HPX170 Lens Wobble Improved

Segarza said:
If it were just the lens shifting and not the CCDs, there would be some distortion in the image... something like tilt-shift lens in still photography. There would also be some serious focus issues as well.
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exactly

I think we can begin to relax now: it seems a 'naive' issue more than a poor construction design. Perhaps the supplied foam blocks were simply slightly different from those that were used in the prototype: that's enough to have this issue in a shocked mounted lens.

But if I could read the official Panasonic position I could relax much more

:)

Gary
 
Has anyone tested for the wobble in a high wind? It stands to reason that windy conditions might trigger the issue even on a locked down tripod using remote controlled zoom and focus. This test would ideally be done with at least two cameras on identical tripods simultaneously; an HVX200 next to an HPX 170 would be quite interesting. My concern is that the fluctuations of wind might actually exaggerate the wobble.
 
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I haven't tested it, but I'm pretty sure it will be an issue. Wind hitting the lens hood will exert more force than a simple finger or nail tap on the focus ring.
 
It would be hard to tell from a heli, most of it, if not all, is pretty smooth... you can notice a little bit of shake in couple of shots... it'd be impossible to determine if it was the lens assembly or the whole camera rig... an objective test would be a camera locked down on a tripod in windy conditions and test the whole focal range.
 
Looks like the camera was overcranked as well, so it'd impossible to draw any conclusions from it.
 
Footage is sweet, but like I said can't draw any conclusions from it. Anyone have an industrial fan? :) Now there's a new benchmark for lens shockmounts the "Fan Factor" :)
 
Segarza said:
Anyone have an industrial fan? :) Now there's a new benchmark for lens shockmounts the "Fan Factor" :)
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Good idea! A powerful fan would be a good test being more controllable than wind.

Additionally I think we need to know about repeated gusts of wind; whether there might be an oscillating effect that amplifies the wobble under gusty conditions which could create some nasty surprises.
 
Don Montano said:
SHOULD I TAKE A CHANCE AND BUY HPX170 OR BUY THE HVX200A NEED ADVICE




Don Montano
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Dan,
I contemplated this question for a long time. Finally decided to go for the 200a due to the issues popping up with the HPX170. I have no doubt that the HPX will be an awesome camera, but in a real world environment I decided on the 200a, mainly because it has the same chipset.
 
If I would've known about the lens issue and the build quality of the cam, I would've gone for the HVX200A. Certainly would've missed the WFM, but I believe a proven and reliable camera would be better.

I own a couple of HVX200's which I plan to sell and get HVX200A's, I don't record on tape anymore. But the build on the HVX200 is much more robust.
 
Hi everyone,

I am finally back into the office and I have looked at the three serial numbered units that came in while I was out. I am not finding the issue on these so I had a thought.

Anyone that has the issue would you please send me your serial number in a Private Message along with the country of origin and your exact model number. Thinking there may be usefulness in knowing if there is any consistancy in the serial numbers or ...?

Thanks,

Jan
 
Jan,

Would it be possible for you to post a video showing what is considered not an issue with the camera?
I have the HPX171E. The lens moves further and certainly easier than the HVX200E. But I'm not sure its as drastic as the sample video shown on this thread.

Thanks,

Paul
 
If you look at the footage on this thread and your camera video has a wiggle when zoomed in and you go to focus, then you have an issue. The fact that the lens has a shock mount and you can move it a bit is not an issue. But having a little wiggle as you focus is.

Thanks,

Jan
 
Hmmm. When zoomed in the image moves slighty over to the right once I put my figures on the focus ring. Once my fingures are placed and the pressure is even then it seems fine. Is the "wiggle" in that first fingure placement?
 
Try to focus and then take it out of focus, then keeping your fingers on the lens, focus again. If the image moves side to side. First finger placment on the lens is you moving the camera. Keep your fingers on the lens, focus, rack out of focus, then focus again. If the image shifts on the second focus you have the issue. If not, be happy and go shoot something.

Thanks,

Jan
 
Jan, when will all the new units be defect free? I'd like to buy a camera but not one with this wobble issue. Is Panasonic going through all current inventory and checking this issue and is there a fix/change on the newly mfg. units?
 
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