsnf=1&Model=A7RVI
Looks like I might need to wait for the eventual Peak Design field bracket designed for this camera.
I think that various manufacturers are trying different ways of keeping the battery door accessible. Here it looks, as best as I can tell, tht RRS decided that they wanted the structural base of the L=bracket to extend across the full width of the camera — which is a bit more stable when you put the camera down.
That created a challenge for designing the portion that extends to the battery side. They added this sort of “loop” effect on that end of the base plate to match the contours of the camera’s grip. But I suspect that could have impacted the ability to get th battery out of the camera — not by blocking the door but by making it hard to reach the battery. I wonder if that odd little cutout in that part of the base plate is to allow the user to get a finger on the batter and remove it more easily?
My (much) older L-bracket for the Canon 5DsR simply stops before it would interfere with the battery access at all. That works pretty well on the older, wider big DSLR bodies. But on smaller cameras, where the battery door takes up a larger percentage of the camera’s base width, it starts to leave a pretty short base plate and the camera sits on it with less stability when it isn’t on the tripod.
I’ve used brackets with the shorter base plate, such as my Kirk L-bracket for the Fujifilm XT5. The bracket works fine on the tripod, but its shortened length beneath the camera feels truncated.
As an aside, I really wish that more camera manufacturers would put remote releases someplace other than on the side where the cable path interferes with the L-bracket. Using the RRS L-bracket on my old Canon system, the Canon remote release’s plug has a 90 degree bend, so I can plug it in and route the cable through a gap in the L-bracket without that awkward step of sliding the L-bracket away from the camera body.
Jul 25, 2026 at 09:34 AM
p.2 #3Smallrig plate for a7Rvi now shipping
ketang wrote:
RRS just revealed their set but there is a pinky gap that I have really disliked on other models.
Oh man, that's awful.
RRS just revealed their set but there is a pinky gap that I have really disliked on other models.
Oh man, that's awful.
Jul 25, 2026 at 09:59 AM
p.2 #4Smallrig plate for a7Rvi now shipping
MikeEvangelist wrote:
Oh man, that's awful.
I must be missing something. Why are people so negative on this design compared to others?
ketang wrote
RRS just revealed their set but there is a pinky gap that I have really disliked on other models.I must be missing something. Why are people so negative on this design compared to others?
Jul 25, 2026 at 11:17 AM
p.2 #5Smallrig plate for a7Rvi now shipping
gdanmitchell wrote:
Oh man, that's awful.I must be missing something. Why are people so negative on this design compared to others?
To me it’s seems like it's a poor design choice. That gaping hole is where most people prefer it to be solid in order to rest their pinky and have a solid grip. I think the Smallrig design with the lever that flips out is a better design for accessing the battery door. The more I've been using the Smallrig on my A7RVI, the more I like it and getting used to it. Still not a fan of the integrated key tool design they went with. I wish it were not right on the edge where I tend to hold the camera with my left hand and the magnet could be stronger to hold it more securely.
Edited on Jul 25, 2026 at 12:29 PM · View previous versions
MikeEvangelist wrote
ketang wrote
RRS just revealed their set but there is a pinky gap that I have really disliked on other models.To me it’s seems like it's a poor design choice. That gaping hole is where most people prefer it to be solid in order to rest their pinky and have a solid grip. I think the Smallrig design with the lever that flips out is a better design for accessing the battery door. The more I've been using the Smallrig on my A7RVI, the more I like it and getting used to it. Still not a fan of the integrated key tool design they went with. I wish it were not right on the edge where I tend to hold the camera with my left hand and the magnet could be stronger to hold it more securely.
Edited on Jul 25, 2026 at 12:29 PM · View previous versions
Jul 25, 2026 at 11:59 AM
p.2 #6Smallrig plate for a7Rvi now shipping
gdanmitchell wrote:
Oh man, that's awful.I must be missing something. Why are people so negative on this design compared to others?
There are a few choices. If you look at how close the battery compartment is to the edge the plate can either have a cutout for clearance (RRS) or have a metal curve that protrudes further out (Smallrig). I think the RRS will just barely work for me as a person with wide but short fingers. Longer fingers might exceed the curvature. I plan to get an RRS in addition to the Smallrigs on order.
EBH
MikeEvangelist wrote
ketang wrote
RRS just revealed their set but there is a pinky gap that I have really disliked on other models.There are a few choices. If you look at how close the battery compartment is to the edge the plate can either have a cutout for clearance (RRS) or have a metal curve that protrudes further out (Smallrig). I think the RRS will just barely work for me as a person with wide but short fingers. Longer fingers might exceed the curvature. I plan to get an RRS in addition to the Smallrigs on order.
EBH
Jul 25, 2026 at 12:13 PM
p.2 #7Smallrig plate for a7Rvi now shipping
EB-1 wrote:
Oh man, that's awful.I must be missing something. Why are people so negative on this design compared to others?There are a few choices. If you look at how close the battery compartment is to the edge the plate can either have a cutout for clearance (RRS) or have a metal curve that protrudes further out (Smallrig). I think the RRS will just barely work for me as a person with wide but short fingers. Longer fingers might exceed the curvature. I plan to get an RRS in addition to the Smallrigs on order.
https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-7e68x4oyjl/images/stencil/2500x2500/products/8627/10380/BA7RVI-L-Bottom__37368.1784229664.jpg
https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-7e68x4oyjl/images/stencil/2500x2500/products/8628/10368/BA7RVI-B-bottom-w-camera__56513.1784229255.jpg
https://static.bhphoto.com/images/multiple_images/images750x750/1781715942_IMG_2768844.jpg
EBH
It is going to come down to a matter of personal preference, I think.
For my part, I don’t really wrap my hand (especially the little finger) around the grip in such a way that this would actually be a problem, so I think I’d be fine with it. (I already use two cameras with L-plates that don’t extend beneath the grip/battery compartment, and it is never an issue when I pick up the camera and shoot handheld. I’d rather not have a little opening/closing tab there, either.
I’m also very much not a fan of having to slide the L section out from the bracket in order to even use a remote release. That seems like poor. design (on the part of the camera companies), and the sliding L units are a poor solution.
People use cameras with L-brackets, for God’s sake. It seems nuts to put all of those ports right where an L-bracket has to fit.
Personally, I really think that it is overdue for camera and plate designers to get together and work out some better solutions.
gdanmitchell wrote
MikeEvangelist wrote
ketang wrote
RRS just revealed their set but there is a pinky gap that I have really disliked on other models.https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-7e68x4oyjl/images/stencil/2500x2500/products/8627/10380/BA7RVI-L-Bottom__37368.1784229664.jpg
https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-7e68x4oyjl/images/stencil/2500x2500/products/8628/10368/BA7RVI-B-bottom-w-camera__56513.1784229255.jpg
https://static.bhphoto.com/images/multiple_images/images750x750/1781715942_IMG_2768844.jpg
EBH
It is going to come down to a matter of personal preference, I think.
For my part, I don’t really wrap my hand (especially the little finger) around the grip in such a way that this would actually be a problem, so I think I’d be fine with it. (I already use two cameras with L-plates that don’t extend beneath the grip/battery compartment, and it is never an issue when I pick up the camera and shoot handheld. I’d rather not have a little opening/closing tab there, either.
I’m also very much not a fan of having to slide the L section out from the bracket in order to even use a remote release. That seems like poor. design (on the part of the camera companies), and the sliding L units are a poor solution.
People use cameras with L-brackets, for God’s sake. It seems nuts to put all of those ports right where an L-bracket has to fit.
Personally, I really think that it is overdue for camera and plate designers to get together and work out some better solutions.
Jul 25, 2026 at 01:43 PM
p.2 #8Smallrig plate for a7Rvi now shipping
gdanmitchell wrote:
Personally, I really think that it is overdue for camera and plate designers to get together and work out some better solutions.
I think it's stupid ridiculous that the 1st party lens makers don't just make all lens foots be arca-swiss compatible by default.
Personally, I really think that it is overdue for camera and plate designers to get together and work out some better solutions.
I think it's stupid ridiculous that the 1st party lens makers don't just make all lens foots be arca-swiss compatible by default.
Jul 25, 2026 at 01:50 PM
p.2 #9Smallrig plate for a7Rvi now shipping
gdanmitchell wrote:
Oh man, that's awful.I must be missing something. Why are people so negative on this design compared to others?There are a few choices. If you look at how close the battery compartment is to the edge the plate can either have a cutout for clearance (RRS) or have a metal curve that protrudes further out (Smallrig). I think the RRS will just barely work for me as a person with wide but short fingers. Longer fingers might exceed the curvature. I plan to get an RRS in addition to the Smallrigs on order.
https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-7e68x4oyjl/images/stencil/2500x2500/products/8627/10380/BA7RVI-L-Bottom__37368.1784229664.jpg
https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-7e68x4oyjl/images/stencil/2500x2500/products/8628/10368/BA7RVI-B-bottom-w-camera__56513.1784229255.jpg
https://static.bhphoto.com/images/multiple_images/images750x750/1781715942_IMG_2768844.jpg
EBHIt is going to come down to a matter of personal preference, I think.
For my part, I don’t really wrap my hand (especially the little finger) around the grip in such a way that this would actually be a problem, so I think I’d be fine with it. (I already use two cameras with L-plates that don’t extend beneath the grip/battery compartment, and it is never an issue when I pick up the camera and shoot handheld. I’d rather not have a little opening/closing tab there, either.
I’m also very much not a fan of having to slide the L section...Show more →
I think you're used to a big DSLR camera where the grip is large and an L-bracket or plate extending into that area is not all that beneficial, but once you use a Sony camera you will probably find an L-bracket or plate that extends and gives your pinky a place to rest beneficial and desirable.
EB-1 wrote
gdanmitchell wrote
MikeEvangelist wrote
ketang wrote
RRS just revealed their set but there is a pinky gap that I have really disliked on other models.https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-7e68x4oyjl/images/stencil/2500x2500/products/8627/10380/BA7RVI-L-Bottom__37368.1784229664.jpg
https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-7e68x4oyjl/images/stencil/2500x2500/products/8628/10368/BA7RVI-B-bottom-w-camera__56513.1784229255.jpg
https://static.bhphoto.com/images/multiple_images/images750x750/1781715942_IMG_2768844.jpg
EBH
For my part, I don’t really wrap my hand (especially the little finger) around the grip in such a way that this would actually be a problem, so I think I’d be fine with it. (I already use two cameras with L-plates that don’t extend beneath the grip/battery compartment, and it is never an issue when I pick up the camera and shoot handheld. I’d rather not have a little opening/closing tab there, either.
I’m also very much not a fan of having to slide the L section...Show more →
I think you're used to a big DSLR camera where the grip is large and an L-bracket or plate extending into that area is not all that beneficial, but once you use a Sony camera you will probably find an L-bracket or plate that extends and gives your pinky a place to rest beneficial and desirable.
Jul 25, 2026 at 02:01 PM
p.2 #10Smallrig plate for a7Rvi now shipping
I've thought of having the Arca Swiss "grooves" in the bottom plate of the body. I don't know why the camera makers don't seem to do that? Accessory makers deal with the AS groove shape all the time so don't what proprietary (??) or not considerations there might be?
I have a "cage" on my A6700 which surrounds the body with a range of threaded and a few un-threaded holes, a couple of cold shoe, etc. The left side bar is pulled forward, all those connectivity considerations at work there. The right side has several attachment spots, too, but also fits snuggly against the body as part of a gripping surface when nothing attached.
Maybe the grooves and/or L could be on the right. There seems to be less need for "out the side" features there but the shutter and other top controls may be impacted more if tilted over to the right.
Maybe attach/swivel the rear panel from the top?
There 6 connector ports on the left side of the A7Rvi - 5 different connectors. Put 6 (2 rows of three "USB-C" ports on a vertically swiveling bat, it can rotate from pointing out to the left or out pointing to the rear. It might be time for more "adapters" and saying farewell to those analog historic connectors..
All of this could grow the size and an AS right grip space may not be comfortable?
I have a "cage" on my A6700 which surrounds the body with a range of threaded and a few un-threaded holes, a couple of cold shoe, etc. The left side bar is pulled forward, all those connectivity considerations at work there. The right side has several attachment spots, too, but also fits snuggly against the body as part of a gripping surface when nothing attached.
Maybe the grooves and/or L could be on the right. There seems to be less need for "out the side" features there but the shutter and other top controls may be impacted more if tilted over to the right.
Maybe attach/swivel the rear panel from the top?
There 6 connector ports on the left side of the A7Rvi - 5 different connectors. Put 6 (2 rows of three "USB-C" ports on a vertically swiveling bat, it can rotate from pointing out to the left or out pointing to the rear. It might be time for more "adapters" and saying farewell to those analog historic connectors..
All of this could grow the size and an AS right grip space may not be comfortable?
Jul 25, 2026 at 02:18 PM
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p.2 #11Smallrig plate for a7Rvi now shipping
gdanmitchell wrote:
It is going to come down to a matter of personal preference, I think.
For my part, I don’t really wrap my hand (especially the little finger) around the grip in such a way that this would actually be a problem, so I think I’d be fine with it. (I already use two cameras with L-plates that don’t extend beneath the grip/battery compartment, and it is never an issue when I pick up the camera and shoot handheld. I’d rather not have a little opening/closing tab there, either.
I’m also very much not a fan of having to slide the L section...Show more →
Have you used the 2026 Sony cameras? The a7RVI uses a BlueTooth remote release. There is no Sony wired cable release since they removed the multi-connector. There are some 3rd party hacks if you want to use them.
For cables in gneral you want a cage and can route the cables in various ways, typically for video. Smallrigs and other make such products.
I'm guessing you don't use any teles handheld? Even with a mid-sized lens like 100-400/5.6 you want to grip the camera with 5 digits, not 4. Definitely a 600/4 or 200-600, etc. the shortness of the puny bodies makes them hard to hold. If you do extended work there is a battery grip, but that is more weight to lift constantly.
EBH
It is going to come down to a matter of personal preference, I think.
For my part, I don’t really wrap my hand (especially the little finger) around the grip in such a way that this would actually be a problem, so I think I’d be fine with it. (I already use two cameras with L-plates that don’t extend beneath the grip/battery compartment, and it is never an issue when I pick up the camera and shoot handheld. I’d rather not have a little opening/closing tab there, either.
I’m also very much not a fan of having to slide the L section...Show more →
Have you used the 2026 Sony cameras? The a7RVI uses a BlueTooth remote release. There is no Sony wired cable release since they removed the multi-connector. There are some 3rd party hacks if you want to use them.
For cables in gneral you want a cage and can route the cables in various ways, typically for video. Smallrigs and other make such products.
I'm guessing you don't use any teles handheld? Even with a mid-sized lens like 100-400/5.6 you want to grip the camera with 5 digits, not 4. Definitely a 600/4 or 200-600, etc. the shortness of the puny bodies makes them hard to hold. If you do extended work there is a battery grip, but that is more weight to lift constantly.
EBH
Jul 25, 2026 at 05:25 PM
p.2 #12Smallrig plate for a7Rvi now shipping
darbo wrote:
I think it's stupid ridiculous that the 1st party lens makers don't just make all lens foots be arca-swiss compatible by default.
At this point, I certainly agree with you on that point. I think — though I’m only speculating — that originally they didn’t go that direction because the standard was still evolving. But we’re way past that now.
- -
adventure_photo wrote:
I think you're used to a big DSLR camera where the grip is large and an L-bracket or plate extending into that area is not all that beneficial, but once you use a Sony camera you will probably find an L-bracket or plate that extends and gives your pinky a place to rest beneficial and desirable.
Maybe. But my other system is based on a Fujifilm XT5 which is a lot smaller and, I think, smaller than the Sony.
- - -
Craig Gillette wrote:
I've thought of having the Arca Swiss "grooves" in the bottom plate of the body. I don't know why the camera makers don't seem to do that? Accessory makers deal with the AS groove shape all the time so don't what proprietary (??) or not considerations there might be?
I suspect that there could be some structural issues with that — the potential for warping the camera base, which would have to be increased in thickness and weight, would be a concern, as would the scratching and so forth from repeatedly snapping the camera in and out of the bracket. Here I think it is better to attach a plate to the camera bottom.
- - -
EB-1 wrote:
Have you used the 2026 Sony cameras? The a7RVI uses a BlueTooth remote release. There is no Sony wired cable release since they removed the multi-connector. There are some 3rd party hacks if you want to use them.
For cables in gneral you want a cage and can route the cables in various ways, typically for video. Smallrigs and other make such products.
I'm guessing you don't use any teles handheld? Even with a mid-sized lens like 100-400/5.6 you want to grip the camera with 5 digits, not 4. Definitely a 600/4 or 200-600, etc. the shortness of the puny bodies...Show more →
I’ve used cameras with wireless remotes, though not the Sony bluetooth versions. I’ve had some bad luck with wireless remotes that leave me a bit gun-shy… not to mention losing them! (I leave the cabled remote release attached all the time on my landscape camera.
I mostly use teles on the tripod, but I also shoot handheld when photographing birds at times. I’m not sure that my right hand holds the camera much differently with large or small lenses — it grips pretty much the same way, but what I do with my left, lens-holding hand changes.
gdanmitchell wrote
Personally, I really think that it is overdue for camera and plate designers to get together and work out some better solutions.At this point, I certainly agree with you on that point. I think — though I’m only speculating — that originally they didn’t go that direction because the standard was still evolving. But we’re way past that now.
- -
adventure_photo wrote:
I think you're used to a big DSLR camera where the grip is large and an L-bracket or plate extending into that area is not all that beneficial, but once you use a Sony camera you will probably find an L-bracket or plate that extends and gives your pinky a place to rest beneficial and desirable.
Maybe. But my other system is based on a Fujifilm XT5 which is a lot smaller and, I think, smaller than the Sony.
- - -
Craig Gillette wrote:
I've thought of having the Arca Swiss "grooves" in the bottom plate of the body. I don't know why the camera makers don't seem to do that? Accessory makers deal with the AS groove shape all the time so don't what proprietary (??) or not considerations there might be?
I suspect that there could be some structural issues with that — the potential for warping the camera base, which would have to be increased in thickness and weight, would be a concern, as would the scratching and so forth from repeatedly snapping the camera in and out of the bracket. Here I think it is better to attach a plate to the camera bottom.
- - -
EB-1 wrote:
Have you used the 2026 Sony cameras? The a7RVI uses a BlueTooth remote release. There is no Sony wired cable release since they removed the multi-connector. There are some 3rd party hacks if you want to use them.
For cables in gneral you want a cage and can route the cables in various ways, typically for video. Smallrigs and other make such products.
I'm guessing you don't use any teles handheld? Even with a mid-sized lens like 100-400/5.6 you want to grip the camera with 5 digits, not 4. Definitely a 600/4 or 200-600, etc. the shortness of the puny bodies...Show more →
I’ve used cameras with wireless remotes, though not the Sony bluetooth versions. I’ve had some bad luck with wireless remotes that leave me a bit gun-shy… not to mention losing them! (I leave the cabled remote release attached all the time on my landscape camera.
I mostly use teles on the tripod, but I also shoot handheld when photographing birds at times. I’m not sure that my right hand holds the camera much differently with large or small lenses — it grips pretty much the same way, but what I do with my left, lens-holding hand changes.
Jul 25, 2026 at 06:01 PM
p.2 #13Smallrig plate for a7Rvi now shipping
Leofoto will have theirs in stock very very very soon.
Jul 27, 2026 at 05:22 PM
p.2 #14Smallrig plate for a7Rvi now shipping
gdanmitchell wrote:
I think it's stupid ridiculous that the 1st party lens makers don't just make all lens foots be arca-swiss compatible by default.At this point, I certainly agree with you on that point. I think — though I’m only speculating — that originally they didn’t go that direction because the standard was still evolving. But we’re way past that now.
- -
Maybe. But my other system is based on a Fujifilm XT5 which is a lot smaller and, I think, smaller than the Sony.
- - -
I suspect that there could be some structural issues with that — the potential for warping the camera base, which would have to be increased in thickness and weight, would be a concern, as would the scratching and...Show more →
For cables in gneral you want a cage and can route the cables in various ways, typically for video. Smallrigs and other make such products.
I'm guessing you don't use any teles handheld? Even with a mid-sized lens like 100-400/5.6 you want to grip the camera with 5 digits, not 4. Definitely a 600/4 or 200-600, etc. the shortness of the puny bodies makes them hard to hold. If you do extended work there is a battery grip, but that is more weight to lift constantly.
EBH
Dan, there are USB-C wired remotes that work perfect on the A7R6. I got mine on Amazon.
darbo wrote
gdanmitchell wrote
Personally, I really think that it is overdue for camera and plate designers to get together and work out some better solutions.- -
adventure_photo wrote
I think you're used to a big DSLR camera where the grip is large and an L-bracket or plate extending into that area is not all that beneficial, but once you use a Sony camera you will probably find an L-bracket or plate that extends and gives your pinky a place to rest beneficial and desirable.- - -
Craig Gillette wrote
I've thought of having the Arca Swiss "grooves" in the bottom plate of the body. I don't know why the camera makers don't seem to do that? Accessory makers deal with the AS groove shape all the time so don't what proprietary (??) or not considerations there might be?EB-1 wrote
Have you used the 2026 Sony cameras? The a7RVI uses a BlueTooth remote release. There is no Sony wired cable release since they removed the multi-connector. There are some 3rd party hacks if you want to use them.For cables in gneral you want a cage and can route the cables in various ways, typically for video. Smallrigs and other make such products.
I'm guessing you don't use any teles handheld? Even with a mid-sized lens like 100-400/5.6 you want to grip the camera with 5 digits, not 4. Definitely a 600/4 or 200-600, etc. the shortness of the puny bodies makes them hard to hold. If you do extended work there is a battery grip, but that is more weight to lift constantly.
EBH
Dan, there are USB-C wired remotes that work perfect on the A7R6. I got mine on Amazon.
Jul 27, 2026 at 05:34 PM
p.2 #15Smallrig plate for a7Rvi now shipping
I bought JJC S-S3 and JJC MA-F3 USB-C wired remote, both work with the A7RVI and the A1II.
Jul 27, 2026 at 06:09 PM
p.2 #16Smallrig plate for a7Rvi now shipping
.
Edited on Aug 02, 2026 at 03:20 AM · View previous versions
Edited on Aug 02, 2026 at 03:20 AM · View previous versions
Jul 27, 2026 at 10:48 PM
p.2 #17Smallrig plate for a7Rvi now shipping
gdanmitchell wrote:
I think it's stupid ridiculous that the 1st party lens makers don't just make all lens foots be arca-swiss compatible by default.At this point, I certainly agree with you on that point. I think — though I’m only speculating — that originally they didn’t go that direction because the standard was still evolving. But we’re way past that now.
- -
Maybe. But my other system is based on a Fujifilm XT5 which is a lot smaller and, I think, smaller than the Sony.
- - -
I suspect that there could be some structural issues with that — the potential for warping the camera base, which would have to be increased in thickness and weight, would be a concern, as would the scratching and so forth from repeatedly snapping the camera in and out of the bracket. Here I think it is better to attach a plate to the camera bottom.
- - -
For cables in gneral you want a cage and can route the cables in various ways, typically for video. Smallrigs and other make such products.
I'm guessing you don't use any teles handheld? Even with a mid-sized lens like 100-400/5.6 you want to grip the camera with 5 digits, not 4. Definitely a 600/4 or 200-600, etc. the shortness of the puny bodies makes them hard to hold. If you do extended work there is a battery grip, but that is more weight to lift constantly.
EBHI’ve used cameras with wireless remotes, though not the Sony bluetooth versions. I’ve had some bad luck with wireless remotes that leave me a bit gun-shy… not to mention losing them! (I leave the cabled remote release attached all the time on my landscape camera.
I mostly use teles on the tripod, but I also shoot handheld when photographing birds at times. I’m not sure that my right hand holds the camera much differently with large or small lenses — it grips pretty much the same way, but what I do with my left, lens-holding hand changes.Dan, there are USB-C wired remotes that work perfect on the A7R6. I got mine on Amazon.Ross, I’ll look int this myself later, but have you heard of anyone putting a 90 degree angle plug on a USB-C remote release? That would help with the gith confines of the cable connections I suspect.
The one I have is terminated at 90 degrees. I have not used it with an L plate yet.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F82VLL3Z?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1
Ross Martin wrote
gdanmitchell wrote
darbo wrote
gdanmitchell wrote
Personally, I really think that it is overdue for camera and plate designers to get together and work out some better solutions.- -
adventure_photo wrote
I think you're used to a big DSLR camera where the grip is large and an L-bracket or plate extending into that area is not all that beneficial, but once you use a Sony camera you will probably find an L-bracket or plate that extends and gives your pinky a place to rest beneficial and desirable.- - -
Craig Gillette wrote
I've thought of having the Arca Swiss "grooves" in the bottom plate of the body. I don't know why the camera makers don't seem to do that? Accessory makers deal with the AS groove shape all the time so don't what proprietary (??) or not considerations there might be?- - -
EB-1 wrote
Have you used the 2026 Sony cameras? The a7RVI uses a BlueTooth remote release. There is no Sony wired cable release since they removed the multi-connector. There are some 3rd party hacks if you want to use them.For cables in gneral you want a cage and can route the cables in various ways, typically for video. Smallrigs and other make such products.
I'm guessing you don't use any teles handheld? Even with a mid-sized lens like 100-400/5.6 you want to grip the camera with 5 digits, not 4. Definitely a 600/4 or 200-600, etc. the shortness of the puny bodies makes them hard to hold. If you do extended work there is a battery grip, but that is more weight to lift constantly.
EBH
I mostly use teles on the tripod, but I also shoot handheld when photographing birds at times. I’m not sure that my right hand holds the camera much differently with large or small lenses — it grips pretty much the same way, but what I do with my left, lens-holding hand changes.
The one I have is terminated at 90 degrees. I have not used it with an L plate yet.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F82VLL3Z?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1
Jul 28, 2026 at 06:53 AM
p.2 #18Smallrig plate for a7Rvi now shipping
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Edited on Aug 02, 2026 at 03:19 AM · View previous versions
Edited on Aug 02, 2026 at 03:19 AM · View previous versions
Jul 28, 2026 at 09:10 AM
p.2 #19Smallrig plate for a7Rvi now shipping
gdanmitchell wrote:
Cool! That’s usually the design I prefer. I’ll have to figure out which, if any, L plate will work with it without needing to extend the L section, if possible.
Dan
At this point, I certainly agree with you on that point. I think — though I’m only speculating — that originally they didn’t go that direction because the standard was still evolving. But we’re way past that now.
- -
Maybe. But my other system is based on a Fujifilm XT5 which is a lot smaller and, I think, smaller than the Sony.
- - -
I suspect that there could be some structural issues with that — the potential for warping the camera base, which would have to be increased in thickness and weight, would be a concern, as would the scratching and so forth from repeatedly snapping the camera in and out of the bracket. Here I think it is better to attach a plate to the camera bottom.
- - -
For cables in gneral you want a cage and can route the cables in various ways, typically for video. Smallrigs and other make such products.
I'm guessing you don't use any teles handheld? Even with a mid-sized lens like 100-400/5.6 you want to grip the camera with 5 digits, not 4. Definitely a 600/4 or 200-600, etc. the shortness of the puny bodies makes them hard to hold. If you do extended work there is a battery grip, but that is more weight to lift constantly.
EBHI’ve used cameras with wireless remotes, though not the Sony bluetooth versions. I’ve had some bad luck with wireless remotes that leave me a bit gun-shy… not to mention losing them! (I leave the cabled remote release attached all the time on my landscape camera.
I mostly use teles on the tripod, but I also shoot handheld when photographing birds at times. I’m not sure that my right hand holds the camera much differently with large or small lenses — it grips pretty much the same way, but what I do with my left, lens-holding hand changes.Dan, there are USB-C wired remotes that work perfect on the A7R6. I got mine on Amazon.Ross, I’ll look int this myself later, but have you heard of anyone putting a 90 degree angle plug on a USB-C remote release? That would help with the gith confines of the cable connections I suspect.The one I have is terminated at 90 degrees. I have not used it with an L plate yet.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F82VLL3Z?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1
Right, some experimentation is in order. It could be that a straight USB-C connection works best, if the Sony side door to the connectors can be left open and the cable plugged straight in through the side opening of the L component, while the L bracket remains tucked up against the side of the body instead of having to be pulled out.
Cool! That’s usually the design I prefer. I’ll have to figure out which, if any, L plate will work with it without needing to extend the L section, if possible.
Dan
Ross Martin wrote
gdanmitchell wrote
Ross Martin wrote
gdanmitchell wrote
darbo wrote
I think it's stupid ridiculous that the 1st party lens makers don't just make all lens foots be arca-swiss compatible by default.- -
adventure_photo wrote
I think you're used to a big DSLR camera where the grip is large and an L-bracket or plate extending into that area is not all that beneficial, but once you use a Sony camera you will probably find an L-bracket or plate that extends and gives your pinky a place to rest beneficial and desirable.- - -
Craig Gillette wrote
I've thought of having the Arca Swiss "grooves" in the bottom plate of the body. I don't know why the camera makers don't seem to do that? Accessory makers deal with the AS groove shape all the time so don't what proprietary (??) or not considerations there might be?- - -
EB-1 wrote
Have you used the 2026 Sony cameras? The a7RVI uses a BlueTooth remote release. There is no Sony wired cable release since they removed the multi-connector. There are some 3rd party hacks if you want to use them.For cables in gneral you want a cage and can route the cables in various ways, typically for video. Smallrigs and other make such products.
I'm guessing you don't use any teles handheld? Even with a mid-sized lens like 100-400/5.6 you want to grip the camera with 5 digits, not 4. Definitely a 600/4 or 200-600, etc. the shortness of the puny bodies makes them hard to hold. If you do extended work there is a battery grip, but that is more weight to lift constantly.
EBH
I mostly use teles on the tripod, but I also shoot handheld when photographing birds at times. I’m not sure that my right hand holds the camera much differently with large or small lenses — it grips pretty much the same way, but what I do with my left, lens-holding hand changes.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F82VLL3Z?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1
Right, some experimentation is in order. It could be that a straight USB-C connection works best, if the Sony side door to the connectors can be left open and the cable plugged straight in through the side opening of the L component, while the L bracket remains tucked up against the side of the body instead of having to be pulled out.
Jul 28, 2026 at 09:20 AM
p.2 #20Smallrig plate for a7Rvi now shipping
I’m not a fan of wired remotes for many of the reasons you and Dan are discussing. They seem clunky, get in the way, and put unnecessary wear and tear on the port. I’ve been using Sony Bluetooth remotes like the RMT-P1BT Wireless Remote Commander and some JJC cheaper ones but they have been unreliable. They lose Bluetooth connection, and on the Sony the battery compartment is poorly made and battery often loses connection between battery and terminals, not to mention it uses a disposable lithium battery to begin with. I’ve found this Smallrig alternative to be far superior and has USB-C charging. I’ve been very pleased with it. Maybe worth trying it out. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1892054-REG/smallrig_5207_sr_rg2_wireless_remote_controller.html
Ross Martin wrote:
Dan
- -
Maybe. But my other system is based on a Fujifilm XT5 which is a lot smaller and, I think, smaller than the Sony.
- - -
I suspect that there could be some structural issues with that — the potential for warping the camera base, which would have to be increased in thickness and weight, would be a concern, as would the scratching and so forth from repeatedly snapping the camera in and out of the bracket. Here I think it is better to attach a plate to the camera bottom.
- - -
I’ve used cameras with wireless remotes, though not the Sony bluetooth versions. I’ve had some bad luck with wireless remotes that leave me a bit gun-shy… not to mention losing them! (I leave the cabled remote release attached all the time on my landscape camera.
I mostly use teles on the tripod, but I also shoot handheld when photographing birds at times. I’m not sure that my right hand holds the camera much differently with large or small lenses — it grips pretty much the same way, but what I do with my left, lens-holding hand changes.Dan, there are USB-C wired remotes that work perfect on the A7R6. I got mine on Amazon.Ross, I’ll look int this myself later, but have you heard of anyone putting a 90 degree angle plug on a USB-C remote release? That would help with the gith confines of the cable connections I suspect.The one I have is terminated at 90 degrees. I have not used it with an L plate yet.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F82VLL3Z?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1Right, some experimentation is in order. It could be that a straight USB-C connection works best, if the Sony side door to the connectors can be left open and the cable plugged straight in through the side opening of the L component, while the L bracket remains tucked up against the side of the body instead of having to be pulled out.
Ross Martin wrote:
gdanmitchell wrote
Cool! That’s usually the design I prefer. I’ll have to figure out which, if any, L plate will work with it without needing to extend the L section, if possible.Dan
Ross Martin wrote
gdanmitchell wrote
Ross Martin wrote
gdanmitchell wrote
At this point, I certainly agree with you on that point. I think — though I’m only speculating — that originally they didn’t go that direction because the standard was still evolving. But we’re way past that now.- -
Maybe. But my other system is based on a Fujifilm XT5 which is a lot smaller and, I think, smaller than the Sony.
- - -
I suspect that there could be some structural issues with that — the potential for warping the camera base, which would have to be increased in thickness and weight, would be a concern, as would the scratching and so forth from repeatedly snapping the camera in and out of the bracket. Here I think it is better to attach a plate to the camera bottom.
- - -
I’ve used cameras with wireless remotes, though not the Sony bluetooth versions. I’ve had some bad luck with wireless remotes that leave me a bit gun-shy… not to mention losing them! (I leave the cabled remote release attached all the time on my landscape camera.
I mostly use teles on the tripod, but I also shoot handheld when photographing birds at times. I’m not sure that my right hand holds the camera much differently with large or small lenses — it grips pretty much the same way, but what I do with my left, lens-holding hand changes.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F82VLL3Z?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1
Jul 28, 2026 at 09:56 AM