The Bright Tangerine Universal Timecode Mount, as its name suggests, is a one-stop solution for attaching timecode boxes to a camera, etc. It is good to see a universal solution, as almost all of the available options on the market were designed to accommodate only a specific timecode box model.
The mount attaches to a cage or rig via a 1/4″-20 or 3/8″-16 anti-twist thumbscrew with a separate flathead screwdriver. It was designed to provide a durable, adjustable clamp for securing a timecode device such as a Deity, Atomos, or Tentacle timecode unit.
Key features
- Mount a Compact Timecode Unit onto a Rig
- 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 Anti-Twist Screws
- Rubber Padding to Prevent Scratching
- Easy Installation
How do you attach it?
To install the Universal Timecode Mount, you need a flathead screwdriver and a 1.5mm Hex Key to adjust the height.
Timecode Mount to Camera
1. Align the 1/4″ or 3/8” screw with a compatible thread on your camera rig.
2. Use a flathead screwdriver to secure it in place.
Timecode Device to Mount
1. Open the spring-loaded clamp of the Timecode Mount and insert the timecode device – the clamp should close automatically to match it.
2. If necessary, adjust the height clamp by turning the marked screw with a 1.5mm Hex Key, then enclose the strap around the front of the Timecode Mount and secure in place.
As the clamping mechanism is spring-loaded, it will secure the timecode device lengthways without any tools, and you can adjust the height with a few turns of a 1.5mm Hex Key.
It is nice that Bright Tangerine gives you standard and non-standard ARRI pin-lock layouts that can also be removed entirely. This stops any twisting or movement from happening.
To take a timecode box out, you lift the tie-down strap and slide out your device.
Why not just use Velcro?
Sure, you could just use some Velcro, but it really depends on what you are doing and how secure you need to attach something. It can also make a difference depending on the camera you are utilizing. If you have a smaller-sized digital cinema camera or a mirrorless hybrid, finding space and securing a timecode box via Velcro may not be the best solution.
Velcro also ends up leaving a sticky residue on your camera, which isn’t great.
Size & Weight
The Bright Tangerine solution was designed to be small and discreet, as there is little point in making something overly large, especially if you need to mount a timecode box on a smaller-sized camera.
As a comparison, the MID49 Tentacle Sync E Clamp weighs 1.4oz / 40g, and has physical dimensions of (WxLxH): 2.3 x 0.9 x 0.6 in / 60.2 x 22.3 x 14 mm.
Build Quality
Like just about everything Bright Tangerine makes, it’s arguably overly engineered. I am not saying that in a bad way, because, in all honesty, I would rather have something that has no chance of breaking than something that may fail. Bright Tangerine certainly never cuts corners when it comes to build quality, and the Universal Timecode Mount is solidly made and easy to install. It is made from high-grade anodised aluminium, and Bright Tangerine states that it is resistant to wear or corrosion.
Having removable locating pins increases its versatility, especially when mounting it to different camera cages, plates, etc.
You don’t need to worry about scratching your timecode box when attaching or removing it, as Bright Tangerine has included rubber padding to prevent scrapes.
Real World Usability
The Bright Tangerine Universal Timecode Mount works as advertised. With timecode boxes, I want to set and forget and have them out of my way and not have to worry about one falling off my camera.
With the way it holds a timecode box (and this depends on how you place it), you may not be able to access the on/off slide switch on a Tentacle Sync unless you remove it or turn it on before putting it into the mount. I didn’t find this to be any sort of issue, as I normally turn my timecode boxes on before mounting them anyway.
If you need a more secure solution than using some Velcro, then it is certainly worth looking at. It is also easy to take a timecode box out, so you don’t need to remove the clamp from your camera.
I like that the physical size of the clamp is reasonably small, and it doesn’t massively increase the footprint of your timecode box, especially when used on larger-sized cameras.
Other Options
The MID49 Tentacle Sync E Clamp ($49 USD) attaches to an ARRI 1/4-20 with locating pins adjacent, using a captive thumbscrew. The clamp can be configured in several ways depending on the desired position, and the locating pins can be removed if needed.
Tentacle Sync makes their own AO6-B Sync E Bracket with 1/4″ Screw and Key ($49 USD), as well as an A06-QRM Sync E Bracket with Quick Release Mount ($69 USD), and an A06-CSM Sync E Bracket with Cold Shoe Mount ($79 USD).
SmallRig makes a Tentacle Sync MAD Clamp Bracket ($79 USD).
Kondor Blue makes a Tentacle Sync-E Caddy Mount ($49.99 USD) and a Deity TC-1 Caddy ($55 USD).
There is also an Australian company called 3D Film Parts that makes a Tentacle Sync E Camera Mount ($99 AU).
Price & Availability
The Bright Tangerine Universal Timecode Mount is now available for $59 USD.
Conclusion
The Bright Tangerine Universal Timecode Mount is a robust, no-compromise solution for mounting a wide array of timecode boxes. If you don’t want to worry about having a timecode box move or fall off your camera, then this is a great solution. Like any product, it isn’t going to be for everyone, and some users may argue that it’s overkill and that simple Velcro may well do.
