Help with Sigma FP

[Ninpo33]

Hoping to get some insight here from Sigma FP users.

I have been wanting to build out a mini FP cinema rig around something like the Cineback or Rigid Pro box style accessory for a while now. The problem with the FP in general is the lack of articulating screen and having access to menu functions once it’s built out. I found a great deal on one with a cracked screen. The screen on this cheap FP has a big crack down the middle so I’m looking to use an external monitor in place of the damaged one. I’m willing to play around with it but wanted to see if anyone here had some quick answers that could save me some time to see if it’s worth it. 
 

1. Will an external monitor or Ninja V Recorder be able to control all functions of the camera without access to back LCD screen? What about an app? EVF maybe as a solution? 
 

2. With no ability to press the menu button on the back bottom corner is there a way to access the menu system otherwise? Custom button remap or the Sigma app? 
 

Not sure it’s worth it but it’s otherwise in like new condition and at less than half market value I’m hoping to save the headless FP and put it to use buried in a box style rig. Alternatively I could look into getting the LCD replaced but would rather put that money towards accessories I’m going to need anyway. 
 

 

[Ninpo33]

Update: Decided against the broken FP. With the X-M5 coming out for $800 and doing 12bit raw, hard to pass up. 
 

[eatstoomuchjam]

Probably a good choice.  The codecs that you can record to internal storage on the X-M5 are much better.  A used Panasonic S9 would also be a nice choice if you want FF.

Edit: OR not, I guess, if you want raw.  I guess the S9 doesn't support raw over HDMI.  😕 

[PannySVHS]

Let us know about overheating and how that micro hdmi works out for you, if you go for the XM5. @Ninpo33

Sensor, codecs, processing and image should be like the XS 20.

A used S1 could be a great alternative if you don't mind the size. Great battery life, top image quality and exellent internal codecs, built like a tank, full size hdmi for braw and prores raw recording.

[Ninpo33]

9 hours ago, eatstoomuchjam said:

Probably a good choice.  The codecs that you can record to internal storage on the X-M5 are much better.  A used Panasonic S9 would also be a nice choice if you want FF.

Edit: OR not, I guess, if you want raw.  I guess the S9 doesn't support raw over HDMI.  😕 

Yeah, I had hoped the S9 would get a raw output update at some point but I guess it could cannibalize the s5ii so I understand. But then Fuji goes and gives away the store for $800 so hey… 

[Ninpo33]

6 hours ago, PannySVHS said:

Let us know about overheating and how that micro hdmi works out for you, if you go for the XM5. @Ninpo33

Sensor, codecs, processing and image should be like the XS 20.

A used S1 could be a great alternative if you don't mind the size. Great battery life, top image quality and exellent internal codecs, built like a tank, full size hdmi for braw and prores raw recording.

To be honest, I just sold some older camera bodies and a few lenses so I’m looking at grabbing both the Xm5 and S9.  Best of both worlds while I wait for the more flagship cameras to drop. The sigma FP was listed at $350 so was going to have fun with that but alas, chose to simplify and not get bogged down trying to fix an older camera that is  in need of too manly fiddly bits. 

Used X-H2s with X-M5 as B cam 

Open box S9 with S2H forthcoming (hopefully)

That’s a lot of firepower for peanuts.