One of our customers, who uses a Panasonic FZ-1000 for video production, asked us if we knew of a solution to the tripod mount battery access issue. The problem is the location of the tripod mount 1/4″ x 20 screw thread: the mount is too close to the battery access door, on the bottom of the camera.
The problem is obvious when you attach a tripod quick release plate to the camera base. With any tripod quick release attached, you cannot open the battery access door; this door is the memory card access door as well. Therefore, memory card and battery changes require full disassembly of any camera rig gear. This makes using the FZ-1000 undesirable for video production, where accessories like a microphone mixer, wireless and wired microphones, audio recorders, cage brackets and other stuff are typically added to the camera. You will not have a functional tricked out video rig when you can’t get fast access to the memory card or battery.
Still photography with a tripod is a serious problem with this camera as well.
When we designed our DSLR Transformer Rig, the battery access had to be unobstructed when the camera was mounted and bling added.
Fortunately for this customer, we responded to his request with a solution. We developed the PANASONIC FZ-1000 & FZ-200 Tripod Adapter shown here. This simple device attaches to the bottom of the camera with a 1/4″ x 20 Cap Screw and then includes 2 tripod mount thread holes. One of the holes is positioned at the lens focal point, and the other is farther from the battery access door to allow for usage with very large camera quick releases like those on PRO video tripods.
We are considering doing a production run on this product if there is reasonable demand. Hence this posting is intended to measure interest in the tripod mount problem with the PANASONIC FZ-1000 and FZ-200 and our solution.
ALZO PANASONIC FZ-1000 & FZ-200 TRIPOD ADAPTER with all parts
Adapter attached to camera bottom
Rear view of the camera on the ALZO DSLR Transformer Rig
Camera with adapter mounted to the ALZO Transformer Rig showing battery access door open
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Peter
October 13, 2016
Hello Robin
Sorry for the delayed answer, I must have missed your comment. Yes, we do ship this product internationally for a flat rate that includes worldwide shipping:
https://www.alzodigital.com/pages/international-shipping-of-the-alzo-liberator-plate
I hope this answers your question.
Best regards,
Peter