The Bright Tangerine Unity Drop-In Lock features an all-new mounting system that lets users add a compact quick-release system anywhere on their rig. You can use it to mount and detach monitors, transmitters, cheese plates, or anything else. Quick-release plates and mounts are very popular, as you don’t need tools to attach or remove accessories.
The Unity Lock can be loaded like a standard NATO rail, or dropped into place.
Key features
- Quick-Release Convenience – Mount NATO accessories in seconds, and release them at the push of a button.
- Drop-In Design – The Drop-In Lock can mount any accessory in seconds, top-loaded or side-loaded.
- Thread or Screw – Both ends of the Lock can be used as a screw-in mount, or with an empty thread to mount to an accessory.
- Mag-NATO – Built-in magnets keep everything aligned.
- Multi-Standard – Multiple anti-twist standards secure the Clamp anywhere.
How does it work?
You simply mount the Unity Lock onto your camera or equipment and then attach the Unity Drop-in Rail onto the accessory you want to attach.
The Drop-In Lock comes in two parts: a NATO Clamp and a NATO Rail. Each has built-in magnets that attract to one another. Once it’s in place, the auto-clamping design keeps the Rail in place, and you need to do is lock the lever to fully secure it.
Above, you can see exactly how it works.
The Unity system has a large array of screws, threads, and adaptors that make it capable of mounting to any part of your camera rig. You can choose from a 1/4″ screw, a 1/4″ thread, a 3/8” screw, or a 3/8” thread, along with multiple anti-twist options to suit all of the above.
I love how Bright Tangerine puts built-in holes so you can keep your ARRI and SmallHD locating pins on the Unity Drop-in Rail when they aren’t required. They are also clearly labeled for easy reference.
I highly recommend getting the Bright Tangerine Unity Anti-Twist Screw Kit.
The Anti-Twist Pin Ring, which is reversible, allows the Unity Drop-in Rail to be used with accessories that have ARRI or SmallHD standard locating pins.
Depending on which way you have it oriented determines the standard being used. This is a really smart design.
Most NATO rails are limited to side-loading; however, the Unity Lock can be loaded top-down as well as from the side, which, when coupled with the auto-locking mechanism and magnetic guidance, means that you can safely secure your rig at any time.
What sets the Unity system apart is the ability to release it at the push of a button. There’s a built-in safety stop to prevent any unwanted drops.
Flip it & Reverse it
It’s nice that Bright Tangerine has given the Unity Drop-In Lock the ability to also be attached directly to any NATO rail.
Now, I did find that I needed to remove the safety pin on the front face of the Unity Drop-In Lock to be able to do this.
Being able to use it in this capacity increases its versatility greatly, and I was able to mount all sorts of accessories using this method.
Does it play well with others?
I was able to use the Bright Tangerine Unity Drop-In Lock with other types of mounts. For instance, above I am using an Atomos AtomX 5 and 7″ Monitor Mount, with a SmallRig Cold Shoe adapter that is then attached to the Unity Drop-in Rail.
Build Quality
The Bright Tangerine Unity Drop-In Lock is made from a single-cut billet aluminium, and it is hard-anodised and laser-engraved.
Like most Bright Tangerine products, it is very solidly made and well constructed.
Real World Use
The Bright Tangerine Unity Drop-In Lock system works well, and it is easy to use. I liked having the versatility of being able to attach it in so many different ways, as Bright Tangerine provides a vast array of screws and removable locating pins.
The only thing I was on the fence about is that the locking lever is a little on the large side, and it does take up a bit of additional real estate. This is something you need to take into account, as you can’t have anything else too close to it.
Pricing & Availability
The Bright Tangerine Unity Drop-In Lock is now available for £57.50.
The Unity Drop-in Clamp is £41.67. It comes with the Unity Drop-In Clamp and Unity Drop-In Rail.
The Unity Anti-Twist Screw Kit is $10 USD. In the kit, you get the following:
- 3/8″ Screw
- 2 x 1/4″ Screw
- 1/4″ Screw Thread Adapter
- 3/8″ Screw Thread Adapter
- Anti-Twist Pin Ring
The Unity Drop-in Rail is £16.67.
Thoughts
The Bright Tangerine Unity Drop-In Lock is a very solidly made and versatile solution for attaching accessories to cameras and other equipment. It is one of the best quick release systems I have tried out.
