F3: Bad Day. Camera Took a Fall, Input/Info Desired

That makes sense. I guess the fact it's not a total loss makes an insurance claim less desirable. When I read this I couldn't help but fantasize about my F3 taking a fall and getting $16,500 toward a new camera.

The IDS slider breaks down into a nice 3' padded case. The 9' of track that it comes with breaks down into 3' sections.
 
If in a genuine accident I had completely totaled the camera, and was indeed eligible for new replacement cost instead of current market value, I would probably make the claim. I did joke with someone that if the camera had to fall, apparently it should have been from 8 feet, not four!

How are the seams between sections on the IDS?
 
They seams are, well, seamless. The trick is making the whole 9' of track as straight as can be...and each section perfectly even in relation to each other. They provide Velcro straps that you're supposed to tighten the track ties together with but it would be better if it locked similar to the traditional dolly track locks that pull the two track piece together tight. It requires some time to test and adjust.
 
FOLLOW UP:

So, Grug did me a huge favor and sold me his top handle at an amazing price. Great guy - and what he sent me was exactly as described. For clarification - Grug had a top handle to sell because he had done the F3 Armor mod, so his original handle was just sitting on the shelf.

As of an hour ago, I did the labor of switching the handles out, which was a 15 minute job, very easy. And the camera is now good as new!

By the way - some of my top handle parts are most likely still in good order (the EVF, speaker, headphone jack, rear circuit boards) - and if anyone has need of these parts I'll be happy to "pay it forward" so to speak.

I am still using the dana dolly configuration, but I'm being more careful, and I'm also very interested in the Matthews DC Slider... seems like an excellent piece of kit for what I do.

Anycase, just thought I'd provide an update.
 
LeavingTheCandy said:
Grug beat me to it. I have a handle from my Armor upgrade too. Anyone else?
Click to expand...
Candy please PM me! I recently bought a used F3 with some pretty chewed up 1/4-20 threads. I had thought to replace them but the ones in the handle don't seem to be repairable. Let me know what you'd like for it, I'll see if I can squeeze it in. Thanks!
 
The front two threads in the top handle part of the handle frame, a $327 part from Sony. It may be possible for a machine shop to re-thread and tap them for you... not sure.

The rear thread, with the coldshoe conversion points, is an independent piece. This piece is undamaged on my old handle, if you need it.
 
Thanks Viddovation. That's what I realized when I took the handle apart. I thought I could just undo a couple screws and swap in a new female receiver but clearly that's not possible. All three are hinky--have been cross-threaded a few times--but they are holding for now. If you're willing to part with the rear piece, I'd buy it off you. PM me.
 
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