Sony NEX-VG10/VG20 Flimsy Tripod Mount

December 8th, 2011

Much has been written about the small and flimsy piece of metal under the SONY NEX VG10 and VG20 videocams masquerading as a tripod mount. I had expected SONY to provide an improvement for the VG20 but disappointingly there was none. However, there is a detail you should observe to keep yours from breaking - keep the tripod screw less than 5.5mm.
Well, mine broke too (see pic).

 VG10 Tripod Mount Broken, Tripod Unremovable

Since I needed the cam for the following production there was no time to send it for repairs to SONY (which would have taken weeks, not days).

So I opened up the bottom plate and plunked in a replacement from another camera. Some phone calls later and I got a replacement plate (as a spare part, this costs around 90$. With labor a lot more. SONY was generous enough to waive the cost. Replacing is easy if you have a mini Philips screwdriver).

It was only later when I found out the probable reason why the mount failed. The SONY handbook notes that the tripod screw must be less than 5.5mm in length. Anything longer and you'll be leveraging the mount right out of it's plastic surroundings. Granted, the mount looks flimsy if you happen to open the camcorder, but remember that the VG10 and VG20 are not pro cameras, and are not built to take daily abuse.

So for all normal purposes, you'll get by fine with the tripod mount, taking care that your screw is short enough.

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