THE SOS PLATE: How It Works, reviews, & FAQs

The SOS plate allows you to keep your Steadicam dovetail attached to the camera and snap directly onto any head. 

All of us have been on jobs where we have been asked to 'just hold it for a few shots because converting to studio mode takes too long; and the next scene is Steadicam anyway.' Having the ability to pop on and off helps you win this battle. 

I first created the plate in 2010 – and is now a utility plate in many Steadicam Operators and Camera Assistants' kits. 

Yes, the SOS Plate is designed to fit all standard-sized steadicams – including PRO, TIFFEN, XCS, MKV, BETZ, SACHTLER, etc.

No.  It is not advised to use an SOS plate when putting the camera on a crane.  Why?  Unlike the BP9 and other sliding baseplates the SOS Plate does not have a hard stop.  Although there are two safety latches they are not as secure as a studio baseplate's hard stop.  Crane builds are generally much heavier and the SOS Plate was designed and intended for Steadicam sized builds  For the same reason it is not advised to use the SOS Plate with large zooms such as the Angineux 12-1 or the Panavision 11-1. 

Over the past few years I have received many requests to make an SOS plate for the smaller Steadicams, and I finally did it! 

The Archer / Zephyr / Clipper Adapter screws directly into the top of original SOS plate, narrowing the channel to the correct width for smaller Steadicam Dovetails. It attaches with 2 heat treated socket screws which can easily be removed if you transition to a larger Steadicam down the road. 

The DJI - Ronin Adapter and ARRI TRINITY / MAXIMA Adapter work with those specific Steadicam dovetails, and can likewise be removed if you decide to transition to a larger Steadicam.

This product has been discontinued .  Why?  Most assistants and operators build the camera with the Preston MDR on the camera.  This bracket was designed when Steadicam Operators attached their MDR to the top stage of the sled.  

I accept Stripe payments directly through my website.  Additionally, I offer Chase Quick Pay with Zelle.  You can select your preferred option at checkout. 

I offer free priority shipping on all U.S. domestic orders over $100. $50 flat rate for MOST international sales.  For further shipping questions please email me at jbsteadicam@gmail.com.

Yes. Select the "In-Person Pickup" option at checkout and shoot me an email to coordinate at at JBsteadicam@gmail . com

Yes. Please email me at JBsteadicam@gmail . com to coordinate international orders.

Yes. Cleans Camera Support is an authorized distributor of SOS Plates and adapters. 

Should you need  replacement parts you can purchase them from McMaster here:

SOS Plate replacement parts and screws.

Kip Handle:  

https://www.mcmaster.com/64835K17/

Locking Clamp Spring: 

https://www.mcmaster.com/9434K43/

IGUS Compression locking washer: 

https://www.igus.com/search?q=JTEM-06

Adapter wedge mounting screws: 

https://www.mcmaster.com/91292A113/

Bingo Steadicam Plate parts and screws. 

Bingo Steadicam end of plate safety screws: https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/129/3510/96006A231

Low profile 15mm bridge mounting screws:

https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/129/3502/92220A183

Yes.  All products can be returned however a 10% restocking fee is applied.  Funds will be returned once the product has been received.   The product must not have not been used and the return process must have been started no more than 30 days from the original sale date.