Brand new F3 out of box going to service :(

starcentral

starcentral

Veteran
Well I just had to vent somewhere.. last week I got my F3 and 2 days later got my MTF adapter. The installed Sony PL mount to F3 mount will not come off AT ALL!! It is dead stuck.

I already consulted with a few folks here to confirm it goes counter-clockwise (actually you can see it has to go counter clockwise because the metal flange would prevent it from going further clockwise). So after discussing it with the dealer I have to be bring it to their service department. I think this is ridiculous.

Anyone else have this issue? Is there any reason for concern to the F3 mount tolerances which may have caused this? Will I continue to have future issues with the mount, or camera?

I'm having a hard time accepting that for $16k this camera has to go for service, I think its unacceptable. What do you guys think? Is this a sign of things yet to come? Is she a lemon?
 
Last edited:
Here in Europe I belive there is a 8 day "DOA" swap out service from Sony. You would have got a new one as far as I know.
 
There are some little pins behind the PL adapter that have to be pushed straight in before the adapter lock is turned. If not they jam. I suspect someone didn't make sure they were in straight before they rotated the ring, which is a cam lock. When I first rec'd my camera I couldn't get the ring to fully turn until I figured it out.
 
starcentral said:
Well I just had to vent somewhere.. last week I got my F3 and 2 days later got my MTF adapter. The installed Sony PL mount to F3 mount will not come off AT ALL!! It is dead stuck.

I already consulted with a few folks here to confirm it goes counter-clockwise (actually you can see it has to go counter clockwise because the metal flange would prevent it from going further clockwise). So after discussing it with the dealer I have to be bring it to their service department. I think this is ridiculous.

Anyone else have this issue? Is there any reason for concern to the F3 mount tolerances which may have caused this? Will I continue to have future issues with the mount, or camera?

I'm having a hard time accepting that for $16k this camera has to go for service, I think its unacceptable. What do you guys think? Is this a sign of things yet to come? Is she a lemon?
Click to expand...

When I first received my F3, I tried to remove the PL adapter to install the MTF and found it impossible to turn the F3's mount release mechanism. After a call to Sony USA, and with the advice of the tech support, I used what I would have considered excessive force to turn the release. It finally began to turn and is no longer a problem. Someone at the factory must be into Sumo, because the mount was obviously overtightened and I've been told that others have had a similar experience.
 
I love the fact that mine is immovable. I consider it a benefit. Backfocus stays put.

That said, its a tough to turn. I ve done it to other cameras.
 
I used excessive force, and the force of many others to try and get it off. It doesn't budge. Something has got to be jammed up in behind the mount, either way it is pretty DOA to me, a new camera should not have to be "fixed".
 
Well..... you are putting on an aftermarket mount. Its a "PL" camera. But I get the point.

Its like being annoyed the exhaust headers on your nissan are firmly attached. (Even though nismo makes headers.... like sony will make F3 mount lenses in the future)
 
Before you ship it back try to tap the side of the locking ear(s) with a small plastic mallet. In the direction of loosening (CCW) Just don't whack it and break/bend the ears. A little shock/vibration will loosen it much easier than constant torque...
 
I tried that too, but this is beyond tapping. I took the ears off to prevent them from breaking (they are plastic). This is crazy...
 
I had a similar problem and even broke one of the plastic ears in trying.
To my surprise the plastic ears are not a Sony spare part.
Though they are fixed with tiny screws. its impossible to replace them.
You have to order a new mount.
The only way to resolve this situation was to make a new "ear" from aluminum/aluminium (so much for a world language)
Be careful with applying force when placing an adapter and try "wiggling the adapter in combination with turning the f-3 mount to prevent this happening.
Its a bit stupid, especially when you are in a hurry to switch between a PL lens and an adapter one.
 
Thanks everyone for their posts. It's good and strange to know others have had similar issues, but I'm going back to the dealer tomorrow to visit their Sony authorized service department to see what they can do.

I guess from where I'm sitting they think I haven't turned it hard enough and even if they do manage to get it off I'm left feeling like something is wrong with this particular unit. Usually I see an initial problem leading to others down the road I am yet unaware of.

Thomas - are you saying that now, even after getting it off when you switch back and forth between mounts you have problems getting it off? I'm actually really surprised there is no locking mechanism whatsoever for the Sony PL to F3 mount.. imagine putting a $20k zoom on there....
 
Hi guys,

It seems that removing the PL adapter in the F3 apparently requires an special care and a procedure that is not very clear so far...

Would it be possible that someone who do this frequently could create a short tutorial on video or with photos of how to do this step by step and put in its place a MTF Nikon adapter for example?

It would be a tremendous help to those of us who still do not have this camera...

Thank you so much in advance!
 
Last edited:
I have an F3 here and never ever had a slightest issue with swapping adapters- and I do that a lot since I make adapters.
I don't think video is needed showing how to turn a locking ring... but that's me...
Good luck!!!!
 
optitek said:
I have an F3 here and never ever had a slightest issue with swapping adapters- and I do that a lot since I make adapters.
I don't think video is needed showing how to turn a locking ring... but that's me...
Good luck!!!!
Click to expand...

Can you tell me what actually keeps the Sony PL mount locked in place when on the F3 body?

BTW: Guys its great that some of you don't have any issues with your F3, but I've asked if any of you think there's any reason for concern about the actual camera itself before I go in tomorrow to visit the service dept. and dealer.
 
Mine takes just a little effort to twist ccw and it comes off. Very easy to mount the MTF and my MTF mount is quite tight. No wobbling-- yet. It's just a little touchy to get the PL adapter seated again as it is to seat PL lenses. Just have to line up the notch and pin and make certain it is fully inserted before turning the Sony mount. And definitely a 2 hand operation with camera secure.

Ned
 
Friction holds it. Like PL, PV, BNC etc. mount. Are you sure you did not overtighten it yourself trying to unlock in the wrong direction?

BTW you need to tap it in CCW direction just like you ere unlocking it with an impact wrench- applying both torque and impact at the same time. That's what Sony techs are going to do as well..
 
Last edited:
They must jam those things on pretty hard as I went to a local dealer and he couldn't get his off at all. Maybe it takes some kind of "knack" because I was able to get his off in a couple of seconds. I did yank on it pretty hard though.
 
@ Starcentral, mine works OK now but as said by others here it is a bit tricky.
pay attention when somebody wants to swap mounts in a hurry.
"Hey let me give you a hand, Is this always stuck on so tight?
before you know it its stuck even tighter.
ask your dealer about replacing those "ears" because overhere it's not possible.

btw Optitek's pro lock is tha bomb for Nikon mount lenses! no misunderstanding possible.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top