FS100 - Black MXF Files/Lost Data

[beetstooth]

So I have my first Firestore 100 problem. Lucky me. We were shooting 720p(n?)/30fps to the Firestore and all seemed to be going well. Sadly when I tried to pull up the footage all I have are black files w/o audio. They have the right length and size but they won't open in FCP 6 or FCP 5.1. How can I open them? What did I do wrong? Can I convert outside of FCP?

Any help would be appreciated.

[THoff]

You can try P2 Log (http://www.imagineproducts.com/P2log.htm) from Imagine Products to see if it will open / repair the clips.

[rwatkins]

Heya,

I've had several problems with corrupt footage using the HVX system. I've never used the firestore system though. If FCP won't read up your files, you're SOL. Get ready to reshoot.

Usually, corrupt footage shows snow not just black. Very interesting. As a last-ditch attempt you can try to bring it to an Avid and see if that will read-up your files.

Panasonic tech support is non-existent for corrupt footage, so unless you're in the mood for more frustration, don't even bother with them.

:violin:

[THoff]

If FCP won't read up your files, you're SOL. Get ready to reshoot.Absolutely not true.

For instance, FCP has had issues with HVX material that afflicted one version but not another, and once one version rewrapped the clips into QuickTime containers, the other versions had no problems with it.

Another problem is the checkbox for removing redundant frames -- if this is not set for the type of pulldown/native format that was shot, FCP will fail to open files.

Other problems are caused by inexperienced users renaming thier CONTENTS folders to make them unique.

The bottom line is that just because FCP doesn't open something you shot doesn't mean that the material is lost forever and that you need to re-shoot.

[mvb]

Raylight for Mac is an alternative way to import MXF files into FCP. It's a less picky about the folder organization, for example, it can operate on bare MXF files if that's all you have. It doesn't need the lastclip.txt file. The CONTENTS folder can be any name if you drag it directly into the "More Locations" window, etc. See http://dvfilm.com/raylight/mac

I would definitely try it before taking any drastic action. Also make sure you use the "Organize P2" option on the FS-100.

[Barry_Green]

The bottom line is that just because FCP doesn't open something you shot doesn't mean that the material is lost forever and that you need to re-shoot.

ABSOLUTELY. FCP is perhaps the least robust P2-reading/converting utility out there. I've seen FCP fail to import clips that EDIUS, Avid, and P2 Log all easily could read. FCP's been through many versions and sometimes things get better and sometimes they get worse; 5.1.2 couldn't import clips that 5.1 could, etc.

Definitely, without a doubt, try Raylight or P2 Log!

[beetstooth]

Thanks to all. Have the demos of Raylight and p2Log, trying to recover this data. Will let you know how it goes.