#SmallRig mini V-Lock Mount Plate MD2801B

The SmallRig mini V-Lock Mount Plate MD2801B is a compact, ultra-lightweight mechanical rigging accessory designed to mount standard V-mount batteries onto camera cages, shoulder rigs, and stabilizer gimbals.

Unlike large, traditional battery plates that feature electrical contacts and power breakout ports, the MD2801B is a purely mechanical lock plate. It serves as a rock-solid, low-profile anchor system that lets camera operators mount high-capacity V-mount batteries anywhere on their rig to extend shooting times, power accessories, or act as a counterweight.

Key Engineering and Design Features

• Universal 1/4"-20 and Countersink Array: The plate features two 1/4"-20 countersunk mounting channels, two standard 1/4"-20 threaded holes, and four M4 threaded holes. This diverse hole layout allows the plate to mount directly onto virtually any camera cage, top handle, or cheese plate on the market.

• Integrated Anti-Twist Set Screws: To prevent the plate from spinning or twisting loose over time under the weight of a heavy 190Wh battery, the frame includes two integrated M4 set screws. Once the primary 1/4"-20 center screws are tight, driving these set screws flush against the cage creates a rock-solid, anti-twist lock.

• Ergonomic Quick-Release Lever: Designed for high-pressure field work, the quick-release latch features a smooth, mechanical lever. Pushing the lever down releases the internal locking wedge, allowing operators to slide a battery off the camera in under a second for fast hot-swapping.

• True Mini Form Factor: It is specifically engineered to match the size of modern "mini" V-mount batteries (such as the SmallRig VB50/VB99, FXLION Nano, or SWIT MINO series). When paired together, the plate hides completely behind the battery footprint, keeping the camera rig sleek and clear of snag risks.

Hardware Technical Specifications Matrix

💡 Operational Rigging Tips for the MD2801B

The Mechanical Power Solution: Because this plate has no built-in electronics or D-Tap ports, you must run power cables directly from your battery to your camera hardware. When configuring your rig, always look for V-mount batteries that feature built-in outputs on the battery cell itself (such as direct D-Tap, USB-C PD, or DC barrel ports). This setup lets you slide the battery into the ultra-lightweight MD2801B plate and run clean, short cables straight from the battery block to your camera and monitor, eliminating the bulk and weight of an electronic distributor plate.

• Setting Up a Dual-Rod Counterbalance System: If you are building out a heavy shoulder rig or a long telephoto setup, do not mount this plate directly to the side of your camera cage. Instead, bolt the MD2801B onto a standard SmallRig 15mm Rod Clamp (such as SKU 942 or 1943). This lets you slide the V-mount battery onto the very back of your 15mm support rods. Placing a heavy 99Wh battery behind your shoulder pads acts as a perfect physical counterweight, balancing out heavy front lenses and dramatically reducing forearm fatigue during long handheld shoots.

• Clearing Obstructions for the Quick-Release Toggle: When choosing where to bolt the plate onto a compact camera cage, pay close attention to the orientation of the quick-release lever. The lever needs a few millimeters of open space to pivot downward completely and release the lock. Avoid mounting the plate flush against protruding camera accessories, audio modules, or thick HDMI cable clamps that could block the lever from fully depressing, which can lock the battery onto the rig.