Blackmagic Design PYXIS Pro Handle

Blackmagic Design PYXIS Pro Handle

The Blackmagic Design PYXIS Pro Handle is a robust, ergonomic top handle designed specifically for the Blackmagic PYXIS 6K cinema camera system. It serves as a primary point of contact for handheld operation, offering both secure camera transport and a versatile mounting platform for essential production accessories.

Ergonomic Design and Build

The Pro Handle is engineered to integrate seamlessly with the PYXIS’s compact, modular body:

• All-Metal Construction: Built from high-strength, lightweight aluminum to withstand the rigors of professional film sets without adding unnecessary bulk to the camera rig.

• Balanced Grip: The handle is contoured to provide a comfortable, secure grip, which is essential for stabilizing low-angle shots or carrying the camera between takes.

• Quick Installation: It mounts directly to the top of the PYXIS camera body via multiple high-tensile screws, ensuring a rock-solid connection that won't twist or loosen under the weight of a fully rigged camera.

Accessory Mounting and Expandability

Beyond serving as a grip, the PYXIS Pro Handle acts as a "cheese plate" style rigging hub:

• Multiple Mounting Points: Features a variety of 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 threaded holes with ARRI-style locating pin receptors. These allow for the secure attachment of monitors, wireless video transmitters, microphones, or articulating arms.

• Integrated Cold Shoe: Includes a built-in cold shoe mount at the front of the handle, perfect for quickly sliding on a compact on-camera light or an audio receiver.

• EVF Support: The handle is designed to work in tandem with the PYXIS EVF mount, providing the necessary clearance for high-end electronic viewfinders without obstructing the operator's hand.

Enhanced Handheld Control

When using the PYXIS in a "run-and-gun" environment, the Pro Handle provides the stability needed for cinematic movement. Its length is optimized to allow for balance adjustments; users can slide accessories forward or backward along the handle to find the camera's natural center of gravity, reducing wrist strain during long shoot days.

Indications for Use

• Handheld Cinematography: Essential for operators who prefer shooting from the hip or chest level.

• Studio Rigging: Provides the necessary mounting real estate for the "brains" of a studio setup, including timecode boxes and external monitors.

• Gimbal Transitions: Allows for fast "stripping" of the camera—simply grab the handle to move the camera from a tripod to a gimbal or shoulder rig.

Operational Benefit

The PYXIS Pro Handle is more than a convenience; it is a structural component that expands the camera's modularity. By moving the mounting of heavy accessories from the camera body to the handle, you protect the camera's internal chassis from torque stress while keeping the overall footprint clean and organized.

Installation Tip

When mounting heavy 7-inch monitors or wireless systems to the handle, always utilize the ARRI locating pins (the small holes on either side of the 3/8" threads). This "pins and threads" system prevents your accessories from spinning or unscrewing, which is a common failure point when using standard 1/4"-20 screws alone.