Are Zacuto prices high?

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zacuto

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There has been a lot of dialogue about the cost of Zacuto’s products that I would like to address; I’m Steve Weiss, Co-Product Designer with Jens Bogehegn.

First, as stated by so many users, Zacuto products are extremely high quality. They are made to last a lifetime, they have to, because that’s how long we warranty them. We will replace our products even if you run it over with a car, we are that serious about having the Zacuto experience be a special one.

Secondly, Zacuto products are extremely versatile and each product has many different uses. The products are designed by a Director and his DP with over 45 years of combined filmmaking experience. Our passion and mission is to create the very best quality, most universal, innovative products in filmmaking. Many of our designs came out of the frustration we had during our filmmaking careers.

Thirdly, our products are made entirely in the USA, a fact that is important to us for many reasons. We feel strongly about not profiting off of workers that were hired at what we consider slave wages, this is inhumane and not American. The United States has an excellent reputation for making products. This is most noted with our international customers who love that the products are made in the USA and perceive them to be the best quality in the world. Jens and I are tired of poor quality products made abroad, and dream of the day when others come back to the USA to make quality products to last a lifetime.

With this in mind, we inspect every phase of production which is performed forty miles from Chicago, Illinois, with final assembly being completed at Zacuto itself. This allows us to spot possible defects at any phase of production and reject them if needed. That doesn’t happen when things are made abroad, because shipping back and forth is too difficult. Local production makes it easy to go from an idea through a finished production run within 6-8 weeks, something that can not be done with the proper inspections and materials outside of the USA.

To sum up, we make very specific universal products for very particular filmmaking needs, so the manufacturing volume isn’t huge on a particular item. We create universal products which makes them have various different uses with all cameras and components now and in the future and all of this adds to cost. We are only interested in making innovative products at the highest production quality in the world. Unfortunately, this costs money. But on the other side of the coin it will last you a lifetime. So you do the math; quicker to market, universal, highest quality products, lifetime warranty. We welcome anyone to buy a Zacuto product and if it doesn’t exceed your expectations, you may return it for a full refund. We are very proud of our products and hope you get the opportunity to feel the Zacuto experience.

All the best,
Steve
 
Steve,
I, for one, feel you don't need to defend the prices you charge for the components you build and create at Zacuto. While the prices may appear higher than similar products on the market... the fact that you don't have to buy a replacement two years down the road is worth the extra cash. I have used your products for the past two years and am extremely satisfied. When other people see my set up they ofer nothing but compliments and always ask who created and offers the system.

It boils down to you get what you pay for. I made the mistake of spending about $500 on a shoulder support for my HVX200 from another company. It was a waste of money. I plan in the near future to add the zgrips from Zacuto to my system to make up for what the other setup couldn't do. I should have saved my $500 and put it toward something else.

I can affirm that Zacuto is a quality company with great products and people who treat their customers right. That in itself is worth the price of admission.

Jim
 
As they say you get what you pay for. This is very true with Zacuto. Your products are as good as they get and I am even comparing these to Arri sliding base. Try pricing these.

All this said, I wish Zacuto's sales support was better. I called earlier this week to order a Storm case and foam, spoke with a rep who told me they would get back with me. Five days later I had to buy a Pelican with the pick a part foam (god I hate that stuff).
 
You only pay for quality once.

I buy Zacuto products because they are the best made, quality support gear for MY gear, bar none.

And I have seen their excellent customer service on the one part I did have to return.

Great company, great products.
 
I think they're high...and so what... Doesn't mean I don't lust after your products. I'm a serious hobbyist and can't justify the purchase right now, but best belive my paypal account and I will be seeing you.
 
Sure they're high, but not too high. I've been through my share of cheaper gear. Its pretty much been a waste of money. If you're going to have high standards your going to have to have a fat wallet. The care that goes into machining quality parts and the r and d that goes into flawless products costs money. I cant afford to lose time to cheap crap so my kit is slowly becoming more and more expensive and much more pleasant to use.
 
The real question you should ask yourself is. "Am I loosing customers to other products that might be less expensive?"

If your products are reasonably priced or you have entry level products for smaller budgeted film makers, then you capture a customer, and when they are ready to upgrade you can get both sales.
 
Eh I say turn away the low budget people. If producing lower priced products means reduced quality and functionality then why do it. There are plenty of people who produce for the budget market. You dont see ARRI offering budget cameras to make people happy? There was a recent thread about someone trying to machine something similiar to the z-riser. They gave up after seeing it would cost close to the same to buy the zacuto one after looking at the time that would be involved in the manufacturing.
 
It's no doubt after looking at Zacuto's stuff that it's top notch. Not to wax American here, but it's nice (for the American economy) to see stuff that's still made here and not overseas. Yes, that most likely always means higher prices now in this day and age than farmed out product.

Having seen their stuff at NAB and fondled it in person, there isn't anything at this point that compares. Is there stuff that is close? Perhaps, but overall for a lifetime warranty, you can tell their stuff will last a lifetime.

cheno
 
Steve -

About two years ago I attempted to buy a full HVX package from your company. Your website stated you offered financing. I spent time talking to one of your owners about financing a cinema package.

My partner and investor, who is worth several million dollars, offered to cosign the papers.

And that's when your company showed its true colors. Rather than do a credit check you freaked out, you insulted her, you refused to finance it and you violated everything on your website. While she was on the phone you told her you doubted she had enough money.

She's on the board of directors for both the Milwaukee Opera and Milwaukee Symphony. Her family owns a bank. And she'd already wired enough money into our company's account that we could pay for the camera outright.

We simply wanted to extend our cash flow and take advantage of your financing options. Instead, you treated us like criminals.

So, forgive me when I say I don't know what your guarantees are worth.

We bought the camera elsewhere. And we bought every component from your cinema package piece by piece from other vendors. Begrudgingly, we bought a Letus Extreme Rail System from you about two weeks ago...but that will be the only money you ever see from my company.

I know you have a lot of fans. I know your gear is well made. But, you really embarrassed my investor. And you treated us with such complete disrespect that I'll never be one of your fans.

And I never would have said a word...but you decided to start this thread.
 
I think it's a known fact here on DVX that I'm a Zacuto user, fan, and supporter. I have a full HVX200 setup from them and I think it's the most beautiful thing I own, well maybe besides my car. The Zacuto experience is where it is at. I never hesitate to ask questions because I know they'll immediately be answered. Everyone at Zacuto is so friendly and nice. I saw this meeting them all at NAB this year.

Quality is where Zacuto is at. Compare Zacuto to ARRI or a similar high quality brand. In terms of prices, Zacuto seems reasonable no? There are lots of great products out there. Great products that serve as great stepping stones towards products like Zacuto. Not once have I personally heard someone complain about a Zacuto product once they've purchased it. That alone can attest to the company's quality and service.
 
Very sorry

Very sorry

First off, I vaguely remember this case. I think we all can agree that financing a camera package is a tricky venture. Most people that know me, know, I would never turn a deal away in less the financing didn't meet certain requirements. I'm creative and want to do every deal possible. Just because someone is worth several million dollars does not necessarily make them credit worthy, they could have an equal amount of debt. And of course I'm not saying that was the case with your investor. I honestly don't remember the details and I'm terribly sorry if I made your investor or you feel bad. Believe me I did not intentionally do that, and if I did, I apologize. What can I do to redeem myself. I am willing to do anything, name it. I certainly don't want you mad at me or Zacuto for the rest of your life. That’s not going to be positive energy for either of us. Let's start with a $250 credit to purchase anything at Zacuto. Can we please start over? Steve
 
zacuto said:
First off, I vaguely remember this case. I think we all can agree that financing a camera package is a tricky venture. Most people that know me, know, I would never turn a deal away in less the financing didn't meet certain requirements. I'm creative and want to do every deal possible. Just because someone is worth several million dollars does not necessarily make them credit worthy, they could have an equal amount of debt. And of course I'm not saying that was the case with your investor. I honestly don't remember the details and I'm terribly sorry if I made your investor or you feel bad. Believe me I did not intentionally do that, and if I did, I apologize. What can I do to redeem myself. I am willing to do anything, name it. I certainly don't want you mad at me or Zacuto for the rest of your life. That’s not going to be positive energy for either of us. Let's start with a $250 credit to purchase anything at Zacuto. Can we please start over? Steve
Click to expand...

My investor has no debt. None. You didn't check her credit. I'd be happy to start over, but when you add remarks that imply my investor may have had bad credit it makes it difficult.

After our negative experience with you we got a bank loan at 11% interest, bought everything piece meal and began paying the bank back. We finished all our payments in 12 months. Since then, Prodigi Rentals has been able to finance all expansions in our gear through our profits.
 
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I'm glad to see posts like Prodigi's. Everyone should know everything about what they are getting into. Not knowing the specifics of both sides of the stories (nor do I really care), not getting approved for credit happens and its too bad. Its good to see Steve wanting to start over. Its obvious to me that Steve cares about his customers and doesnt want someone with one bad experience to not be happy with Zacuto forever. I say take him up on it Prodigi and get some free stuff. Its rare that people actually care about their customers. Anyways I'm going to go place my Zacuto order which I think is very appropriately priced. Steve's already been good to me and I find it hard to believe that he would be so frivilous as to ruin a sale (and relationship) like that. But as they say **** happens.
 
I think it's totally fine for Prodigi to say what ever he wants. As long as he's not lying or anything it's fine to share his experience.
Because that's the kind of stuff we want to know if it's true.
in fact, how many companies have true customer service or warranty? I see so many adds that say "life time warranty" or "Satisfaction Guarantee"
and is this ture??? I always wounder?
I know it's ture, but I want to know how many phone calls I have to make to get the warranty really work... or how many stupid questions do I have to answear to get it work? that's the kind of stuff I want to know, the ture customer sevice. otherwise it's going to change how we think about the price...
 
Redrock Micro is probably the best indie friendly company in the world. They produce world class equipment and make it very reasonable and affordable to us, the no budget to ultra budget indie filmmakers.

Brian also stand behind his product 100% with excellent customer satisfaction. Is their FF as good as the Chrosziel FF ? probably not, but is the Chrosziel FF 3x better than the Redrock FF ?? Is the Zacuto FF 2x better than the Redrock FF ? DEFINITELY NOT.

However, Redrock hit the sweet spot between quality, usability, performance and price. Coupled that with the best customer support, attention and care, they certainly the first company that I go to for my equipment needs business.

p/s: They need to rework and better the m2 adapter though. They were the pioneer in 35mm adapter design, but others in the industry have catched up and gone beyond.
 
Just curious but have you used the Zacuto FF DX - thought this was a new product? Not discounting what you are saying but I'm looking for a follow focus in the next few months and hadnt heard anything about this one. Is there a review already up somewhere I missed?
 
Jeff,

No i have not used the zacuto FF but I have used the Chrosziel FF. Like on another thread here I have no doubt (even without using one yet) that the Zacuto FF is going to be mechanically better than the Redrock FF but it is also twice as expensive as the Redrock FF.

I like the Zacuto concept where you can take the slack on the FF by a turn of an allen bolt. Of course no one will know how well this feature works in real production. I am pretty sure the Freshdv guys will do a test on the FF soon.
 
I'm glad to know the First Amendment is alive and kicking! And I appreciate the support.

I am indeed telling the truth. And I'm leaving out a lot of the long, nasty details. And I'm not going to continue the debate because I've already said my piece. I just wanted to get a counterpoint out there.

However, there is irony to the situation. If Steve had simply said "Let's start over" rather than starting with a classic non-apology apology (Three sentences on how they only turn away poor credit risks. Then an incredibly short sentence on how that wasn't aimed at my investor) before getting to the "Let's start over" remark is why I felt the need to respond again. Jstunzi's positive remarks were fine. How can I respond to them? If he writes "I had a great experience! Let me tell you about it!" only an insane person is going to say "No, you didn't!"

But, he had to make it personal. He had to attack the messenger. That tactic backfired. And the combination of Jstunzi's attempt to silence me (rather than simply respond with his personal, positive experiences) and Steve's non-apology apology (for the first half of his response) did the exact opposite of what they both intended.
 
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