Tilta Basic Camera Cage Kit for BMPCC 4K/6K Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The Tilta Basic Camera Cage Kit is a modular and versatile camera cage designed specifically for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera (BMPCC) 4K and BMPCC 6K. This cage provides a protective frame for your camera and offers numerous mounting points for various accessories, allowing for a highly customized camera setup.

The full camera cage completely surrounds the camera, offering enhanced protection and stability. It includes three cold shoe mounts for attaching accessories such as microphones, lights, or external monitors. The base of the cage features multiple mounting points, which are beneficial for balancing your camera setup when used with gimbals or attaching to tripods.

A quick-release top handle is included, which easily and securely attaches to the top of the cage, providing an additional cold shoe mounting point. The kit also features an SSD drive holder designed to attach directly to the cage, allowing for the use of a Samsung T5 SSD drive for recording footage. Additionally, customized USB-C and HDMI adapter ports are integrated into the design to work seamlessly with the cage.

A thoughtful design element is the integrated compartment for storing the assembly Allen wrench directly within the cage, ensuring that the necessary tool for assembly and disassembly is always readily accessible.

2. Compatibility

This camera cage is compatible with both the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K (BMPCC 4K) and the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K (BMPCC 6K).

Figure 2.1: Compatibility with BMPCC 4K and BMPCC 6K.

Important Note: This cage is NOT compatible with the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro (BMPCC 6K Pro).

Figure 2.2: Incompatibility with BMPCC 6K Pro.

3. Components and Optional Accessories

The Tilta Basic Camera Cage Kit includes the main camera cage, a quick-release top handle, an SSD drive holder, a customized USB-C cable, and an HDMI adapter. Various optional accessories can be purchased separately to expand the functionality of your camera rig.

Figure 3.1: Optional accessories for the Tilta camera cage system.

Common Optional Accessories:

• Top Handle (TA-QRTH-G)
• 15mm LWS Baseplate (TA-BSP-15-G)
• Half Sunhood (TA-T01-HSH)
• HDMI 90-Degree Adapter (TA-T01-HDA-90)
• T5 SSD Drive Cover (TA-SSDHT5)
• Side Follow Focus Handle (TA-SFH1-97-G, TA-SFH4-E6-G, TA-SFH4-57-G, TA-SH4-57-G, TA-SH1-97-G)
• Top Single Rod Holder (TA-TSRA-15-G)
• Bottom Single Rod Holder (TA-BSRA-15-G)
• Side Single Rod Holder (TA-SRA-15-G)
• Lens Adapter Support (TA-T01-LAS)
• 15*300 Rods-Black (R15-300-B)
• V-Mount Battery Baseplate (TA-BSP-V)
• V-Mount Battery Plate (TA-BTP-F970-V)
• F970 Battery Baseplate (TA-BSP-F970)
• F970 Battery Plate (TA-BTP-F970)
• DC Power Cable (TA-T01-DC-PC)
• 90-Degree USB-C Cable (CB-USBC-30)
• P-tap Power Cable (TA-T01-PTAP-PC)
• Mini Matte Box (MB-T15)
• Mini Follow Focus (FF-T06)
• Nucleus Nano (WLC-T04)

4. Setup and Installation

4.1. Installing the Camera into the Cage

1. Carefully place your BMPCC 4K or 6K camera into the Tilta Basic Camera Cage. Ensure the camera aligns with the mounting points within the cage.
2. Secure the camera to the cage using the provided screws. Typically, a screw at the bottom of the cage will fasten into the camera's tripod mount. Ensure it is tightened firmly but do not overtighten.
3. Verify that the camera is stable and securely held within the cage before proceeding with accessory installation.

Figure 4.1: Tilta Camera Cage with camera installed.

4.2. Attaching the Quick-Release Top Handle

1. Locate the quick-release rail on the top of the camera cage.
2. Slide the quick-release top handle onto this rail.
3. Tighten the thumbscrew on the top handle to secure it firmly to the cage. Ensure the handle is stable and does not wobble.

Figure 4.2: Tilta Quick-Release Top Handle.

4.3. Installing the SSD Drive Holder

1. Attach the SSD drive holder to the designated mounting points on the side of the camera cage.
2. Secure the holder using the provided screws.
3. Insert your Samsung T5 SSD drive into the holder.

Figure 4.3: Tilta SSD Drive Holder.

4.4. Connecting Customized Cables

The kit includes customized USB-C and HDMI adapter ports designed to integrate cleanly with the cage, providing secure connections and cable management.

1. Connect the customized USB-C cable from your camera to the SSD drive. The cable is designed with a 90-degree connector for optimal fit within the cage.
2. Attach the HDMI adapter to your camera's HDMI port and secure it to the cage if applicable, providing a more robust connection point for external monitors.

Figure 4.4: Customized 90-Degree USB-C Cable.

Figure 4.5: Customized 90-Degree HDMI Adapter.

5. Operating the Camera Cage

Once your camera is securely installed in the Tilta Basic Camera Cage and essential accessories are mounted, you can begin operating your enhanced camera rig.

• Accessory Mounting: Utilize the numerous 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 threaded holes located throughout the cage to attach various camera accessories such as external monitors, microphones, wireless video transmitters, and articulating arms.
• Cold Shoe Mounts: The cage features multiple cold shoe mounts (three on the full cage, including one on the top handle) for quick attachment of smaller, lightweight accessories like on-camera lights or shotgun microphones.
• Gimbal Integration: The strategically placed mounting points on the base of the cage assist in balancing your camera when integrating it with gimbals, providing a more stable and efficient setup.
• Handheld Operation: The quick-release top handle provides a comfortable and secure grip for low-angle shots and general handheld operation, improving camera stability and maneuverability.
• Cable Management: The customized USB-C and HDMI ports, along with the cage design, help in managing cables, preventing accidental disconnections and maintaining a tidy setup.

6. Maintenance

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your Tilta Basic Camera Cage Kit.

• Cleaning: Clean the cage and its components with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. For stubborn dirt, a slightly damp cloth can be used, followed by immediate drying. Avoid using harsh chemicals, solvents, or abrasive materials, as these can damage the finish.
• Inspection: Regularly inspect all screws, bolts, and connection points for tightness. Over time, vibrations or frequent use can cause fasteners to loosen. Tighten any loose components to prevent accidental detachment of your camera or accessories.
• Storage: When not in use, store the camera cage in a clean, dry, and dust-free environment. If disassembling, keep all components organized to prevent loss.
• Allen Wrench Storage: Always return the assembly Allen wrench to its dedicated compartment within the cage after use to ensure it is available when needed.

7. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your Tilta Basic Camera Cage Kit.

• Camera Not Fitting Correctly:
  Solution: Ensure your camera is either a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K or 6K. This cage is not compatible with the BMPCC 6K Pro. Double-check the camera's alignment within the cage and ensure no obstructions are present.
• Accessories Not Mounting Securely:
  Solution: Verify that the accessory's mounting screw or mechanism is correctly aligned with the cage's threaded holes or cold shoe mounts. Ensure all screws are tightened firmly. For quick-release mechanisms like the top handle, confirm the locking lever is fully engaged.
• Loose Components:
  Solution: Periodically check all screws and fasteners on the cage and its accessories. Use the provided Allen wrench to tighten any components that have become loose during use.
• Difficulty with Cable Connections:
  Solution: Ensure you are using the customized Tilta USB-C and HDMI adapters/cables provided with or designed for the cage. These are specifically shaped to fit within the cage's design. Avoid forcing connections.
• Missing Assembly Tool:
  Solution: The cage features an integrated storage compartment for the assembly Allen wrench. Check this compartment first. If lost, a standard Allen wrench of the appropriate size will be required.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information, product registration, and technical support, please visit the official Tilta website or contact their customer service department directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.