Used HVX makes noise when zooming

andy mace

andy mace

Well-known member
Hi all, I just picked up a used HVX. It seems to be in great physical shape however it is making a small buzzing / crackling noise when the zoom is operated either manually or electrically. In manual mode, when the dial is moved slowly, the noise is most pronounced around full zoom but it exists across the entire range. Rapid zooms make a noise not unlike a light saber effect. It's very faint but it does make it to audio. I've not tested with an external mike but that is next once I dig up an XLR cable.

Is this noise normal or should I bring it up to the seller?

Thanks, Andy
 
Typically you should expect the sounds of the servo turning the lens. Anything that is "buzzing/crackling" should be considered a problem and should be addressed.
Jim
 
That is not normal. Especially in manual mode, it should be almost silent. Take it back man, it will not be worth it to get it fixed.
 
Thanks for the replies. Right now, the seller is working with me to have Panasonic service it. I'll post the results once they are in.
 
Well here's the update. I sent it in to Panasonic and they replaced the lens assembly. I got it back with the same noise!

They had a tech call to discuss it and after I described the noise he explained in detail the mechanism that adjusts the focus while zooming. He said that some cameras are noiser than others but that the noise is normal and *usually* doesn't make it to tape. Mine does, but it's "not a problem" according to Panny.

I sure wished they'd let me talk to the tech BEFORE they charged me $960 bux. I could have saved myself and the seller a lot of hassle. They have agreed to credit me for the lens assembly, which is good but that's only a little more than half of the total charges. I'll be sure to talk to the tech FIRST if something like this comes up. arrgh!

It's not as bad as it could have been, as the seller of the camera agreed to cover any repair fees. Now I feel like the only right thing to do is refund him for this "mistake". Panny did do full calibration, P2 beep fix, cleaning and all updates while it was in there so I got something out of it.

Anyway, that's life in the fast lane for ya!
:badputer:
 
I realize Panasonic tech folks know what they are talking about... but in my opinion (based on nearly 30 years in this business both in front of and behind the camera) if a lens makes enough noise to make it to tape... that's not normal. I would suggest asking for the tech's supervisor in hopes of getting some relief and the lens repaired properly. Saying the noise is normal sounds more like a cop-out to me than anything else. I am a huge fan of Panasonic and have never said anything negative about the company in the past. But, in this case I think they are feeding you a line. Again, call back and speak to the tech's supervisor and say you are not satisfied with the work done and would like the issue re-addressed to your satisfaction.

Jim
 
Well that's the joke. I talked with the service center manager and she said that they normally wouldn't offer a refund of any type. They are making an exception in this case.

I don't know what else to do... the noise is very faint and given the tech's description of the mechanism involved, I don't have any reason to disbelieve what he said. I bet most people wouldn't even notice it.

I certainly won't be sending them anything else without a talk with a tech. If at all.
 
I didn't realize the noise was very faint. In other words it's just being picked up by the camera's onboard microphones? If that's the case...and it's faint...than that can be considered normal.
Jim
 
Yeah, it's faint or I'd be raising hell... I blame the whole think on my newbieness and being paranoid about a new to me camera. Before the explanation from the tech I was very concerned.
 
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