HDW-F900 Video noise at -3db gain

Mike Krumlauf

Award Winning Filmmaker
First time in my life i've dealt with a camera giving me subtle video noise at -3db.. This is both from HD SDI back when I had the HDCA 901 box and my current HD Component to HD SDI configuration. Ive tried mutiple gamma curves, cables, contact cleaners, you name it... i know the F900 is an older camera but even the varicam i felt had a cleaner signal and the things ive seen done on the F900 are much cleaner than what i am getting (think once upon a time in mexico). Is there just something im missing or am i just being too anal for an older camera. Mind you also that the first 900 i got i returned and bought a mint condition F900/3 which ive heard has a better signal to noise ratio, etc. I've cleaned all the BNC connectors with contact cleaner and microbrushes as well which by the way, all the BNC connectors on the F900 turned the brushes pitch black, it was gross.
 
I'm going to grab some more microbrushes and a stronger contact cleaner today and see what happens. I know analog signals can be a bit of a ***** but im sure i just need to put in a little more TLC and i should be fine. ill keep you guys posted. I know its not the camera... back when i had a VF for the camera that connected into the VF port, the signal was clean.
 
Update: After cleaning the entire component connector board and ribbon cable, i was able to get rid of most of my problem, but it still seems its there ever so slightly lingering in underexposed areas. Ive uploaded a small clip for you to see but idk how well the noise will show given its youtube. Is this just how the F900/3 was? Let me know what you think. Thanks

 
Update: After cleaning the entire component connector board and ribbon cable, i was able to get rid of most of my problem, but it still seems its there ever so slightly lingering in underexposed areas. Ive uploaded a small clip for you to see but idk how well the noise will show given its youtube. Is this just how the F900/3 was? Let me know what you think. Thanks


Do you need to Black Balance?
 
Update: It seems I have fixed my problem. The BNC connectors just needed to be cleaned really well and polished. The image is clean :)
 
Back
Top