Originally Posted by gakoenig
I've been super busy and not much to report for a while, so I'll provide you all sort of the definitive update... right now!
The tooling for the MkII is being cut, validated and tuned right now. Quick introduction/preview video will be posted by Duncan next week from his final shakedown testing shooting a somewhat famous, week-long media event in Long Beach, CA. Final beta units with 3D printed hardware are inbound to some of our trusted testers right now.
I'll give you all a quick rundown of what to expect:
- Every Cinch will ship with our new composite ARCA plate with dual mounts.
- Dual, low profile, composite sliding adjusters front and back. The MkII is totally symmetrical now.
- Totally modular construction. Swap different size webbing. Change the hardware. Flip the shoulder pad (grippy on one side, smooth on the other). The MkII is future-prof.
- Ships with composite hardware, CNC machined aluminum hardware is now an option.
- Will ship *immediately* upon order, entirely new production process and materials are far more efficient. One of the biggest goals with the MkII is to keep the damn thing in stock so you can get one when you want it!
Also, our QR system, Luma Secure Links:
- 3mm wire oval links, made in France for Luma, hold over 550lb.
- Total security; absolutely no accidental release.
- Smoothly machined with no sharps or scratchy edges
- Multiple mounting options:
Dual mount on the Luma Plate (included)
Luma triangular split key for lugs and most brackets (included)
3/8" Web adapter for inset brackets (optional)
New CinchMount for lens feet or low profile body mounting (optional)
- Available as simple adaptors to the Cinch or sewn into the MkII's modular webbing.
The Luma Secure Link system is quite neat. It is not the fastest Quick Release system available; instead, we developed the system around these very compact, totally reliable quick links that balance speed and security. Honestly, I looked at what the most paranoid users on the camera forums were running and decided the goal would be to create a system that even they would be happy to run without worry. We did it.
We are also quite proud of the Luma ARCA plate. We see this big gap in the market for universal ARCA plates between the Really Right Stuff, Kirk and others at the $50 price point, and the super cheap eBay Chinese plates for ~$10. With the Luma plate, your getting something that has the same tensile strength of aluminum, weighs less, is actually more durable and offers strap/link mounts both right and left. And it's made right here in Portland, OR. We will be selling the plate as a standalone part for folks who want to significantly upgrade the comfort of their factory or aftermarket neck straps.
Just before the MkII launches, we will be offering an upgrade special for MkI owners that will include a set of Secure Links and the ARCA plate. Watch our twitter/FB/website (and I am sure someone will post about it here).
And for those of you worried we will be going out of stock, don't. MkII shoulder pads and webbing are already in production as we finalize the injection mold tools. We will be launching with units on hand, ready to ship.
This has been a long process with lots of delays. These were conscious decisions on our part with the goal of bringing the Cinch back to the market with a lot of new features, adaptability and options. This is the kind of product that will give you a lifetime of fantastic service; the couple of months of delays will be forgotten when you are out in the field, capturing fantastic frames!
