Brevis35 motor problems (rev2)

T

thedamon

Member
I wanted to see how many of you out there have had problems with the motor on the brevis system (model before the mp.1). this is my setup: hvx200 /w brevis flip and 45mm rail system. I've been shooting a feature with it, and it has been showing great results pertaining to the image quality. Unfortunately, I find after running the system for a while or turning it on and off in between setups will cause the motor to not vibrate. The way I get it to work again is by flicking, tapping or even taking it apart at one time. This is not something to be doing in the field. Cinevate shipped me a new unit vibrating unit and it was working great without a problem. But low and behold our last day of production, I was having the same problem.

Has anyone else experienced this problem? Also if so, how has cinevate taken care of you? I'm starting to get worried. Thanks.
 
Yes I have the same problem. If you tilt the unit so it points upward, it will start every time (well, it has for me). I was talking with Dennis at NAB and he said it has to do with how the motor is designed in the rev2 units, but the MP.1 fixes the problem completely. Sounds like if you want it to go away completely you will have to get the upgrade. For personal work it doesn't bother me, but I have had it happen on a shoot with a client and it is embarrassing. I'll be upgrading this summer.
 
The motor is the only moving part of consequence, and is pretty much where any problems will show up. That said, oscillation tuning on the Rev2 can create a problem in that if the oscillation is set low, the unit may misbehave. This issue has been addressed with microprocessor control on the MP.1 revision, allowing a much wider range of tuning.

If you are having a problem, our warranty repairs are returned next day via fedex express if you send it in. We've also got an overnight replacement program that gets you an entire replacement unit overnight, letting you send the "old" unit at your leisure.

Finally, the MP.1 update program allows the complete update of your existing unit to the microprocessor controlled version, with external oscillation adjustment port retro-fitted. Many of our users have taken advantage of this option as an extended feature set is provided with the MP.1 including longer run-time, low charge flashing LED, auto system shutdown, external oscillation control, and much more precise oscillation characteristics.

We've learned over the last few years that when things go awry with a product, users want phone support and a next-day fix. You'll find we work very hard to make sure this policy is maintained, regardless of the issue :-)
 
This is information that would have been useful before I bought this brevis system. I feel this is a huge problem, especially for working in the field with the brevis system. No matter how many replacements I receive, I'm going to have this problem unless I spend MORE money to get the upgrade that 'fixes' this problem. I wouldn't be interested in the mp.1 if it wasn't for the fix.

Dennis- I still have hope in the brevis system, however, i think this is a bigger problem that it is a played out to be. I spend 2,000 with rods, support and the flip for a unit that cannot be used in a professional environment. It was very embarrassing to 'tinker' with brevis on location with the director and AD over my shoulder when in fact it was the units fault. I do not sending in the second RMA brevis system for a 3rd is going to be a fix. I have been in contact with Hubert and would like to find another way to tackle this problem. Also, the pelican cases sent out with the rev2 being too small was something I could have dealt with, but on top of that and the malfunctioning motor, makes this situation a thorn in my side.

I'm very surprised that I seem to be the only one complaining about this issue, as to my thoughts, I cannot be the only one shooting with the brevis for a feature production.
 
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thedamon said:
I wanted to see how many of you out there have had problems with the motor on the brevis system (model before the mp.1). this is my setup: hvx200 /w brevis flip and 45mm rail system. I've been shooting a feature with it, and it has been showing great results pertaining to the image quality. Unfortunately, I find after running the system for a while or turning it on and off in between setups will cause the motor to not vibrate. The way I get it to work again is by flicking, tapping or even taking it apart at one time. This is not something to be doing in the field. Cinevate shipped me a new unit vibrating unit and it was working great without a problem. But low and behold our last day of production, I was having the same problem.

Has anyone else experienced this problem? Also if so, how has cinevate taken care of you? I'm starting to get worried. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Had the same problem. Drove me nuts. Happened in Pakistan (had to ship repair motor to cameraman). Then happened again a few times when I got it back on set in NYC with the new motor. Played with the toggle and it went back up. I figured like a leak, it doesn't repair itself so I sold it for that reason and a few others. This was over a year ago and I'm sure much has changed. I know Cinevates customers service has been overhauled. The replacement unit Dennis will send is a great policy. Not much good while you're waiting but better than the turn around I've had with other adaptors breaking down. And every adaptor I've owned has flaked at some point.

For "pro" use I'd recommend buying a back up unit (just the tube and motor). Maybe Dennis can cut you a deal on that. The optics and screws aren't going to break but mechnics and electronics no matter who makes them will eventually fail. It's just a matter of when.

Gotta admit, I'm a bit nervous owning just one LEX. I'll probably try to purchase a body with no glass or mount in the near future. At least with an HVX you can always find one somewhere in a pinch.

For your situation, in the middle of a film, I'd demand an upgrade and shipping paid for both ways - priority overnight.
 
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as to my thoughts, I cannot be the only one shooting with the brevis for a feature production.
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You're not and I had the same problem and had to thump the Brevis to get it running again all the time.

thedamon said:
This is information that would have been useful before I bought this brevis system.

I'm very surprised that I seem to be the only one complaining about this issue,
Click to expand...

Now you understand why Cinevate has a forum you're not allowed into until AFTER you've bought your Brevis.

I'm sure not many prospective buyers know about the black stuff that might come flaking down onto the ground glass either.
 
I'm using mine on a feature right now and I guess I've just been mad lucky. That said once production wraps I'm gonna be getting upgrade just because.
 
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