With Fujifilm’s latest release of the X-T5, I know it won’t be long before racks and mounts start popping up online. For my own camera, it’s always been a Smallrig mount due to the build quality and thoughtful design. So after purchasing the X-T5, I went directly to their website to see if any were available and quickly bought one, but that’s not all. they are available.
For me, the vintage-style aesthetic of the silver X-T5 is a big draw beyond the quality of the camera and images.
Cage design
The hand cage advertised as classic, could be classed in the visual category of steampunk, another aesthetic that I particularly love. When you look at the cage you can see how I came to this conclusion, but perhaps using the steampunk cage title is not a good choice for marketing purposes. However, even with its sleek brass styling and ergonomics, it’s much more than just looking good.
Quality build
The cage is made of sturdy metal, weighs just 370 g and features an ergonomic cowhide hand grip that provides plenty of grip for even the largest of hands. There is plenty of headroom above the dial and the design of the cage allows your thumb to rest comfortably on the cold base integrated into the frame behind the grip. The top handle has a non-slip rubber grip and the handle is removable if you want to use the cage when just taking pictures. The cage and handle have multiple connection points to maximize your video equipment and include:
- 21 holes 1/4”
- 4 holes ARRI 3/8”
- 2 strap slots
- NATO Railways
- A sling bar on the underside
Included on the underside is a double-ended wrench so you don’t have to search for the correct sized Allen key to adjust everything. Although the cage weighs 370g, I must admit that it doesn’t feel noticeable and I think that has a lot to do with the very adequate handle size. The dimensions of the cage are 145.8 mm x 63.2 mm x 103.4 mm. It doesn’t add any obvious mass to the camera by design, and I’ve never felt that I suddenly have a bulkier camera when it’s attached. I really feel it protects the camera.
The detachable HDMI and USB-C cable clip hinges 90 degrees to allow port doors to open, then it snaps into place with plenty of room for the door.
The snap button adds to the overall classic look of the cage and again, the button is removable. Admittedly I still have to get used to it, but I can see its functionality in terms of nesting design and it works great in that respect.
The cold shoe spirit level can be attached to the front cold shoe mount, according to the image, or on the camera itself, depending on your preference.
usability
True, this is where I’m disappointed in this cage’s capabilities when it comes to filmmaking. I use it on a tripod, attached to camera components, and shoot handheld b-rolls for YouTube, so for now, I haven’t fully exploited all the functionality the cage is capable of, but i will say that it has now i look at its various possibilities when used for making movies.
A full camera rig setup can be attached to this cage, including an extra handle, monitor, microphone, power bank, light, flash for photography, magic arm, focus puller. The list goes on, but I hope you get the idea.
For everyday photography with the top handle removed, it feels great in the hand and you don’t have restricted access to any of the top dials. However, I do remove the shutter button adapter because I’m still not used to it. The grip is larger enough than the grip of the stand and actually feels better in the hand. That doesn’t mean dismissing Smallrig, as it’s a great functional stand, but when I gave it to another Fuji shooter, aside from the steampunk comment, his first comment was the controller. more significantly.
What I like
The cage’s build quality and multifunctional design, as well as the aesthetics.
What can be improved
One add-on that I hope Smallrig makes to this cage is an Arca end plate to allow you to keep this on camera and use it to take pictures when not filming. I searched for one on the site, but couldn’t see one. This will serve two purposes. The first is the protection it will provide to your camera if the camera is dropped, and the second is that you can mount it in portrait orientation onto a tripod without switching back to the mount. I could easily attach a tripod plate, but that would ruin the purpose of this vintage-looking cage.
Final thoughts
Perhaps much of this article focuses too much on the cage’s aesthetic and I’m not asking forgiveness for this, as it looks good and it is. The function of the cage cannot be overlooked, as it does everything you could hope for and more, as it has everything for filmmakers and photographers. It’s well designed and manufactured, and gives you loads of attachment and expansion possibilities to build a complete filming rig, which I’m currently working on, thanks to the cage.
Smallrig has been manufacturing camera mounts and cages for various brands since 2009 and has consistently delivered quality while working with brands like Fujifilm, Nikon, and Atomos. You can buy yours here.
