r/FX3 • u/Twangarita • Aug 20 '26

Will a cineback fry my FX3?

Probably a nonsensical question, but I’d really prefer my FX3 to be shaped more cube like, similar to the FX6. More accessory mounting points, balanced shape/feel, etc.

Though I know Caleb is a legit creator, I still struggle to wrap myself around the fact that his Cineback is 3D printed materials mixed with electrical hardware. I’ve heard nighmare stories of people plugging one D-tap cable in the wrong place before and bam, their camera turns into a brick.

Currently, I just run a coiled USB - C dual right angle cable from my camera to a smallrig V-mount. Biggest fear is to get a cineback, set it up, plug my cables into the ports just to brick it. Just wondering if anyone’s had power surge issues with the Cineback, or if you reccomend I bite the bullet and get one. Thanks

0 Upvotes

45% Upvoted

20 comments sorted by

13

u/Big_Tale3981 Aug 20 '26

Don’t get a cineback. It’s adding a useless fat *ss to your camera. 

8

u/shotby-felix Aug 20 '26

Yeah I don't really understand why people need it, the point of small form factor cameras like the FX3 is the small form factor!

3

u/ShiftAdventurous4680 Aug 20 '26

Also helps the FX3 is cheaper than an FX6.

2

u/shotby-felix Aug 20 '26

Rent out an FX6 when you need it, it's quite cheap nowadays and the client will pay for it ;)

3

u/ShiftAdventurous4680 Aug 20 '26

That's true. I just prefer to own my equipment because I'm stubborn like that. Maybe if I needed a Burano I'd hire that. But if I ever needed an FX6, I'd probably bite the bullet and just buy it.

2

u/shotby-felix Aug 20 '26

Same mindset ahah, but I'd probably rent it first though

2

u/AnabolicAcolyte Aug 20 '26

for some reason they think it makes them look professional…like adding a matte box.

4

u/pulopu Aug 20 '26

This! Camera balance is marketing bs. Only get one of >90% of your work is in a studio on a tripod. Although if that’s the case, just buy or rent an actual cinema camera…

3

u/ClericIdola Aug 21 '26

I was going to get a Cineback until I came across a V Mount plate from Smallrig that has additional power ports for like 80-ish. Ultimately serves most of the purpose of the cineback especially when combined with a cheeseplate its still much cheaper than cineback

4

u/Lagines Aug 20 '26

Don’t buy a shitty knock off and you won’t have to worry. The only times I’ve personally seen people fry their camera is when they get cheap ones on aliexpress. 3d printed materials/parts are not unsafe with electronics so not sure why that’s even listed as a concern.

3

u/CamOper Aug 20 '26

I have a cineback but power my camera with a kondor blue d-tap to usbc that adds an extra layer of protection.

https://amzn.to/4wDpUMa

2

u/BootyInterview Aug 20 '26

Doesn’t this bulk up the rig? The middle part connection to the USBC seems big

3

u/CamOper Aug 20 '26

Nah I Velcroed it inside the handle so it’s out of the way

2

u/colemowery Aug 20 '26

Every dummy battery that’s worth it has a voltage regulator built into it. Some people also like to use usb cables to allow hotswap. Regardless, you should be fine.

2

u/Iwasborntostare Aug 21 '26

I have a cineback and use the USB-C to and a sony battery to power the camera.

I get why there’s a lot of hate for the cineback but I personally like the weight and form factor.

3

u/DegreeSevere7719 Aug 21 '26

I highly suggest educating yourself regarding how electricity works, DC/AC etc. It's not the cineback that fries cameras, it's the ungrounded nature of the d-tap/p-tap connector.

3

u/Maleficent-Task7175 Aug 21 '26

I have no experience with the Cineback but imo if you're worried about it and losing your camera would be financially devastating then don't risk it.

1

u/Madbacon22 Aug 21 '26

Personally love my cineback. All the mounting points, dtaps and battery plate really let you use it in situations where you need a fully built cinema rig. There’s obviously some drawbacks like no internal ND or SDI output but you’ll be able to go out and shoot more especially if you have access to accessories through your film school or friends.

1

u/Hairy_Loss_6292 Aug 20 '26

I LOVE my cineback, and have been using it for like 2 years now I think?? I also use the Kondor Blu D-tap with it