To learn more about Ribcage please view the FAQ items below. Use the topic buttons to narrow down the results.
- All Categories
- 3DR Solo
- accessories
- compatibility
- Drones
- H5M12
- H5PRO
- hero5
- installation
- lenses
- ribcage
- ribcage air
- Ribcage RX0
- shipping
- warranty
What Camera Mods Are Available?
Camera Mods (Pre-Modified, or Customer Cameras sent for Conversion)
- GoPro Hero5 – 10
- Sony RX0 / RX0 II
- Insta360 ONE R (5.3K 1-Inch)
- Insta360 ONE R (4K)
DIY Mod Kits:
- GoPro Hero3/3+ (Black / Silver)
- GoPro Hero4 (Black / Silver)
- Sony RX0 / RX0 II
- Insta360 ONE R (5.3K 1-Inch)
- Insta360 ONE R (4K)
Discontinued:
- Yi 4K / Yi 4K+
Do You Offer a Warranty on Your Products?
Yes, so see our warranty information and other policies simple look under the ‘information’ tab at the bottom of every page.
Mobile app / camera hangs when using Ribcage RX0
If you find that the camera hangs or freezes when trying to capture via the Sony Playmobile app simply change your focus method to ‘PF’ instead of ‘MF’.
Why isn’t my MFT lens straight on Ribcage RX0?
When using a lens or adapter with a built in tripod mount from time to time you may find that the lens is off by a couple of degrees. Typically this can be corrected by adjusting the tripod mount on the the lens or adapter itself. In the rare case where this isn’t possible you can easily remove the lens locking pin from the camera to allow you to rotate the camera as needed:
- Remove the MFT mount by releasing the 3 screws with the provided Allen key.
- Take the lens locking pin/button out and keep in a safe place.
- Replace the mounting ring. Make sure the logo is at the top and tighten the screws (Don’t overtighten).
Why does my Ribcage RX0 display an error code (E:61:00)?
Error Code E:61:00: When we perform the conversion on the camera we must remove the original lens assembly. That means that the auto-focus drive can no longer determine that lenses’ position, resulting in the error code. This has no effect on the performance of the camera and the error code will not appear in any footage.
Can the Ribcage RX0/RX0 II shoot in infrared?
Yes. You can remove the IR blocking filter from your camera if you’d like to perform ‘full spectrum’ imaging however focus can be soft without special ‘IR-corrected’ or ‘Day & Night’ lenses. This is because infrared is typically blurry when visible light is in focus. An ‘IR-corrected’ lens has special optics to allow visible light and IR to be in focus at the same time. We recommend using a Cold Mirror filter when shooting with normal lenses. These filters completely block visible light and only allow IR into the camera. You can also use an IR illuminator for night vision in the dark. You can also set up your own custom picture profiles in the camera to get exactly the look you want. Note that some lenses may not be able to focus to infinity in infrared.
What is the crop factor of the Ribcage RX0?
While the RX0 does have a 1” 21MP image sensor an effective area of 15.3MP is used. Here are the crop factors you can expect when mounting these common lens types:
- 2/3” C-Mount – 0.78x (some longer 16mm+ 2/3” lenses will cover the sensor though they are technically too small)
- 16mm (Bolex) – 0.9x (most 16mm lenses will cover the sensor with no vignette)
- Super 16 – 1.03x
- 1” C-Mount – 1.13x
- 1.1” C-Mount – 1.25x
- Micro Four Thirds – 1.45x
- APS-C – 1.89x
- DX – 2.01x
- APS-H – 2.45x
- 35mm (Full Frame) – 3.07x
Do the Ribcage Mods for Hero5-10 fit in the Waterproof Housing?
H5-H10PRO cameras will fit in the waterproof housing, but without a lens at this time. The image sensor is moved farther forward to be compatible with more lens types so M12 lenses protrude out too far to fit in the case. It may be possible to modify the case itself to move the glass farther forward but this modification doesn’t currently exist.
What is the Return Policy?
Our return policy and other terms can always be seen under the ‘information’ heading at the bottom of every page.
Is it available in my country?
We ship our products to most countries world wide from our website. We also have a number of re-sellers around the world that can be found here: http://www.back-bone.ca/find-a-dealer/ Orders can also be sent to our sales team by filling out the contact form at the bottom of the page.
How heavy a lens can I use?
We’ve tested lenses up to 800 grams on our modified cameras. Providing that the weight isn’t too far forward from the camera and the camera is not subjected to violent motion the lens will be mounted securely. We recommend lenses 400g and under for the Ribcage AIR unless the lens is supported. We also recommend that large lenses be mounted using a lens clamp to take the stress off of the camera. This will also make your rig and the resulting footage more stable. We recommend using a measure of common sense when mounting big lenses – remember it is a tiny camera!
What Cameras Can I Modify Myself?
DIY mod kits are available for the following models:
- GoPro Hero3/3+ (Black/Silver)
- GoPro Her04 (Black/Silver)
- Sony RX0/ RX0 II
- Insta360 ONE R (5.3K 1-Inch)
- Insta360 ONE R (4K)
Mod kit components are specific to each camera and can’t be adapted to other camera types.
Is the Ribcage Mod Kit compatible with the Hero4?
Yes. The Ribcage Mod Kit for Hero4 and the Ribcage AIR mod kits are compatible with both the Black and Silver models. The Hero4 Session is not supported. Hero3 Mod Kits are not compatible with Hero4.
What’s the Best Way to Focus My Lens?
The cameras we modify don’t have an autofocus option so manual focus must be used. We recommend using the LCD BacPac when possible (with Hero3/4). External HDMI monitors can be connected or the GoPro smart phone app can be used*. While the camera’s screen is sufficient for most people a small field monitor with a focus peaking feature is helpful. When using the camera for UAV filming, we recommend setting the lens focus to infinity while connected to a monitor, and then attaching it to your gimbal or mount. It’s best to set up M12 lenses while connected to an HDMI monitor or TV. Double check your focus by snapping some high res photos and check them on a computer.
Insta360 ONE R cameras don’t have an HDMI port, so the smartphone app can be used for a larger preview image. You can also focus using the rear screen. Double tapping the screen will temporarily zoom in for use as a focus aid.
*GoPro Media Mod required for Hero8-10
Do I need any special equipment for night vision?
The Ribcage mod does not have true amplified night vision like the military, however it can be configured to have a removable IR cut filter so it can be used to see in the dark with an IR light source. We recommend using a battery powered IR LED panel for most situations. These are readily available through a number of vendors online.
What is Ribcage?
The Ribcage is a modification kit for the popular GoPro Hero4 and Hero3/3+ models of action camera. It’s design to extend the capabilities of these cameras by allowing the user to connect virtually any lens. The modified cameras can also be attached to telescopes, microscopes, scientific and surgical imaging equipment.
What cameras does the Ribcage support?
The Ribcage Mod Kit for Hero3/3+ supports Hero3 Black and Hero3+ Black and Silver. Hero3 White and Silver are not compatible. The Ribcage Mod Kit for Hero4 and the Ribcage AIR Mod Kit each support Hero4 Black and Silver. Hero4 Session cameras are not supported.
What is the Ribcage AIR?
The Ribcage AIR is a super lightweight version of our popular Hero4 Mod Kit. It’s designed specifically for use with drones and GoPro sized gimbals. It fully supports 3DR Solo and a gimbal balancing kit is available as well. It features a new dedicated M12 lens mount to keep the weight as low as possible. The camera can also be configured to accept M12, CS, C-Mount and other lens types.
Will my WiFi remote still work?
Yes, Ribcage modified cameras are still fully functional GoPro cameras so any apps, bacpacs or remotes that where compatible with the original camera are supported.
Will using the Mod Kit void my warranty?
At this time yes. The camera must be opened to complete the modification.
What lenses does the Ribcage Support?
Ribcage modified GoPro cameras support M12 (also known as S-Mount), CS-Mount and C-Mount lenses directly. Virtually any other lens can be connected using optional C-Mount adapters.
What if I’m not comfortable performing the mod myself?
Back-bone also sells pre-modified cameras for those who want a completed solution. Many of our dealers provide installation services: https://www.back-bone.ca/find-a-dealer/
How can I connect my Ribcage to GoPro’s awesome mounts?
The easiest way to use GoPro’s mounting system with the Ribcage is to use ‘The Frame’ mount available in our shop or anywhere that sells GoPro cameras. GoPro mounts will support the camera along with small lenses up to about 100 grams. For large lenses we recommend using a tripod or other sturdy mounts with 1/4″-20 threads. The Frame for Hero5 is included with every Ribcage H5M12 or H5PRO modified camera.
Will non-Ribcage AIR mods fit in the 3DR Solo?
Ribcage for Hero3/3+ and the original Ribcage for Hero4 will not fit into the 3DR Solo gimbal. Only the Ribcage AIR has been designed to perfectly fit their mounting bracket. We also recommend using our ‘Dead Weight’ gimbal balancing kit for Solo.
Does the Ribcage Mod just snap on over the lens?
No. The GoPro lens is not suitable to be modified in this way so the Ribcage is designed to be a complete lens replacement kit. The camera is opened and the image sensor is re-located. Detailed instructions are available on our support page on how to do that. Fully modified cameras are also available for purchase.
What’s the best lens?
The best lens is of course dependent on what you need to do with the camera. 1/2.3″, 1/2” and 2/3” M12, CS-Mount and C-Mount lenses are ideal. The original GoPro lens is roughly 3mm so most of our customers like to go with a more narrow ‘low distortion’ lens between 4mm and 8mm which will allow for wide to medium angle shots with low distortion to be shot in the GoPro’s ‘Wide’ mode. For people wanting soft focused backgrounds we recommend using lenses with manual focus and iris rings that are 12mm+ Full frame 35 mm SLR lenses will result in a magnification factor of 5.7x, so we’ve found that wider angle lenses are a better option depending on the application. More lens buy tips are available here: https://www.back-bone.ca/support/ribcage-lens-buying-tips/
What is the Shipping Policy?
Our policies can be found under the ‘information’ heading at the bottom of every page.
