The Camera Foundry A7 Series CineBack is finally available for pre-order. The Camera Foundry has made numerous CineBacks for a variety of cameras, including the Sony FX3 and FX30.
The A7 CineBack series is compatible with the A7s III, A7 IV, A7R IV, A7R V and A1. All you have to do is add the cage and you can create a de facto cinema camera.
The CineBack bolts to the back or cage of your camera, giving you plenty of mounting options, power choices, and other features. You can choose a square cinema setup or add the XLR Handle Extension Kit for a more documentary style setup.
Please note that the A1 and A7R IV all have a fixed tilt screen, so the screen will be blocked by the CineBack. However, you can use the information display to display the menu on an external monitor.
CineBack A7 Series Features
- V-Mount battery plate for longer run time
- D-Tap splitter with 4 outputs to power your camera and other accessories
- Compatible with XLR Top Handle (with XLR Handle Extension sold separately here)
- Power switch to completely cut off power so there is no battery drain
- Side monitor mount lets you use your camera screen in cine mode, open or closed
- Works with Tilta ZV-E1 fan module to cool your camera (A7 IV only)
- Upper and lower cheese plates for mounting accessories and other rigging equipment
- Integrated cable management and routing.
- Modular with future module options coming soon
Although Camera Foundry doesn’t have a video on the A7 CineBack series, you can watch the one for the FX3 and FX30 above as it’s quite similar.
What do you need to use CineBack?
To use the CineBack with your A7 series camera, you will need to purchase the SmallRig 3667B. The SmallRig 2999 also works but is not compatible with the XLR top handle unit and requires a 3/8″ to 1/4″ adapter and some included shim washers.
The Camera Foundry recommends the SmallRig 3667B cage for the reasons mentioned above.
Optional equipment
The XLR Extension Kit coupled with the SmallRig Sony FX30/FX3 XLR Handle Adapter Plate allows you to use the Sony XLR-H1 XLR Handle Unit with the A7s III and A7 IV.
Another optional item is this Tilta cooling fan which can be mounted inside CineBack and can cool the A7 IV (not compatible with other A7 series cameras).
Optionally, you can power the camera from CineBack’s D-Tap jacks with either a D-Tap to FZ100 dummy battery, or a D-Tap to USB-C with Power Delivery into the camera’s USB jack. The Camera Foundry also used Alvin’s Cable version as well as the Kondor Blue cable and the Kondor Blue D-Tap to USB adapter without issue.
In case you’re interested, Camera Foundry is also working on an AB Gold Mount version.
Pricing and availability
The Camera Foundry A7 Series CineBack is now available for pre-order for $339.95 USD and is expected to ship in May.