C500: C500 ii: Took lens off while camera still turned on....
- Thread starter seanadl
- Start date
I normally shut down when changing lenses...but this was for...you know...art.
Interesting my Fuji GFX-100 simply shuts itself down when I pull a card...not sure about a lens. It seems as if it was that big a deal with the Canons, that they would have a safety switch as soon as the camera registered a change in signal from the lens. Additionally..while that warning has been included in the C series cameras before (is it with the new cameras?)...its never been mentioned on their still cameras which share the same lens circuitry. I've certainly never shut down a still camera to change a lens before...and I doubt many of the working photojournalists out there ever have either. Not sure why the C series would be special in this regard, other than higher voltage across the system (I'd imagine the lens voltage is identical to canon's still systems).
Run&Gun
Veteran
With the stills cameras, they do shut down when the card door is opened. I think, maybe, there is no power/comms going through the lens contacts(powering the lens) unless the shutter trigger is at least partially depressed(or BBF, etc.), so even if/when the camera is on the contacts may not be hot. But I may be wrong, because there are a few focus-by-wire lenses like the 85 1.2... It's been a long time since I've had that lens on my 5, I'd have to check if it always is "alive" or if the cam has to wake-up first.
nutmegger
Well-known member
As a former boss once said to me, “When in doubt, read the f&#%*~^ manual.”
Run&Gun
Veteran
It amazes me the people that don't and then get frustrated because they can't figure something out or break it, because they didn't take a few minutes to at least glance at the manual. Even my GF who is a 20+ year paramedic who has books and books full of medical information and protocols that they follow to the letter, and who will at times just read them to 'freshen up', REFUSES to read any type of owners manual or instruction book pertaining to any type of electronic device.
cpreston
Veteran
The only time I've made a point to turn off the camera before changing lenses was when I had an aftermarket AF dandelion chip attached. I might be wrong, but I'm guessing most people are not shutting off their camera when changing lenses. I've spent more time determining the fastes way to do a quick lens change while run and gunning than I have spent determining whether the lens contacts might short. I would consider it a deal breaker in using Canon' if I actually needed to shut down the camera while changing lenses.
Eric Coughlin
Veteran
I once read a thorough study (that was conducted by my imagination) about how the financial losses of cameraman caused by the time wasted turning cameras on and off to change lenses (e.g., client doesn't rehire them because they were too slow on set) far outweighed the financial losses that cameramen had from damaged cameras as a result of hot swapping. The only time I don't recommend hot swapping is in a committed relationship.
Mitch Gross
Veteran
As someone who has written user manuals for professional video products, I can tell you that sometimes such warnings fall under the umbrella of "let's legally cover our ass." It's akin to the many food products that state "refrigerate after opening" on them even when they contain no ingredients for which this would make any difference. The legal theory of "Chicken soup -- it couldn't hurt" applies.
I think I'm just a scaredy cat. There's no way I'm going to risk frying my camera based on an opinion (ie, a guess with no actual detailed checking of the mechanics and electronics of that particular camera, especially as designs change). I'll play safe and follow the manufacturers advice. Maybe they're "covering their asses" but maybe they have a treason to do that? YMMV.
cpreston
Veteran
I do some event and documentary work. I've also done a couple weddings in the way past. No, you don't have time to turn off a camera to change lenses when a key scene is happening. Also, if I am trying to grab b-roll with some lawyer/doctor/politician/athlete/etc for the 30 seconds that they have available, then the extra time actually can have an effect on the final video. Everyone should work in a way that makes them feel most comfortable. I've had contacts get wet and cause the camera to report a lens error, although that was due to shooting in the rain with a non weather sealed lens and not due to a lens change. I just don't think hot swapping is generally an issue despite what the manual says. I also don't black balance every time I change my ISO either.
morgan_moore
Major Contributor
I fooking hate cameras that dont help you. They are not your friend but your enemy. The losers who spec them, test them, blog about them are your enemy.
We need our minds on shots and releationships with our subjects and directors.
It needs to be easy.
If the contacts need to be isolated then this should happen when one pushes the lens release button. A camera maker charging 20 iphones per unit should get this right.
We need our minds on shots and releationships with our subjects and directors.
It needs to be easy.
If the contacts need to be isolated then this should happen when one pushes the lens release button. A camera maker charging 20 iphones per unit should get this right.
ahalpert
Major Contributor
I like it when Sam gets angry.
I'm with cpreston on this - sometimes every second really counts. I've never fried my C300 hot-swapping lenses but after all this talk I'm glad it's not my lead camera anymore
morgan_moore
Major Contributor
Particularly the bloggers
Of course every second counts.. but potentially, or even thinking about maybe bricking a camera during general operation is a product that is not fit for purpose.
Even if it was acceptable to turn the camera off before a lens change the lens release button should be should be disabled (physically or electronically) while the camera is on, its basic engineering design. To allow the error is not competent. Putting it on para 14c on page 492 of the manual does not fix that.
Of course every second counts.. but potentially, or even thinking about maybe bricking a camera during general operation is a product that is not fit for purpose.
Even if it was acceptable to turn the camera off before a lens change the lens release button should be should be disabled (physically or electronically) while the camera is on, its basic engineering design. To allow the error is not competent. Putting it on para 14c on page 492 of the manual does not fix that.
Things have gone backwards. When I first used my dad’s Bell and Howell 8mm film camera it had a 3 lens turret. You just turned it round and carried on. Ok, it was clockwork and you only had about 5 minutes of film to play with but you lost almost no time changing lenses.
ahalpert
Major Contributor
Now with the iPhone you don't even need to turn the turret. Just push a button and switch what sensor/lens you're using!
Or if you're a stills photographer you can carry multiple camera around your neck or on your harness and switch lenses that way.
Or you could just watch with your eyes and tell people what happened later
morgan_moore
Major Contributor
Obvious fail. Engineering is about compromise - a 16 and 35-135 would have worked or three on mft