Besides the MQ tapes...
- Thread starter ScottyD
- Start date
cur-sed_neil
Active member
Re: Besides the MQ tapes...
i use fuji tapes. they're dry loop.
stay away from JVC tapes...
bad experience... :-X
i use fuji tapes. they're dry loop.
stay away from JVC tapes...
bad experience... :-X
Barry_Green
Moderator
Re: Besides the MQ tapes...
The only tape that I know of that's dry-lube is the Panasonic MQ/PQ line.
Some people say that Fuji tape is identical, even down to the case it's put in, but I don't know of any authoritative source that says that.
Tape's so absurdly cheap I don't know why anyone would consider anything other than MQ's.
The only tape that I know of that's dry-lube is the Panasonic MQ/PQ line.
Some people say that Fuji tape is identical, even down to the case it's put in, but I don't know of any authoritative source that says that.
Tape's so absurdly cheap I don't know why anyone would consider anything other than MQ's.
dpwanab
Active member
Re: Besides the MQ tapes...
The MQ tapes and PQ tapes are a little more pricey, but unless you shoot A LOT, I don't think it's all that expensive. If you are shooting a lot, hopefully it's making you enough money to buy good tapes. Decent prices here:
http://www.tapestockonline.com/mini-dv.html
The MQ tapes and PQ tapes are a little more pricey, but unless you shoot A LOT, I don't think it's all that expensive. If you are shooting a lot, hopefully it's making you enough money to buy good tapes. Decent prices here:
http://www.tapestockonline.com/mini-dv.html
Steve Ogden
Well-known member
Re: Besides the MQ tapes...
the other day I was in a service bureau getting a tape format converted & was told that PQ & MQ tapes are the exact same tape stock, the only difference is the chip in the MQ is upgraded to do a better job keeping time codes straight. Haven't a clue if he knew what he was talking about.
the other day I was in a service bureau getting a tape format converted & was told that PQ & MQ tapes are the exact same tape stock, the only difference is the chip in the MQ is upgraded to do a better job keeping time codes straight. Haven't a clue if he knew what he was talking about.
Barry_Green
Moderator
Re: Besides the MQ tapes...
No, because there's no chip in either PQ or MQ tapes...
According to Jan Crittenden, PQ's are dry lube. MQ's are made using a different process. They're only five bucks apiece (plus some change) so go with the MQ's.
No, because there's no chip in either PQ or MQ tapes...
According to Jan Crittenden, PQ's are dry lube. MQ's are made using a different process. They're only five bucks apiece (plus some change) so go with the MQ's.
Steve Ogden
Well-known member
Re: Besides the MQ tapes...
Given the price of the tapes, I've never understood how it could even be a debate topic. Or why I'd ever consider anything other than Panasonic's recommendations. In the old 'risk vs. reward' analysis, it's a no-brainer.
Given the price of the tapes, I've never understood how it could even be a debate topic. Or why I'd ever consider anything other than Panasonic's recommendations. In the old 'risk vs. reward' analysis, it's a no-brainer.
Re: Besides the MQ tapes...
I have been using only the PQ tapes, according to what I have read, they are the best. I really am not sure if it is truw but mind as well not risk wearing out my heads early. What do you do if your heads are finally worn out? Do you bring your cam into a Panasonic dealer? How much do heads cost?
I have been using only the PQ tapes, according to what I have read, they are the best. I really am not sure if it is truw but mind as well not risk wearing out my heads early. What do you do if your heads are finally worn out? Do you bring your cam into a Panasonic dealer? How much do heads cost?
cur-sed_neil
Active member
Re: Besides the MQ tapes...
the fuji tapes ARE dry. i have it directly from fuji. the model is the fujifilm dvcassette dvm60 (as taken directly from the wrapper).
the fuji tapes ARE dry. i have it directly from fuji. the model is the fujifilm dvcassette dvm60 (as taken directly from the wrapper).
Barry_Green
Moderator
Re: Besides the MQ tapes...
The MQ are the best, PQ is a notch down. I don't think you have to worry about cleaning the heads between PQ's and MQ's. Then again, I stick to only MQ's, so I don't really know the answer, but it seems like you probably shouldn't have to.
The MQ are the best, PQ is a notch down. I don't think you have to worry about cleaning the heads between PQ's and MQ's. Then again, I stick to only MQ's, so I don't really know the answer, but it seems like you probably shouldn't have to.
Z
Zoomforce
Guest
Re: Besides the MQ tapes...
The old Tape thing can get confusing.. even PQ tapes where deemed as Wet until someone went to the factory and saw they both used the same lube.
Fuji tapes year after year beat out all other tapes in the ISO tests, not sure if that matters. I used to use Fuji m-DVCAM tapes but now only use MQ tapes. For 5 bucks its hard to justify using anything less.
The old Tape thing can get confusing.. even PQ tapes where deemed as Wet until someone went to the factory and saw they both used the same lube.
Fuji tapes year after year beat out all other tapes in the ISO tests, not sure if that matters. I used to use Fuji m-DVCAM tapes but now only use MQ tapes. For 5 bucks its hard to justify using anything less.
Mike_Donis
Veteran
Re: Besides the MQ tapes...
As far as I know MQ tapes are about double the cost of Fujis...so if you're shooting a lot then it's probably good to go Fuji. Otherwise, why not get the MQs?
As far as I know MQ tapes are about double the cost of Fujis...so if you're shooting a lot then it's probably good to go Fuji. Otherwise, why not get the MQs?
Barry_Green
Moderator
Re: Besides the MQ tapes...
MQ's are about $2 more than Fuji's, about $5.50 vs. $3.50. If you were talking BetaSP-type prices, where a 5-minute tape is $10, you might have a case, but when you're talking about a $3,400 camera, I just don't see the logic in "saving" a buck or two on tape.
EVERYTHING YOU SHOOT comes down to that tape. All your actors, sets, props, locations, time, sweat, effort... it all boils down to what that tape records (or doesn't). How can it be possibly worth it to risk everything, to save a dollar or two?
Use the very, very, very best tape you possibly can. Always.
MQ's are about $2 more than Fuji's, about $5.50 vs. $3.50. If you were talking BetaSP-type prices, where a 5-minute tape is $10, you might have a case, but when you're talking about a $3,400 camera, I just don't see the logic in "saving" a buck or two on tape.
EVERYTHING YOU SHOOT comes down to that tape. All your actors, sets, props, locations, time, sweat, effort... it all boils down to what that tape records (or doesn't). How can it be possibly worth it to risk everything, to save a dollar or two?
Use the very, very, very best tape you possibly can. Always.
ullanta
Veteran
Re: Besides the MQ tapes...
[quote author=Jarred Land link=board=news;num=1084939483;start=0#12 date=05/20/04 at 17:38:49]
Fuji tapes year after year beat out all other tapes in the ISO tests, not sure if that matters. I used to use Fuji m-DVCAM tapes but now only use MQ tapes. [/quote]
Just out of curiosity - does that include the MQ's? And, if so, why'd you switch?
As for ISO... do you know what the standards/tests really mean? The space agency center where I work is ISO 9000 certified... but that has nothing to do with quality of product. Testing involves grilling us on whether or not we know proper procedure... which usually amounts to "I just follow orders" and "this is the document I'm suppposed to refer to for procedures"....
[quote author=Jarred Land link=board=news;num=1084939483;start=0#12 date=05/20/04 at 17:38:49]
Fuji tapes year after year beat out all other tapes in the ISO tests, not sure if that matters. I used to use Fuji m-DVCAM tapes but now only use MQ tapes. [/quote]
Just out of curiosity - does that include the MQ's? And, if so, why'd you switch?
As for ISO... do you know what the standards/tests really mean? The space agency center where I work is ISO 9000 certified... but that has nothing to do with quality of product. Testing involves grilling us on whether or not we know proper procedure... which usually amounts to "I just follow orders" and "this is the document I'm suppposed to refer to for procedures"....
GlassSidewalk
Active member
Re: Besides the MQ tapes...
After working for a major motherboard mfg. that was ISO9000 & 9001 certified I have very little faith in any ISO testing. I know Fuji makes good stuff, but for $5.50 buy what Panasonic recomends, MQ.
After paying $130 for about 12 minutes of 16mm film, $5.50 is dirty cheap, I love it!
After working for a major motherboard mfg. that was ISO9000 & 9001 certified I have very little faith in any ISO testing. I know Fuji makes good stuff, but for $5.50 buy what Panasonic recomends, MQ.
After paying $130 for about 12 minutes of 16mm film, $5.50 is dirty cheap, I love it!