HVX200 Firewire port broken, 2nd camera in 4 mths - possible solution = Opinions?

[dotconnproductions]

Ok, so I'm looking for a permanent solution to this issue. I shoot HVX200 with a FS-100 (p2 is not an option, thanks for the opinions though). The 4 pin firewire port on this camera sucks as it's really out in the open. I use a right angle firewire 4 pin to 6 pin cable and have lately been velcro-ing the 4 pin in to hold it securely.

A few months ago my 2nd Cam HVX200 firewire port died. Sent it in to the tune of almost 500 bucks. Sold that one once it was finished to help pay for a HPX500 but now my 1st cam HVX200 port is messing up. So in it goes. While I love supporting Panny's service line so much, I'd prefer a permanent solution.

I've asked them if there's any way to permanently mount a 6 pin port on the camera, but they can't. So, I'm thinking of doing it myself some way.

What I envision is some way to permanently attached a right angle 4 pin cable to a very short 6 pin female adapter. This way, the flex and stress of the cable aren't at the port, but rather 6 inches away or so. I'd probably end up gluing the 4 pin in and then building some sort of a support bracket to help take the stress off of it. Once installed it would never be removed.

Problem is, I can't find a short cable like this that has a right angle 4 pin plug. There's lots of these:
http://www.shop.com/Datavideo_IEEE_1394_Firewire_Cable_Adapter%2C_4_Pi n_Male_to_6_Pin_Female%2C_30cm_(12_)-22031929-p!.shtml#pop_pcd_tabs1

But the don't have a right angle 4 pin head. So I need a supplier for the cable / adapter that I need.

So thoughts, opinions, options? Mac v PC debates?


Here's a pic of my current setup.
http://dcalaska.com/temporary/firewire.jpg

[David Saraceno]

Good luck.

I might add that the HPX170 has locking six pin, but it is a ways away.

[Barry_Green]

Only a few weeks away for those who get the first batch though.

How are your firewire ports being damaged? Through strain on the cable, or by connecting to a computer? Have you seen Siniarch's Firewire Saver? I'd definitely say get that at the very least, and then sure, your idea of cabling a 4-to-6 off of that, permanently velcroed to the handle for ultimate strain relief, should solve the problem entirely.

[manglerBMX]

the firewire saver

http://fws01.silo23.com/

best.. invention.. ever...

[afrika]

http://www.royale.se/fw1.jpg
http://www.royale.se/fw2.jpg
http://www.royale.se/fw3.jpg

I have made a piece of plastic that encases a 3.5mm stereo plug and the firewire. It sits really tight to the camera body. It is molded from some kind of plastic that you heat up and form. I formed it directly on the camera when the sound plug and the firewire was in.

Spraypainted black it does not look that bad in "reality", it somewhat matches the color on the camera and cables. I could have made it larger and cut it down to a less round and less homemade shape but I didn't have that much plastic.

[cheezweezl]

So thoughts, opinions, options? Mac v PC debates?]

lol... if you switch to mac it will solve your firewire problem.

[Berk]

just as a thought

maybe you could eliminate the firewire port on the HVX by soldering a short 6pin cable to the the chip inside the camera.
then using a repeater or firewire to cat5 devices you can extend the length as long as u want.

no stress on the firewire port neither 4pin cable..:Drogar-Smoke(DBG):