HPX170 Lens Wobble Improved

weixiang623 said:
i know what you guys are saying, but when my LEX is mounted, with the Z-Rizer (snorkel-up position) it's rock solid, and follow-focus does not mess up the image
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Willis,

Are you using a screw to go through the lens support into the Letus? If so, take
out the screw, and if you have a follow focus, you won't believe the twisting and
shifting side to side the whole camera will exhibit while focusing. The image in the viewfinder or monitor has horrendous side to side shifting. I think the screw makes all the difference with the lens support.
 
Well, if I hadn't just sold my Extreme I could have tested it. But, I do think that if the adapter is firmly seated in place and doesn't move, it would be a non-issue.

However, for the folks who plan to use a follow focus natively on the HPX170 focus ring, it will definitely prove to be problematic... Perhaps the solution might be to use something like the VariZoom Lens Controllers instead.
 
Dino said:
Willis,

Are you using a screw to go through the lens support into the Letus? If so, take
out the screw, and if you have a follow focus, you won't believe the twisting and
shifting side to side the whole camera will exhibit while focusing. The image in the viewfinder or monitor has horrendous side to side shifting. I think the screw makes all the difference with the lens support.
Click to expand...

To be honest, you shouldn't be using it without the screw if it's the part I'm thinking about. that's what it's there for.
 
Kholi said:
To be honest, you shouldn't be using it without the screw if it's the part I'm thinking about. that's what it's there for.
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If that's the case, why didn't Letus provide a screw? I have two of the new supports, one that came with the Ultimate, one that came with the V2 Rods.
No screw either time. A blue knurled thumb screw would have been the right way
to do this.

Regardless, I think Panasonic has a big problem on their hands. As Leo mentioned, trying to use a FF with the built-in lens will be a disaster. This is
not good. My first ownership experience with a palmcorder and it's a piece of sh--.
 
Hopefully someone can slap a FF on one of these soon and check it out.

I'm going to try to get a step up ring tomorrow so I can test my 170 out with the Extreme.
 
IMG_0245.jpg


IMG_0246.jpg


the Z-Rizer doubles as a bracket. no need for screws.
 
Kholi said:
I actually had a screw with both of my rod support brackets. Hmmm.
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Interesting. I'll have to ping Aaron. Have you spoken to Hien about the B4 Relay
recently. I read it won't be out until the end of the year. Bummer.
 
Willis,

That is similar to the Letus riser, it is curved for the adapter to sit on, but that didn't come close to stopping the side to side play. The screw is absolutely necessary with the Letus V2
Rods. The 170 front end is way to loose otherwise. Have you gone through full focus travel
with something like an 85mm prime?
 
Jeff,
When it sits on the Z-Rizer, it sits on pretty tight, I made sure of it by adjusting the baseplate a little lower so I can lift a millimeter up and let it sit tight on the rizer with no play, also i'm doing little adjustments with it right now, but the way the z-rizer is shaped, it does not allow the adapter to move. ill post pix soon.
 
i did the wiggle test on my 170 and sure enough. there is about 1/32" of wobble left to right, but none vertically.

havent hooked my brevis up to it yet. but when i get to the studio tomorrow morning im riggin it up.
 
Willis,

Please try pulling focus with your FF and watching a monitor or viewfinder. Hopefully you're Z-Riser is holding everything tight, but the V2 setup must use a screw or I'm screwed!
 
wgzn said:
i did the wiggle test on my 170 and sure enough. there is about 1/32" of wobble left to right, but none vertically.

havent hooked my brevis up to it yet. but when i get to the studio tomorrow morning im riggin it up.
Click to expand...

Yes, this is exactly what I've got. I've never seen a lens in my life with play like that. Utterly shocking for a supposedly professional camera.
 
IMG_0249.jpg

i don't know why i'm posting this, but it doesn't matter if it's snorkel'd up or down, as long as it sits tightly , there should be no play
 
I also have the wiggle on my lens. It's the first thing I have noticed that seriously looks loose. Also my Remote Control had a smudged button text label...

Both these issues are minor for me at the moment, I love the camera...but I do plan to use 35mm adapters and Follow Focuses on this camera..
 
That's great Willis. Now try it without the support bracket, but with the FF if you can rig it that way. I want to know if all 170's have the play between the zoom ring and body.
 
Dino said:
That's great Willis. Now try it without the support bracket, but with the FF if you can rig it that way. I want to know if all 170's have the play between the zoom ring and body.
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I'm hoping that it's just part of the construction and that it wont get progressively worse. Otherwise, Panasonic could have a large amount of warranty work heading their way if the lens starts loosening up over time.
 
DM_rider said:
I'm hoping that it's just part of the construction and that it wont get progressively worse. Otherwise, Panasonic could have a large amount of warranty work heading their way if the lens starts loosening up over time.
Click to expand...

Any looser and the pieces would have to be picked up with a dust pan. The word
precision does not come to mind here.
 
yes the lens is loose on the body, from the zoom ring on. =/ with the support bracket, it will work, just remember to use the support bracket when using a 35mm lens. Aside from that, I'm actually hoping panasonic will take care of this issue in warranty.
 
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