← Blog
0/42 steps
0%
TILTSCREENMODField guide / 08

TiltScreenMod

Transform the original BMPCC from static to tilt. Work each stage, tick the steps, clear the checkpoint, move on.

Finished Tilt Screen Mod on a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, screen tilted up
8
Stages
39
Figures
45–120
Minutes
MED
Risk level
Begin → Prep
Main PCB — no contactExtra care · Stage 06

Contents

Module map

01
OPEN THE CAMERALow risk  ·  5 steps  ·  10:00  ·  Screwdriver + spudger
02
DETACH THE LCDLow risk  ·  3 steps  ·  5:00  ·  Screwdriver + spudger
03
TAPE THE BACKPLATEModerate risk  ·  5 steps  ·  15:00  ·  Scissors + spudger
04
INSULATE THE ALUMINUMLow risk  ·  2 steps  ·  10:00  ·  No tools
05
CONNECT + MOUNTModerate risk  ·  8 steps  ·  30:00  ·  M2 + M3 hex keys
06
FIRST POWER TESTStop + check risk  ·  6 steps  ·  10:00  ·  No tools
07
REASSEMBLEModerate risk  ·  6 steps  ·  20:00  ·  Screwdriver
08
FINAL TESTLow risk  ·  4 steps  ·  5:00  ·  No tools
A
LCD BRACKET + HDMILow risk  ·  2 steps  ·  10:00  ·  No tools
B
ULANZI COOLERLow risk  ·  1 steps  ·  5:00  ·  No tools
Tilt Screen Mod / Field GuideBegin → Prep

Before you start

3D print some parts

While your backplate is being machined, 3D print the enclosure and order the parts using the parts list in your purchase.

01 · Print

3D printer

The LCD enclosure and its top cover are printed parts. Print them in a high-temp filament: ABS, ASA, PC or PA nylon. High-temp PETG works too. PLA is NOT suitable.

02 · Inserts

Soldering iron

The enclosure takes 4 threaded brass inserts for the M3 hinge screws. A heat-set insert kit is essential. Preferably use a soldering iron held in a press to seat each insert straight and flush.

Prep · quick inventory

Tools and parts

Tools

ScrewdriverPhillips precision, 2.0 mm / PH00.
Spudger ×2Nylon. The second reaches tighter spots and doubles as an edge to clear bubbles.
ScissorsTo trim tape.
Hex keysM2 and M3 for housing and hinge screws.
Tweezers or pinRefit the battery-door spring.

Parts

Aluminum backplateCNC-machined rear plate.
High-temp BGA tape20 mm width.
Adhesive cloth tape9 mm, for the FPC pass-through.
FPC extension cable45-pin, 0.3 mm pitch. Order 2.
FPC connector45-pin, 0.3 mm pitch board socket.
LCD enclosureHigh-temp print. M3 brass inserts ×4.
M2 screws ×4M2 × 6 mm, top LCD cover.
M3 screws ×8M3 × 6 mm, hinges.
Power supplyBattery or wall adapter.
01
Module 01 / 08 · Getting started

OPEN THE CAMERA

RISK LowSTEPS 5EST 10:00TOOLS Screwdriver + spudger
Objective

Open the rear cover without stressing the internal FPC cables.

01
Expose

Lay the camera on its back. Lift the rubber cover to expose the chassis screws. Remove those screws, the rubber flap can remain attached.

FIG 1
Lay the camera on its back. Lift the rubber cover to expose the chassis screws. Remove those screws, the rubber flap can remain attached.FIG 1
02
Lift

Lift the camera from the bottom edges to keep it together.

FIG 2
Lift the camera from the bottom edges to keep it together.FIG 2
03
Separate

Set the camera on its side. Separate gently so the FPC cables are not stressed.

FIG 3
Set the camera on its side. Separate gently so the FPC cables are not stressed.FIG 3
04
Retain

With the battery door facing up, detach and slide toward the gap and remove. Keep the spring and center pin together.

FIG 4
With the battery door facing up, detach and slide toward the gap and remove. Keep the spring and center pin together.FIG 4
05
Disconnect

Lift the rear cover to expose the main board. Release or flip the FPC locking tabs and withdraw the cables.

FIG 6 · FIG 5
Lift the rear cover to expose the main board. Release or flip the FPC locking tabs and withdraw the cables.FIG 6
Lift the rear cover to expose the main board. Release or flip the FPC locking tabs and withdraw the cables.FIG 5
SYSTEM CHECK · MODULE 01
  • Camera open. FPC tabs released and cables withdrawn without strain.
Clear this before the next module
MODULE 01 · 1 / 10
02
Module 02 / 08 · Remove the original screen

DETACH THE LCD

RISK LowSTEPS 3EST 5:00TOOLS Screwdriver + spudger
Objective

Release the original LCD from the housing and set it aside.

01
Unscrew

Remove the screws holding the metal plate that secures the screen in place.

FIG 7
Remove the screws holding the metal plate that secures the screen in place.FIG 7
02
Lift

Use the spudger to lift the cover. It may be a bit tight if it has never been removed before.

FIG 8
Use the spudger to lift the cover. It may be a bit tight if it has never been removed before.FIG 8
03
Release

Push gently on the LCD to release it out of its seat and set it aside.

FIG 9
Push gently on the LCD to release it out of its seat and set it aside.FIG 9
SYSTEM CHECK · MODULE 02
  • LCD is free of its seat and set aside safely.
Clear this before the next module
MODULE 02 · 2 / 10
03
Module 03 / 08 · Insulate and insert

TAPE THE BACKPLATE

RISK ModerateSTEPS 5EST 15:00TOOLS Scissors + spudger
Why it matters

Create an insulating layer and keep openings clear.

01
Insulate

Lay the 20 mm BGA tape on the aluminum backplate. Press the tape into the sides with a spudger. Trim the excess.

FIG 10
Lay the 20 mm BGA tape on the aluminum backplate. Press the tape into the sides with a spudger. Trim the excess.FIG 10
02
Expel

Work out trapped air bubbles with the second spudger or flat edge.

FIG 11
Work out trapped air bubbles with the second spudger or flat edge.FIG 11
03
Clear

At the FPC exit, ensure it is not blocked by the tape.

FIG 12
At the FPC exit, ensure it is not blocked by the tape.FIG 12
04
Insert

Insert the backplate into the housing.

FIG 13
Insert the backplate into the housing.FIG 13
05
Seat

Seat the backplate into the housing. Confirm it is fully seated.

FIG 14
Seat the backplate into the housing. Confirm it is fully seated.FIG 14
SYSTEM CHECK · MODULE 03
  • Tape sits flat
  • No trapped bubbles
  • FPC opening unobstructed
Checkpoint — Tape is flat and the FPC opening is unobstructed.
MODULE 03 · 3 / 10
04
Module 04 / 08 · Protect the FPC

INSULATE THE ALUMINUM

RISK LowSTEPS 2EST 10:00TOOLS No tools
Objective

Add insulation wherever the FPC would sit against bare aluminum.

01
Backplate

Add BGA tape where the FPC cable would touch the aluminum.

FIG 15
Add BGA tape where the FPC cable would touch the aluminum.FIG 15
02
Screen Side

Do the same on the screen where the FPC folds inside the housing.

FIG 16
Do the same on the screen where the FPC folds inside the housing.FIG 16
SYSTEM CHECK · MODULE 04
  • Both aluminum contact areas are insulated.
Clear this before the next module
MODULE 04 · 4 / 10
05
Module 05 / 08 · Cable routing and hinges

CONNECT + MOUNT

RISK ModerateSTEPS 8EST 30:00TOOLS M2 + M3 hex keys
Objective

Connect the LCD, route the extension FPC, then build the hinged enclosure.

01
Orient

Place the LCD FPC in the connector; the connector locking pins facing up and FPC contact pins facing down, latch the locking tab.

FIG 17
Place the LCD FPC in the connector; the connector locking pins facing up and FPC contact pins facing down, latch the locking tab.FIG 17
02
Slot

Test fit the connector in the enclosure slot.

FIG 18
Test fit the connector in the enclosure slot.FIG 18
03
Seat

Latch the extension FPC, secure the locking tab.

FIG 19
Latch the extension FPC, secure the locking tab.FIG 19
04
Fold

Bend the FPC in slightly and fold it to shorten its length.

FIG 20
Bend the FPC in slightly and fold it to shorten its length.FIG 20
05
Cover

Fit the top cover with four M2 screws. Leave them slightly loose for length adjustment.

FIG 21
Fit the top cover with four M2 screws. Leave them slightly loose for length adjustment.FIG 21
06
Hinges

Secure the hinges with the M3 screws.

FIG 22
Secure the hinges with the M3 screws.FIG 22
07
Route

Feed the FPC through the backplate slot before lining up the hinge holes.

FIG 23
Feed the FPC through the backplate slot before lining up the hinge holes.FIG 23
08
Rotate

Check that the LCD plate and housing rotate smoothly.

FIG 24
Check that the LCD plate and housing rotate smoothly.FIG 24
SYSTEM CHECK · MODULE 05
  • Connector seated, cable routed, hinges rotate smoothly.
Clear this before the next module
MODULE 05 · 5 / 10
06
Module 06 / 08 · LCD only

FIRST POWER TEST

RISK Stop + checkSTEPS 6EST 10:00TOOLS No tools
STOP. DO NOT SKIP THIS.

Nothing should be placed on the Main PCB. Conductive contact across it during power up can make the camera inoperable.

If you are not comfortable with this step, stop and put the camera back as it was.

Objective

Prove a clean LCD image before you commit to reassembly.

01
Clear

Make sure nothing is touching the Main PCB.

NO FIGURE
02
Stabilize

Slightly extend the LCD housing outward so the assembly cannot tip.

FIG 25
Slightly extend the LCD housing outward so the assembly cannot tip.FIG 25
03
Connect

Connect the FPC extension to the camera.

FIG 26
Connect the FPC extension to the camera.FIG 26
04
Power

Connect the battery or power supply and press the power button.

FIG 27
Connect the battery or power supply and press the power button.FIG 27
05
Inspect

View the screen from several angles. Look for lines on the screen.

NO FIGURE
06
Re-seat

If lines appear, power down, disconnect, reseat the FPC and retest. If it persists, ensure all connectors are properly seated. If this still doesn't work, you may have a defective FPC cable, use the second one.

NO FIGURE
SYSTEM CHECK · MODULE 06
  • Nothing touching Main PCB
  • Housing stabilized
  • FPC connected
  • No lines on LCD
Checkpoint — Clean LCD image from several viewing angles.
MODULE 06 · 6 / 10
07
Module 07 / 08 · Final mechanical routing

REASSEMBLE

RISK ModerateSTEPS 6EST 20:00TOOLS Screwdriver
Objective

Secure the rear plate, adjust the cable length, reconnect the camera and close the body.

01
Assemble

Loosely secure LCD securing plate with two screws so the FPC stays adjustable.

FIG 28
Loosely secure LCD securing plate with two screws so the FPC stays adjustable.FIG 28
02
Match

Roughly match the LCD and menu button cable lengths. Route the FPC with the tilt at full extension so it has slack to reach the connector and move freely.

FIG 29
Roughly match the LCD and menu button cable lengths. Route the FPC with the tilt at full extension so it has slack to reach the connector and move freely.FIG 29
03
Reconnect

Reconnect the LCD FPC and secure it with the locking tab.

FIG 30
Reconnect the LCD FPC and secure it with the locking tab.FIG 30
04
Menu FPC

Connect the menu FPC and secure it. Ensure each securing tab is closed. If all lengths are adequate, tighten all 5 plate screws. Do not skip this step, a loose screw can short the main PCB.

FIG 31
Connect the menu FPC and secure it. Ensure each securing tab is closed. If all lengths are adequate, tighten all 5 plate screws. FIG 31
05
Secure

Center the battery door pin and use tweezers or a pin to reposition the spring so it sits against the body of the camera.

FIG 32
Center the battery door pin and use tweezers or a pin to reposition the spring so it sits against the body of the camera.FIG 32
06
Close

Carefully place the camera facing up to expose the securing screw holes. Fit the remaining body screws. Press the rubber cover back into place.

FIG 33
Carefully place the camera facing up to expose the securing screw holes. Fit the remaining body screws. Press the rubber cover back into place.FIG 33
SYSTEM CHECK · MODULE 07
  • All FPC tabs and screws are secure. Cable moves freely.
Clear this before the next module
MODULE 07 · 7 / 10
08
Module 08 / 08 · Confirm the build

FINAL TEST

RISK LowSTEPS 4EST 5:00TOOLS No tools
You are done when

The relocated LCD works through the full range of movement.

01
Power

Power on. Check again for lines on the LCD.

FIG 34
Power on. Check again for lines on the LCD.FIG 34
02
Lens

Mount a lens.

FIG 35
Mount a lens.FIG 35
03
Tilt

Flip the screen up. Confirm a live image is visible.

FIG 36
Flip the screen up. Confirm a live image is visible.FIG 36
04
Done

Confirm the relocated LCD tilts and works as expected.

FIG 37
Confirm the relocated LCD tilts and works as expected.FIG 37
BUILD COMPLETE · MODULE 08
  • Live image present. Relocated LCD tilts as expected.
Clear this before the next module
MODULE 08 · 8 / 10
A
Add-on A · Option A — secure connection

LCD BRACKET + HDMI

RISK LowSTEPS 2EST 10:00TOOLS No tools
What it does

Lock the HDMI output so it cannot pull free in use.

01
Adapter

Use a SmallRig HDMI Type D (micro) to Type A adapter.

FIG 32
Use a SmallRig HDMI Type D (micro) to Type A adapter.FIG 32
02
Clamp

Attach the MagicRig HDMI cable clamp: back the moving jaw out, make sure the fixed jaw is against the HDMI cable, then tighten the 1/4-20 to the side of the rear plate. The knob can now be tightened onto the micro-HDMI plug. A printable screw attachment secures the HDMI out to the MagicRig.

FIG 31
Attach the MagicRig HDMI cable clamp: back the moving jaw out, make sure the fixed jaw is against the HDMI cable, then tighten the 1/4-20 to the side of the rear plate. The knob can now be tightened onto the micro-HDMI plug. A printable screw attachment secures the HDMI out to the MagicRig.FIG 31
CHECK · ADD-ON A
  • HDMI out held solid against the MagicRig.
Clear this before the next module
ADD-ON A · 9 / 10
B
Add-on B · Option B — thermal add-on

ULANZI COOLER

RISK LowSTEPS 1EST 5:00TOOLS No tools
What it does

Pull heat back out through the same path the backplate carries it in.

01
Mount

The aluminum backplate holds heat. The cooler mounts against the backplate and cools through the same path.

FIG 33
The aluminum backplate holds heat. The cooler mounts against the backplate and cools through the same path.FIG 33
CHECK · ADD-ON B
  • Cooler flat against the backplate, cooling through the shared path.
Clear this before the next module
ADD-ON B · 10 / 10

Build complete

Tilt screen ready.

The core build is done when the LCD is secure, the FPC moves freely, and the final live-image test passes.

No lines on the LCD
Lens mounted, live image visible
Screen flips up
LCD tilts and works as expected