Can We Secure Clear Instructions On wiggle in the focus/zoom

[David Saraceno]

The existing thread is over 55 pages long, and the last pages can't be accessed.

Many of us would appreciate knowing exactly how to identify whether the defect/issue/wiggle exists on our 170s.

Also, where do we send our camera for repair if repair is indicated for both the East Coast and the West Coast.

I understand that it's on our dime for shipping going to repair, and Panasonic's dime coming home as a warranty service.

But how can the specific defect/issue/wiggle clearly be identified by the user.

And what is the exact procedure for securing East Coast and West Coast repair.

I've tried, and perhaps have others, to distill what's the skinny but the other thread is too long and difficult to follow.

Thank you.

[TwistedLincoln]

Agreed. I've played with my camera in many possible scenarios, and can't tell for sure if I have the issue or not. Every test I've done seems to show a very slight wiggle, but so does my HVX -- so I think my tests aren't too well done, or my eyes aren't very good...

Knowing what the standard test for this issue is would help quite a few of us out.

Also, is there any service centers in the Midwest?

[Shane Ross]

I need a better tripod. I saw that thread and for the life of me I can't tell, because my hand always moves the camera a lot. I need a BETTER tripod....!

Even compared it to the 200A...all I know is my tripod sucks.

[David Saraceno]

You know, I read that whole darn thread last night, except for the conversational comments.

I guess Jan is waiting for some word for Japan on the issue, and nothing has been set in stone.

I also sent my serial number to her to see if this is a batch manufacturing issue.

I'm going to do some testing today, and trust that we will get definitive, simple directions from Panasonic on this issue.

[David Saraceno]

Did a test.

The background shifts right to left when going out of focus on foreground object to focus.

Darn it.

[puredrifting]

Hi David:

Who did you buy your camera from?

Dan

[David Saraceno]

Specialized Communication.

[puredrifting]

You did see Andrew's message that they will fix it for free, right? I bought mine from them too. I am thinking of sending mine back to them just as a pre-emptive strike. I am not seeing the lens wiggle but what if that foam compresses and then it develops in the middle of important projects? I have a week or two of down time, I might just ship it back and have them do it.

Panasonic blessed it, good enough for me. I totally trust Andrew and Spec Comm. Who cares if Panny fixes it or Spec Comm?

Dan

[iakeij]

Any viable solutions for problematic HPX171s in Europe?

[rsbush]

I've played with my camera in many possible scenarios, and can't tell for sure if I have the issue or not. Every test I've done seems to show a very slight wiggle, but so does my HVX -- so I think my tests aren't too well done, or my eyes aren't very good...
Or maybe you're performing your tests like you would shoot in the real world, ie: not tapping the lens or adding your hands to the focus ring in the middle of a long end of the lens rack focus shot, but rather trying to minimize shake/wobble as opposed to trying to emphasize it.

[timbook2]

Did a test.

The background shifts right to left when going out of focus on foreground object to focus.

Darn it.

Could you explain what this means? I dont understand....does this shift have to do with the wiggle? can you post some footage?

[Luis Caffesse]

Here you go:

HPX Lens Test:
http://www.vimeo.com/1922694

Same video, but 100% crop from 1080p footage:
http://www.vimeo.com/1922854


I think the cropped example is a better reference to show the problem.
When you shrink the footage down so far for online viewing it makes it seem less severe.
The cropped clip gives you a better sense of what kind of movement is really evident on 1080p footage.

[srEDIUS]

Thanks for that that indeed is a severe problem

[David Saraceno]

Just a heads up to everyone.

I've been communicating with Specialized Communications and taking advantage of its fix, given I purchased from the company.

I have been encouraged with how it is working to provide a spot on solution/fix to this problem and with Panasonic's blessing.

Nice company, and the cam is going in as soon as I complete a shoot this week.

They promised a prompt turnaround, and given my experiences with them, I feel confident this should work well.

I'll report back when I get the cam back.

[Gary Senda]

Yes, it can be a severe issue, but it can be easily fixed... I think that Panasonic cannot further delay to tell us its official position, but we're still waiting.

My seller has not sold a single HPX171 after people has discovered this issue and now the people is buying HVX201 instead. He's very happy: he has more than 50 hvx in stock and now he is sure to sell all them in the meantime.

Gary

[Spec-Comm]

Hello Gary,

Are you working with Adcom in Italy?

Andrew Hoffman

[Gary Senda]

Hello Gary,

Are you working with Adcom in Italy?


I don't work with adcom, but it his my seller and Marcello is a friend of mine too

I've shown him your remedy and he has said me that he knows you

:)

Gary

[Spec-Comm]

I don't work with adcom, but it his my seller and Marcello is a friend of mine too

I've shown him your remedy and he has said me that he knows you

:)

Gary

Yes! We know Marcello. Please say hello to him for me. It's been a while since we have talked.

Small world!

Andrew Hoffman

[Gary Senda]

Please say hello to him for me. It's been a while since we have talked.


Sure. I should see him on thursday and surely I'll do.

Gary

[puredrifting]

Andrew:

Can you give us a turnaround time for those of us who just bought our 170s from you? I am trying to time this in between jobs (sending it back to you for the fix). Do we need to obtain an RMA or RA number from you or do we just send it with a copy of the receipt?

Thanks,

Dan

[Spec-Comm]

Andrew:

Can you give us a turnaround time for those of us who just bought our 170s from you? I am trying to time this in between jobs (sending it back to you for the fix). Do we need to obtain an RMA or RA number from you or do we just send it with a copy of the receipt?

Thanks,

Dan

Hey Dan,

Send a copy of your receipt with it. It would be really nice to have our Repair order filled out: http://www.spec-comm.com/repairorder.php

If you have never been to us with a repair, please sign this and send it in with the camera: http://www.spec-comm.com/pdf/Payment_Obligation.pdf

Here are some helpful shipping instructions: http://www.spec-comm.com/shipping.php

We should only have it for a day. In most cases it will be same day turnaround.

Andrew Hoffman

[timbook2]

thanx for this footage and test LC !!!!! so the initial thread did have some truth to it.


ohh and via Zanardi.....I am there quite often ;-) but not at adcom.....small world indeed...

[puredrifting]

Hey Dan,

Send a copy of your receipt with it. It would be really nice to have our Repair order filled out: http://www.spec-comm.com/repairorder.php

If you have never been to us with a repair, please sign this and send it in with the camera: http://www.spec-comm.com/pdf/Payment_Obligation.pdf

Here are some helpful shipping instructions: http://www.spec-comm.com/shipping.php

We should only have it for a day. In most cases it will be same day turnaround.

Andrew Hoffman

Thanks Andrew. I am using my 170 this week as I write a big article for the Ken Stone website about transitioning from the HVX to the HPX so I will ship it next week.

Best,

Dan

[Gary Senda]

ohh and via Zanardi.....I am there quite often ;-) but not at adcom.....small world indeed...

and what do you do in via Zanardi?

:)

[Jay Rodriguez]

Where's Jan? I sent my SN like most of you have but what's that going to achieve?

[Luis Caffesse]

Where's Jan? I sent my SN like most of you have but what's that going to achieve?

Jan wanted the serial number info to see which cameras were the ones affected - it will help Panasonic figure out if this is an issue with a speciic batch of cameras, if it's totally random, or if it's pervasive across all.

I can only assume that is going to take some time.

[Jay Rodriguez]

ahh, makes sense.

[David Saraceno]

I am certain I'm not alone in asking for a response/update from Panasonic on the issue.

Even if it is to say that nothing as yet has been settled.

But it would be appreciated if Jan et al. might let us know basically what is being considered.

best

[atlfilmguy]

I was assured by my sales rep that Pany would have a response by Friday the 10th.
NO response. I am starting to feel a bit like a Dear John.

See the stopper post for more ramblings.