Base Modification for Sony EX-3 and EX-1 Tripod mount
The EX-3 and EX-1 have had complaints that the tripod fixing point is not strong enough for rental or heavy use. This is my modification to correct and reinforce the base. Any one with moderate machine shop skills should be able to pull this job off. The one pictured is for an EX-3. I have also built one for the EX-1 using the same steps.
Remove the eight screws (including those in the threaded tripod fitting) from the plastic bottom cover and take it off. Now use it for a drill template to mark an appropriate size piece of aircraft aluminum stock. Mine is 2 3/4” X 4 3/4” X 1/4” thick. Next drill for screw size and counter sink the holes. Next drill and tap the 1/4 20 hole for the tripod mount and drill the locator hole. I have added an extra 1/4 20 hole to “double bolt” my rod system base. Next put the plastic cover back on and screw the original screws into the two holes closest to the lens only. Use longer 2mm screws for the other 6 holes (available at ACE hardware. You now have a strong road worthy base
Here is the painted base on the EX-3 bottom.
This shows the extra 1/4 20 Allen screw in the rod base.
Another view of the base and rod system.
I also shortened the spacers in the rod system base to allow for the extra thickness.
The EX-3 and EX-1 have had complaints that the tripod fixing point is not strong enough for rental or heavy use. This is my modification to correct and reinforce the base. Any one with moderate machine shop skills should be able to pull this job off. The one pictured is for an EX-3. I have also built one for the EX-1 using the same steps.
Remove the eight screws (including those in the threaded tripod fitting) from the plastic bottom cover and take it off. Now use it for a drill template to mark an appropriate size piece of aircraft aluminum stock. Mine is 2 3/4” X 4 3/4” X 1/4” thick. Next drill for screw size and counter sink the holes. Next drill and tap the 1/4 20 hole for the tripod mount and drill the locator hole. I have added an extra 1/4 20 hole to “double bolt” my rod system base. Next put the plastic cover back on and screw the original screws into the two holes closest to the lens only. Use longer 2mm screws for the other 6 holes (available at ACE hardware. You now have a strong road worthy base
Here is the painted base on the EX-3 bottom.
This shows the extra 1/4 20 Allen screw in the rod base.
Another view of the base and rod system.
I also shortened the spacers in the rod system base to allow for the extra thickness.