Introduction

This camera rig is built around the Blackmagic Design PYXIS 6K Cinema Box Camera which particularly excels in video while also taking great photos. It's a full-frame camera with a 24.4 megapixel sensor and can capture 6k Open Gate 3:2 at 36 frames-per-second, 4K video at 60 frames-per-second, or full HD at 120 frames-per-second.

Each component in this build supports professional‑level video creation, making it ideal for narrative, documentary, and cinematic work.

1. Blackmagic Design PYXIS 6K Cinema Box Camera (Leica L)

The Blackmagic Design PYXIS 6K is a full-frame digital cinema camera built in a compact box-style body for flexible rigging and professional production use. It features a 6K full-frame sensor with a resolution of 6048 × 4032 and up to 13 stops of dynamic range, allowing detailed image capture across highlights and shadows. The camera records in Blackmagic RAW and ProRes formats, providing efficient workflows for editing, color grading, and long-form recording.

Recording media options include CFexpress Type B cards and USB-C recording to external SSDs, enabling extended recording times and high data rates.

2. XLCS Designs Locking L-Mount Body Cap (Red)

This locking body cap protects the camera’s sensor when no lens is attached, sealing out dust and debris.

3. Meike 35mm T2.1 Cine Lens (EF Mount)

This manual-focus cine lens is designed for Super 35 and full-frame coverage. It offers a standard focal length suitable for narrative, documentary, and commercial work. Its T2.1 maximum aperture allows for controlled depth of field and consistent light transmission, making it usable in both well-lit and low-light environments.

The lens features industry-standard 0.8 MOD focus and iris gears, allowing seamless integration with follow-focus systems and lens motors. The focus ring offers a long rotation for precise focus pulls, while the aperture ring is de-clicked for smooth exposure adjustments during recording.

4. Urth Lens Mount Adapter (Canon EF/EF-S Lens to Leica L Camera Body)

This adapter allows the Meike EF mount lens to connect to the PYXIS 6K’s Leica L-mount.

5. Samsung 1TB T7 Portable SSD (Titan Gray)

This SSD provides 1 TB of external storage for high-resolution footage. With USB-C connectivity and solid read/write speeds, it supports quick offloads from the camera. Large capacity storage is critical when working with 6K footage to prevent frequent card swaps and data bottlenecks.

6. Sony BP-U70 Lithium-Ion Battery Pack

This battery pack connects directly to the PYXIS camera body. It provides 72 watt-hours of capacity for extended shooting sessions.

7. Tilta Full Camera Cage for Blackmagic PYXIS 6K

This camera cage surrounds the body with a rigid, form‑fitting frame that adds multiple mounting points including 1/4"-20 threads, ARRI rosettes, and cold shoes. It protects the camera and serves as the structural foundation for components such as handles, microphones, and external monitors.

8. SmallRig VCT-14 Quick Release Tripod Plate

The SmallRig VCT-14 allows for quick transitions between tripod and shoulder-mounted setups. It attaches to the bottom of the shoulder pad (listed further down).

9 SmallRig NATO Clamp to ARRI Rosette Adapter

This clamp bridges NATO rails and ARRI rosette mounts, allowing the side handle (listed further down) to attach to the NATO rail on the camera cage.

10. Blackmagic Design URSA Cine Top Handle

This top handle attaches to the cage via an included 1/4"-20 screw. It allows low‑angle shooting, easier handling, and secure mounting of components such as monitors, lights, or microphones. Top handles also improve rig balance when carrying or operating the camera.

11. Tilta Advanced Right-Side Wooden Handle (ARRI Rosette)

This handle mounts to the cage via the rosette adapter (listed above) and provides comfortable side‑grip ergonomics. It improves handheld stability and reduces fatigue during extended shooting, and the quick‑lock design allows fast repositioning or removal.

12. Sirui SQ75 Heavy-Duty Carbon Fiber Rapid-System Tripod with VHS10 Head

The Sirui SQ75 is a heavy-duty tripod designed for stability and adjustability. It features a rapid-system deployment for quick setup, and the included fluid head enables controlled pan and tilt movements. Its carbon fiber construction makes it very strong for its weight.

13. Blackmagic Design PYXIS Monitor

This monitor features a 5‑inch display and supports HDR previewing, which shows a wider range of brightness levels on screen and provides a clearer visual reference for framing, focus, and exposure. It receives video through HDMI input and has three customizable buttons for quick access to focus assist, false color, and zebras.

14. Tilta Cold Shoe Receiver Adapter with Locking Pin

This cold shoe receiver adapter provides a mounting point on the cage for additional accessories such as microphones, small lights, or articulating arms.

15. SmallRig Swivel and Tilt Monitor Mount with NATO Clamp Mount

This mount attaches the monitor to the cage via its NATO clamp. It tilts and swivels, allowing the operator to position the monitor at angles suitable for handheld, tripod, or overhead setups. The mount supports small to medium‑sized monitors securely.

16. SmallRig Shoulder Pad Pro

This pad enhances comfort during shoulder-mounted shooting. Its contoured design distributes weight evenly across the shoulder, reducing fatigue during extended takes.

17. Tenba Cineluxe V2 Shoulder Bag 24 Hightop (60L)

This 60L bag provides organized storage for the entire rig and accessories. With customizable compartments and durable padding, it protects gear during transport and keeps everything accessible.

18. XLCS Designs Locking USB-C Right-Angle to Right-Angle EVF Cable for PYXIS 6K (19.7")

This EVF cable connects the monitor to the camera. Right-angle connectors reduce stress on ports and the locking mechanism prevents accidental disconnections during use.

19. Tilta 90° USB Type-C Cable for Tilta BMPCC 4K Cage (8")

This USB-C cable connects the external SSD to the camera.

Credit

Thanks to Jarod Parker (rigdesigner.com/jarod-parker) for his contributions to this guide!