Introducing Ultra Handles: Which
One Is Right for You?
Our new Ultra Handle System is designed to be one of the most solution-oriented, full-featured, and adaptable camera top handle systems in the industry. By utilizing not one but two mounting systems—Dual Wooden Camera ¼"-20 mounts and Single ⅜"-16 Universal mounts—the Ultra Handle System is customizable to the needs of each user and each job. This modular and ergonomic collection allows camera operators to maneuver the rigors of different setups and quickly transition between builds. Under the guidance of Dominick Aiello, Divisional Senior Director of Accessories at Creative Solutions, the optimized design solves the need for lightweight camera grip handles that function well, look good, and feel good.
Other carry handles available in the market typically mount to a top plate and come with a standard hole pattern to attach other accessories. Users had to purchase more for every setup and own a separate ARRI locating handle, RED handle, DSLR camera handle, etc. At Wooden Camera, we believe in going above and beyond for our users by offering an innovative solution. Our carry handles are designed with a unique standard that allows you to mount various items directly onto the handle itself, providing you with even greater flexibility and convenience. By eliminating the need for additional brackets or plates, our handles streamline your setup, saving you time and effort.
In addition to their practicality, our handles are also crafted with the highest quality materials and precision engineering, ensuring they can withstand even the most demanding environments. You can trust our handles to provide superior performance, durability, and reliability.
We also meaningfully improve top handles by emphasizing necessary ergonomics. With a smooth shape and Bocote wood in the grip, the operators have a comfortable carry handle that maintains a non-slip grip, and is still stout enough to hold heavy builds. The modular design allows for custom setups, whether the camera operator is grabbing the drop handle to pan the camera, or having a simple 5" carry handle with their on-board monitor mounted to it. This system allows for any and all customization.
Learn more below about which Ultra Handle System works best for you, or customize your build by purchasing à la carte.
Uprights and Mounting Points: Types and Use Cases
Uprights are used to attach handles to the top plate, which allows you to hold the camera comfortably and distribute weight evenly. You can use just one upright, as pictured above, or you can add front and rear uprights to add stability. Start by attaching the handle to the upright, then attach the upright to the camera top plate. Now, customize the handle by adding more parts, such as extensions.
We offer uprights in two mounting systems—dual ¼"-20 mounts or single ⅜"-16 mounts—with front and rear versions for each mount, totaling four uprights.
The dual ¼"-20 system has extra stability due to the wider base. Dual Wooden Camera ¼"-20 Uprights are designed to mount to legacy Wooden Camera top plates with Wooden Camera Master Handle ¼"-20 spacing of 36mm.
The single ⅜"-16 system uprights are universal and can mount to any ⅜"-16 mounting point. The rear upright will be compatible on plates that have the ⅜"-16 holes patterns at 1" centers.
Extensions: Everything You Need To Know
Why do we have different extension lengths?
Different extension lengths are a key part of this collection because it allows camera operators to build out the handles to the specific needs of the job and camera. The smaller kits and extensions ensure that you can build a handle for a smaller camera like a Sony FX3, but also add the 1" or 3" for something like a RED KOMODO.
When would you use one extension compared to another?
This really boils down to how you want to use these handles, for example, the 1" extension might not make a huge difference to someone handling a Sony VENICE, but for the in-action filmmaker shooting the DC Tour, the 1" extension at the front of the handle will allow them to hit angles on the fly that would otherwise be more difficult to get.
What do the extensions attach to? How do they attach?
The extensions of this collection are designed to attach to the back and front of the other pieces for maximized customization. The pieces are attached using ⅜"-16 connection, which is the industry standard. All extensions can also attach directly to a cage in any of the ⅜"-16 holes with anti-twist location pin holes.
Due to the standard ⅜"-16 with anti-twist pins, the handles can mount to the sides or top of any of the other handles to add to the configuration possibilities.
Can you combine extensions?
Yes, combining the extensions adds to the other lengths that might be needed. Combine two 1" extension for a 2" handle, or add a 1" extension to the 3" to get a 4" handle. We welcome users to experiment and mount this system in ways beyond its original design.
Materials: Intentional Material Selection
Bocote wood is a Mexican hardwood, comparable to hard maple, that was selected because it provides a more comfortable grip than the standard full metal handles out there. It may not seem like it makes much of a difference, but on long shoot days, the feel of the wood grip is less taxing on the operator's grips. This wood grip not only provides comfort but is strong and rugged enough to handle these larger builds.
Color Rings: Now Available
The Ultra Handle System includes 24 color rings—six each of red, blue, green, and yellow—that can attach at various points. It’s important to us that these colors align with the standards used on-set to designate A cam, B cam, etc. to give our users an easier way to distinguish builds and give crews one less thing to worry about. Ultra Handle Color Rings are also available à la carte.
Kits: How Kits Attach Together
All handle kits and extensions are connected via a ⅜"-16 bolt with anti-twist locating pins that ensure a strong connection and adds stability. The included tool goes through the end of the handle to tighten the ⅜"-16 bolt.
Keep In Mind
Make sure all the joining parts are tight before use. There is no need to over-tighten, but they do need to be tight.
