Alexa Mini + Preston MDR power options?

[Joe Medlock]

Hi guys.

 

I've been hired on a job shooting on an Alexa Mini and I will need to power my Preston MDR 2 from the camera body as I know the body hasn't got any power outputs as standard.

 

What are my options for power output/cables aside from the obvious D-tap option? I dont mind ordering a cable from somewhere like Media Blackout.

 

Thanks for your time,

Joe

[AJ Young]

A distribution box for the Mini is pretty popular out here in LA.

 

http://www.woodencamera.com/d-box-alexa-mini-v-mount-p/209200.htm

 

In fact, most Alexa Mini packages come with this D-Box included; I would check with the rental company on what their power distribution will be.

 

The Wooden Camera D-Box takes the power and EXT control of the camera. I recommend, however, to get re-route the external control from the Mini to the MDR with (correct me if I'm wrong) an 8-pin lemo to 3 pin? Something like that.

 

The D-Box has 2pin, 2pin, and D-tap, so powering the MDR will be no problem.

[Joe Medlock]

Thanks a lot! I've just ordered a custom 2 pin lemo cable and a 3 pin fisher. Should have the basics covered now

 

All the best!

[Patrick Lavalley]

Just finished up a months-long series with an Alexa Mini as our handheld camera. We used a wooden D-Box for power distro and it worked great. Make sure you don't overload the ports, and keep a few spare fuses handy.

[Joe Medlock]

Thanks Patrick! Good to know about the fuses

[Patrick Lavalley]

I'll also note that a combination run/stop + power cable for your MDR is really nice to have since it keeps things uncluttered. I think this is only possible with MDR3's and the new MDR4's. I think media blackout might make a similar option for the MDR2 that powers the MDR off of a single 3 pin port, but has a sort of Y split at the other end for R/S and Power.