FS-100 extended battery disaster, be warned!

Abaddon

Abaddon

Well-known member
So, I had a friend shoot a wedding today with my HVX AND FS-100. He used the extended life battery on the FS and the belt clip didn't fit properly. So of course while shooting, the drive dropped off the clip and yanked the hell out of the cable and destroyed the firewire port.

Check it out:

IMG_2445.jpg
IMG_2446.jpg


So be warned guys. Avoid using the belt clip, ESPECIALLY with the extended battery.

Now I have to figure out how the hell I'm gonna get this thing fixed. Suggestions are welcomed.
 
No probs here

No probs here

Ive been shooting with the FS100 and the large battery for several months now in intensive documentary situations and I have experienced none of the problems you describe. (insert wood knocking sound here) Although ,I have had minor firewire yanks here and there caused by snagging firewire mishaps. Umbilicals are accidents waiting to happen. Gotsta be careful.

Looks like a tripback to Pany and several c-notes are in order.:crybaby:
 
We'll take good care of you Abaddon. I think that we even keep that part in stock.

Just fill out the repair order form.

And follow the shipping instuctions, and you'll have it back before you know it! We'll make sure that the firmware is up-to-date and see if everything else checks out ok.

Best regards,

Andrew Hoffman
Senior Operations Manager
Specialized Communications Corp.
20940 Twin Springs Dr.
Smithsburg, MD 21783-1510 USA
800-359-1858
301-790-0103
Fax: 301-790-0173
andrewh@spec-comm.com
www.spec-comm.com

Please visit our new online store at ( http://www.spec-comm.com/store ). New products being added daily!
 
after a good day of shooting with my firestire the screw will come a little loose. thats about the only issue i've had and i use the extended battery.
 
Always always always secure the cable to a mechanically sound part of the camera (like the handle). A velcro strip would have saved you lots of trouble, a broken port, some money and the embarrassment in front of all the goofs at that wedding.
 
Spec-Comm said:
We'll take good care of you Abaddon. I think that we even keep that part in stock.
Click to expand...

Andrew, I don't know that I have told you this week , I know I did last week, but you guys are so cool!

Best,

Jan
 
Is this something that a warranty would handle or will I have to shell out cash?

I hope the cost won't kill me.
 
I don't believe this is a warranty issue.

It was an accident, and that in all probability takes it out of warranty.

Like dropping you can and breaking something.

However, might take it up with Panasonic.
 
It just amazes me that Panasonic would build such a weak port. There are a million ways to make one that's totally safe and solid.
 
David S. said:
I don't believe this is a warranty issue.

It was an accident, and that in all probability takes it out of warranty.

Like dropping you can and breaking something.

However, might take it up with Panasonic.
Click to expand...

You will most likely have to dish out cash. Almost all warranties NEVER cover physical damage. They will cover defects or user usage (in some cases), but I have yet to see a a warranty that will actually cover physical damage.
 
Abaddon said:
It just amazes me that Panasonic would build such a weak port. There are a million ways to make one that's totally safe and solid.
Click to expand...
The lame port design is actually Sony's fault, they apparently dreamed it up in a Sake-induced fog without blessing from the IEEE 1394 steering commitee and called it iLink. It has become a de-facto standard on consumer video gear because Sony popularized the DV camera, and unfortunately is has also found its way into products that really ought to use the more robust 6-pin connector.

There is only so much physical strength you can get from such a small piece of metal...
 
I read today that we should use a "right angle firewire cable", loop it around the handle and secure it with a cable tie also.

Seems like a good idea...I will be doing it!
 
Thanks Jan!

We live for these kinds of things. And your passion for the HVX200 has rubbed off on us I think. :)

Best regards,

Andrew Hoffman

Jan_Crittenden said:
Andrew, I don't know that I have told you this week , I know I did last week, but you guys are so cool!

Best,

Jan
Click to expand...
 
The irony of course is that the high-end sony cameras all use a 6-pin firewire port. Something for the Hvx-200a?
 
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