Broken Hoodman SxSxSDHC Cards (plural)

[adamr316]

I picked up some Hoodman SxSxSDHC adaptors and memory cards to save a bit of money over Sony's SxS offering. I now regret that decision.

These cards aren't ready for prime time and are no replacement for genuine SxS cards. Sure they work but for how long? Mine lasted about 3 years with light usage. I shoot video maybe 3-4 times/month and not always with the SDHC cards. The spring-loaded nature of the adaptors caused a breakage of the back of the cards and the card contacts no longer remain in contact with the adaptor contacts.

See pictures here of my memory card collection (sans the card in my digital camera).

http://adamreuter.com/brokencards/

I take really good care of my stuff and am surprised that now my second card has gone belly up. Never had the same problem with the SanDisk cards and my SD card camera's memory card slot is also spring-loaded. I'm really hoping Hoodman can fix these cards, especially considering the premium price tag I spent on them. I'll report back once I contact Hoodman, they are usually great with customer service.

You'll notice a RAW Steel card in the collection. That card looks like it's built tougher along the seams than the original Hoodman RAW card design. I had to purchase that card after the first one broke a few months ago and the second one just broke yesterday. It was in an adaptor and just decided to stop working. No, it's not the adaptor as I tested the Steel card in it and it works fine. The only problem with the Steel card is it doesn't fit as snuggly in the SxSxSDHC adaptor which causes it to pop out easier when being inserted into the EX1.

On the first card that broke I thought maybe the record-safe tab was set wrong when it stopped working. I went to slide it and the thing snapped right off!

Does any company offer EX1 compatible adaptors that are not spring loaded? If you've used a non-spring loaded adaptor, do you like it/is it reliable?

 

[xpycm]

I use MxM lockable adapters with ATP Promax cards in them. After card was inserted and locked it became one piece - I never take out and re-insert cards again after that, considering it like a SxS one...

 

[adamr316]

I use MxM lockable adapters with ATP Promax cards in them. After card was inserted and locked it became one piece - I never take out and re-insert cards again after that, considering it like a SxS one...

I didn't pop the cards out of the adaptors very often. That's another thing that surprised me as to why they broke. But after having good experience with non-spring loaded mechanisms (the EX1 itself and my Nikon D300) those cards have no problems like the Hoodman. I will definitely check out the MxM locking adaptors, thanks xpy!