Here comes another camera mod for the popular Blackmagic Pocket 6K Camera G1.
If you read my recent post about the mod for the Blackmagic Design pocket cameras that adds a V-Mount for batteries and an articulating monitor hack then you know that these Blackmagic cameras are still very popular with filmmakers and content creators. I also constantly tell people that there is no reason to buy the latest overpriced camera, when these pocket cameras deliver amazing image quality; even if their form factor is a bit outdated. Most people now want a “box” style camera that allows full customization, such is the case with cameras like the ZCam or Red Komodo.
In comes the NEXUS Project from a new Thomas Boland company which is behind the Pocket 6K G1 box camera mod. It’s still in the design and specification stages, so don’t get overly excited. The company does a lot of industrial design and R&D, so this does look to be a solid company to attempt this type of extensive mod.
Nexus is an optimized Box form factor cinema camera based around the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6k G1. It will be a composite body comprising polymer and alloy elements for the best of both worlds – lightweight and high strength.
They intend to make this available as a ready-to-shoot prebuilt camera and a kit to convert their own camera.
Current Features
It is currently 4.3″ wide by 5.1″ tall by 6.8″ long. However since the lens and battery are recessed into the body, the effective length when compared to other cameras is only about 4.3″.
The Nexus will optionally have a positive lock MFT mount which may be adapted up to EF, PL, or any other longer flange distance mount you like, with a flick of the mount lock.
The MFT mount because it is the only mount which can legally be used that has a short flange distance and that has many adaptors available for it in other mount types.
However, even better would be L mount, so the company has contacted Leica and requested approval to use the mount.
However, even better would be L mount, so the company has contacted Leica and requested approval to use the mount.
Feature Goals
1. Rear mount mini V-mount to give long run time and balance out lens weight. (50w v-mounts mount flush with back of cam, larger batts protrude). Also looking to enable Gold Mount compatibility.
2. Optional SDI out.
3. Optional internal electronic ND filter.
4. SSD module system for affordable media storage via cfast input to free up USB C port for gimbal camera control (similar to red mags but affordable).
5. Hot-pluggable detachable tiltable original screen which may be positioned in multiple locations.
6. Ports all on right hand side of cam for shoulder rig users.
7. Positive locking EF mount, original EF mount, or PL mount. Also considering passive mounts of other types such as L mount, E mount, RF mount.
8. Built-in Lpe-6 for V-mount/gold mount hot-swapping.
9. Built-in standardized adjustable length 15mm LWS (60mm spaced) bottom Rig rods for mounting follow focus, lens support, and mattebox.
10. Optional speedbooster from s35 to Fullframe equivalent coverage.
11. Optional detachable right side grip handle, with built-in control functions (Iris, iso, shutter angle, 3 presets, record, thumb wheel).
These are some big swings! The internal electronic ND alone will be tough to achieve, but hey! Go for it! Another impressive idea is to use the touchscreen monitor as a detachable device to place it in different locations.
Thomas Boland has recently posted online adding a few more details about this MOD:
“I’m utilizing the non pro version because both of the features you are paying all the extra money for in the pro become very unimportant when it comes to the Nexus. With the nexus you can remove the original screen entirely and use your own bright SDI/HDMI monitor and still control the camera via the dedicated control panel. And i’m also working on an electronic ND (LCD type) system so the ND’s of the pro would also be wasted.
And yes i’m taking all comments into consideration, i’m aware of the issue of using gigantic cine lenses and will consider what to do for that.
For everyone with questions about the project, im planning on releasing a post soon to clarify exactly what we are intending to achieve. So if you’re interested in that or the project in general, feel free to follow on Facebook, Reddit, or Instagram:
https://www.facebook.com/NexusCamera/
https://www.reddit.com/r/NexusCameras/
https://www.instagram.com/nexus_cameras/
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