C100: creaky grip

M

maxjw

Member
Just got my new C100 today, and its image quality is really beautiful.

However, I notice that the grip is creaky when I use it. It's the sound of plastic on plastic. It's kind of a clicking and creaking that I can feel in the handle when I grab and/or move the camera by the grip, which is a pain because the sounds is quite audible and makes the camera feel less solid.

Is anyone else having this issue with their C100? I just want to know if it's just the nature of the plastic on the grip, or if this issue is specific to my unit that will mean I'll need to return it.
 
Thanks for the quick response! I kinda suspected as much. What confused me though is when I called Canon support about it, they said it was odd and couldn't replicate it on their cameras, so they recommended exchanging it or sending it in for repairs.

I really love this camera, and since everything else works so wonderfully, I'm hesitant to exchange it for something so small, especially if the the next unit will likely have the same problem.

Any other C100 users experiencing the same plastic creaking grip?
 
Well, I'll test against my buddies c100 when we pick up shooting. We got rained out. I'm pretty lucky as I live near a canon repair center if I do infact have a problem.
 
maxjw said:
Just got my new C100 today, and its image quality is really beautiful.

However, I notice that the grip is creaky when I use it. It's the sound of plastic on plastic. It's kind of a clicking and creaking that I can feel in the handle when I grab and/or move the camera by the grip, which is a pain because the sounds is quite audible and makes the camera feel less solid.

Is anyone else having this issue with their C100? I just want to know if it's just the nature of the plastic on the grip, or if this issue is specific to my unit that will mean I'll need to return it.
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I do not use the wheel on the grip at all while shooting, I use Variable ND to adjust the light coming through the lens, that's way I can keep my aperture constant! I do not see steps when I am changing the amount of light with variable nd and that is big plus.
 
I just checked mine and it doesn't have that sound. If anything all I hear is the thread coming loose when I twist it but I dont do that when I'm shooting.
 
sony3000 said:
I do not use the wheel on the grip at all while shooting, I use Variable ND to adjust the light coming through the lens, that's way I can keep my aperture constant! I do not see steps when I am changing the amount of light with variable nd and that is big plus.
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I know this has nothing to do with the OP's original problem, but Variable ND does work well with a good quality ND when working fast and especially outside. The only thing that can slow you down is lens changes (unless you carry multiple VND's.) So when working with one or two zoom lenses this approach works well for doc run and gun.
 
Mine "creaks" too, and slips slightly when supporting the camera with the grip... but since I only use it on the Zacuto grip relocator I had assumed it was a Zacuto issue. I put two tiny pieces of Gorilla tape over two of the plastic gears on the grip relocator and that tightened it up. Obviously the problem is with the cogs on the grip itself.

As for variable NDs, I don't care much for them from past experience.. maybe they're better now though. However, that doesn't solve the lack of precision in the feeling of the grip.
 
hmm..decisions. It sounds like some have the issues, others don't. It's true that the noise is most audible when using the grip alone to support the camera (which I wouldn't often do), but the sound is still there when maneuvering the camera with the grip, even with other support. I've tried removing, the grip, tightening it, to no avail. It's basically the sound of the plastic in the grip "giving" a bit because it's somewhat hollow.

B&H just gave me a return authorization to exchange it for a new one, but it's a shame because everything else about the camera is perfect. I also have a feeling that the next one would probably have the same issue, but since others don't have this issue, then perhaps not. Here's a video I took with my phone of the sound the grip makes (granted in an exaggerated movement).

 
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Erik Naso said:
Yikes! My C100 doesn't do that.
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Actually I didn't notice, but mine does do that as well (2week old C100). Now the only difference is that when I'm holding it, I'm also holding the bottom and carrying the weight down there vs holding most of the weight by the grip. So I never noticed it since I never experience it. If I sound a bit confusing let me know and I'll throw up a video of what I'm talking about. Otherwise I think you're fine (or we both have some defects?) :o :)
 
interesting. I was really surprised that the Canon technical support couldn't replicate the sounds, because it doesn't necessarily seem like a manufacturing error, but more like a design flaw/somewhat cheap plastic, as sebben says. I was more contacting them to get some assurance that all C100's were like that. Instead they recommended sending it back (which I really don't want to deal with).

Also, I agree that I probably wouldn't notice it much while shooting handheld properly with it (supporting the weight of the camera with my hand under the base). Even then, I still hear it from time to time during movements. It's just one of those things that doesn't affect the performance (except sometimes the handle mic picks it up), but detracts from the solid feel and handling aesthetic.
 
Tell the truth... You're popping bubble rap behind the camera! ;)

Serously that's bad. Mine has no creaking at all. I think having it replaced is the best solution.
 
Wow that's pretty serious! Mine doesn't do that either. That's one thing I love about my C100 is how solid it is. I remember picking up a FS100 by its "side handle" and was terrified by how much the grip flexed and creaked under the weight of just the camera, lens and battery, no other accessories.

I would guess you have a lemon, If B&H will exchange it for a new one then I'd definitely go that route.
 
It might just need the side handle replaced, exchange it since their willing to do it. Don't let it go and then break on you in the field.
 
I think I will exchange it at B&H. Though with the number of people on here that seem to also have a similar problem, it sounds like a crapshoot as to whether the next one will be better. I wonder if it's an issue tied to certain batch of cameras. I remember trying out a display unit from a while back that didn't have the issue (if I recall correctly). Oh well, I wish Canon would just let us send in the grip, rather than requiring the whole camera to go in to look at it.

Anyway, thanks everyone for the feedback! If other people are seeing this same issue, I'd love to hear when they bought it. Mine came in 8/27/13
 
Joncarr said:
It might just need the side handle replaced, exchange it since their willing to do it. Don't let it go and then break on you in the field.
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The collar ring attachment is secure, so nothing's going to come loose or break, but it is discomncerting when you lift the camera and feel - and hear - that slight slip - caused me to panic and grab the base several times... If Canon offers a general recall (which I doubt they will) I'll replace it, but until then my tape/shim fix works - I really don't want to be without the camera for a week, very busy right now...
 
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