> my hand cramping up. To add to the point above: you dont actually need a massive rig to fix this. In my experience, just getting the Sigma HG-11 Large Hand Grip solves the cramping issues immediately. For power, skip the pricey plates and grab a SmallRig 2790 Universal Power Bank Holder. It lets you use USB-C banks you probably already own. Way more practical for a Seattle shoot when you gotta stay mobile and stay under budget.

> I love the sensor but the ergonomics are a total nightmare and it feels like it's gonna slip out of my hands every five seconds. Man, I totally get the struggle. When I first got my fp, I almost dropped it during a street shoot because my hands got sweaty and there's basically zero grip. I was so frustrated. But honestly, I've been super satisfied with my current rig and it totally transformed the experience for me. First thing I did was grab the SmallRig Camera Cage for Sigma fp CCM2518. It fits like a glove and adds just enough bulk to make it feel like a real camera. For the grip issue, I actually paired it with the SmallRig Wooden Side Handle 2093C. It feels so much better in the hand, no more cramps during long days. For power, those tiny internal batteries are a joke for video. Switching to a dummy battery setup changed everything:

• SmallRig NP-F Battery Adapter Plate EB2504
• Sony NP-F970 Li-ion Battery
• Kondor Blue Sigma fp Dummy Battery to DC Mounting that plate to the back or side of the cage works well. I can shoot for hours now without even thinking about power. Total cost for those bits is well under your $400 limit. It makes the camera feel solid and dependable, which is exactly what you need for that Seattle doc. No complaints here once you get the cage and a real handle on it... it basically becomes a different machine. Dont give up on it yet tho, the image is worth the hassle once you rig it right.

bump

Just catching up on this thread. I went through a similar phase of wanting to toss my fp out a window before I figured out a minimalist setup. Since youre doing a doc in Seattle you really gotta keep it nimble. I found that instead of a massive cage I just needed a bit more height for my hand to rest naturally. I picked up a SmallRig Baseplate for Sigma fp APB2273 and it changed the balance completely without adding much weight. For the battery and storage issues... honestly just taping a Samsung T7 Shield 1TB Portable SSD to the top and using short cables is better than any fancy mount I bought. Those expensive clamps always seem to loosen up at the worst times anyway. I basically treat mine like a modular block now. If your hand is still cramping try a simple wrist strap instead of a neck one... gives you way more security when your fingers get tired during long takes. It dont have to be a complex rig to work well.

Re: "> I love the sensor but the ergonomics..." I went through the exact same struggle when I first picked mine up for a doc shoot. Over the years, I've tried many different ways to make it comfortable and found that treating it like a modular brain instead of a traditional body is the only way to stay sane. In my experience, the biggest shift was adding a thumb rest. It sounds small but having that leverage point stopped the camera from tilting forward constantly. For power, I actually stopped relying on the internal batteries entirely for long days. I started running a dummy battery to a high-capacity power bank tucked in my pocket. Keeping that weight off my wrist was a lifesaver. I also found that the Sigma LVF-11 LCD Viewfinder was essential. Pressing it against my eye gives a third point of contact that makes the whole rig feel solid instead of like a slippery brick in my hands.

Hey! Just found this thread and honestly the fp is such a beast if you rig it right. Since you have a doc shoot coming up in Seattle, you need stuff that wont fail you in the field. Here is what I totally swear by:

• Sigma LVF-11 LCD Viewfinder

Pros: Incredible stability because it adds a third point of contact against your face. Amazing in sunlight. Cons: Makes the camera way bulkier and you lose the hot shoe. Honestly, this makes the camera feel like a real cinema tool instead of a toy. Love it!

• SmallRig VB99 mini V Mount Battery and SmallRig V-Mount Battery Plate with Crab-Shaped Clamp 2988

Pros: Massive capacity and very reliable for long days. Fantastic for powering other gear too. Cons: Adds weight and requires a mounting point. This is way better than carrying ten tiny batteries. It changed my workflow completely! These two things basically solve the slippery soap bar and dead battery issues in one go. Youll be set for Seattle!

Would love to know this too