FS7: garbke/streak on display

J

jpham

Well-known member
Turn on my FS7 today - and the bottom of the screen garble up
also some menu items on the screen also garble up with streak on some menu
power cycle - and still the same problem.
If I switch to video mode only - it shows perfectly - switch back
to regular menu mode and the problem return. So it is not the LCD
record some sample and the video is nice and clean.

Any suggestion ?
 
If you turn on the (superimposed) output display, do the problems show up on an external monitor as well?
When you did your power cycle did you remove all power for a while?
Did you do a Reset All?
Do any of the VF overlays work properly? (Marker / zebras / etc)
Definitely take a picture of the problem(s). Could be helpful for Service - assuming you will need to send it in.
 
I did perform system all reset - still the same problem
remove battery overnight, still the same problem

SJX_0617.jpg

attach an external monitor - SDI - nice clean output
how do I put the menu on the external monitor ?
 
Last edited:
Try:
Menu | Video | Output Display

I believe SDI1 output is always clean, but you can select here whether to turn on display overlay/ menus for SDI2 and/or HDMI outputs...

My guess is that if you see the same problem when outputting the overlay to a monitor then there is a problem in the overlay circuitry.
On the other hand, if the overlays are clean when output my guess is that the problem's on the viewfinder side of the electronics. (In which case the first thing to test would be a different viewfinder...)
 
ok - put the external sdi monitor on SDI2
output look clean and sharp
SDI1 - is just video is clean and sharp

viewfinder - if I enter configuration menu - it looks clean - only time it garble
is when going back to video + overlay

so where can I find another viewfinder to try it out ?
 
jpham said:
so where can I find another viewfinder to try it out ?
Click to expand...

Where abouts in the world are you? There's plenty of kind folks here on this forum who know themselves what a PITA solo-troubleshooting can be. If you happen to be in the UK and near London, then I think I could find the time to come meet you in town with my VF if useful.

Otherwise, some larger video store with demo models would probably allow you to bring in your body and plug-in to one of their VFs. I'm thinking CVP/B&H/ProAV sized stores. (Edit: or any rental place actually...)

-jason
 
I'm in N.Cal - SF Bay Area. Not sure any store around has the FS7, already
try unplug replug video cable and blowing air at the cable connector.
 
Problem disappear over night - after I put the camera and VF in a box with silica gel / moisture remover
so the FS7 is not that weather proof like some mentioned.
 
Good news and interesting. Was it exposed to moisture previously?

Plenty of us FS7 owners in SF Bay area as well as in rental houses like VideoFax, Chater, Mag Image, Clean Slate and more. In fact quite of few on this forum I'll guess. If the problem recurs and you need to try another VF ask for help. What's your real name and location - always good to know where another camera is.

Lenny Levy
 
I was filming kite surfing in santa cruz - there was some moisture condensation after hours of shooting
I did wipe the camera dry before putting back into the pelican case (with big pack of silica )
but I guess my big tub (at home) with lbs of silica suck more moisture :) I have to bring that tub
next time I'm out shooting at the beach.
 
jpham said:
I was filming kite surfing in santa cruz - there was some moisture condensation after hours of shooting
I did wipe the camera dry before putting back into the pelican case (with big pack of silica )
but I guess my big tub (at home) with lbs of silica suck more moisture :) I have to bring that tub
next time I'm out shooting at the beach.
Click to expand...

When my FS7 had to be repaired I spoke with the engineer making the repair to see if I could wait while it was fixed. He explained that the FS7 internally is extremely well weatherproofed as each module sits in its own gasketed enclosure within the main body. Taking an FS7 apart does a lot of damage and all the gasket has to be replaced and glued every time it's opened up which is why they can't do a quick fix as the glue has to go off.

From what the engineer said makes me think the culprit is likely to be the VF itself rather than the FS7.

A roll of cling film in the camera bag can come in handy, I'd certainly recommend wrapping the VF and the sides of the FS7 (leaving the air vent free) while filming in the moist salty atmosphere of a windy beach. Salt damage can creep up on you.
 
cling film as in Saran Wrap ?
I was thinking of going to Tap Plastic and getting some clear sheet cutting and clamp to the side of the FS7
as I notice the moisture is where the wind hit, however the VF is on the opposite side
 
jpham said:
cling film as in Saran Wrap ?
I was thinking of going to Tap Plastic and getting some clear sheet cutting and clamp to the side of the FS7
as I notice the moisture is where the wind hit, however the VF is on the opposite side
Click to expand...

I had to google Saran wrap, yep that's what a limey calls cling film which has kept our sandwiches fresh and our cameras free from moisture for decades.
 
Nirv said:
I had to google Saran wrap, yep that's what a limey calls cling film which has kept our sandwiches fresh and our cameras free from moisture for decades.
Click to expand...

Seeing as we Yanks invented it, we get to name it!

from Wiki:

"The word "Saran" was coined by a combination of [ DOW Chemical employee ] John Reilly's wife's and daughter's names, Sarah and Ann Reilly."


________________

As far as the Fs7's ability to handle moisture, my Fs7 and its stock VF spent many days in a swampy, insanely humid environment here in Louisiana with no ill effect. So maybe it is spray that is an issue. I have had my Fs7 working in rain / wind, but I used a Portra Brace camera cover to protect it.

You spent over $8k on a camera. Spend another $180 to protect it. And if you can't come up with the $180, make a rain cover / spray cover out of a garbage bag and some paper tape.

Not trying to sound like a jerk. I am sure now that you have hindsight you will take precaution in the future. Live and learn. Fortunately it wasn't a very expensive lesson for you and only a close call.

Sand & surf is brutal on cameras and lenses. The worst. Salt water. Windborn grains of sand. Sea-spray.
 
btw, I love that you garbled the spelling of "garble".

Intentional or unintentional, thats 'effin brilliant.
 
JPNola said:
Seeing as we Yanks invented it, we get to name it!

from Wiki:

"The word "Saran" was coined by a combination of [ DOW Chemical employee ] John Reilly's wife's and daughter's names, Sarah and Ann Reilly."
Click to expand...

That's what I love about this place, it's an education.

We invented the sandwich in the 18th century, it's just a shame it took your blokes so long to come up with a way to keep the delicious and convenient snack fresh.
 
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