HPX170 Lens Wobble Improved

I'll have an epic book published soon entitled "HPX170 Show Stopper". I will feature the entire thread on this subject and will included commentary from your favorite professionals. It's filled with mystery, drama, suspense and of course many laughs. It will be included alongside Barry's "HVX Bootcamp" with a purchase of a HPX170. Don't miss out! I'm currently taking reservations at this time!
 
Luis Caffesse said:
I feel your frustration, but I suppose it was unrealistic to expect them to cover shipping.
I only wish they had more repair centers. Last time I sent my HVX200 in it cost me over $100
(seeing as I insured it as well, which I think is probably the prudent thing to do).

If that's the case, I may hold off on sending mine in.
Too many other unexpected expenses already this month.
Click to expand...

Same thing with me.

Sending the cam insured to the East Coast even with two day delivery is going run more than $125.00

It's kinda of frustrating.

I'm not dissing Panasonic, but I wish it would take Apple's lead in providing a box and shipping overnight both ways if it is a warranty claim.
 
David S. said:
...Sending the cam insured...more than $125.00... I'm not dissing Panasonic, but I wish it would take Apple's lead in providing a box and shipping overnight both ways if it is a warranty claim.
Click to expand...

100% agreed. As other top quality service oriented companies do in such situations, Panasonic should provide pre-paid RMA shipping labels as soon as they have a solution.

When Jan put out her request for serial numbers, I responded with the suggestion that Panasonic do exactly that, and that many of their loyal customers are likely to remain loyal if they do the Right Thing here.

This would be fair given that we received cameras which came with a factory defect. I am accepting of problems in a first generation device as long as the vendor acts responsibly and does not expect the customer to eat the cost of shipping back a factory defect.

As we all know it is very expensive to ship with insurance these days; if Panasonic receives an adequate number of requests they may well cover the cost. Of course they would rather not- and they won't if we don't ask...
 
I agree. It's hard enough to have the cam out of service.

I was surprised at shipping costs coast to coast just for a fedex letter. And that's without insurance and at 10 ounces.
 
So what is the status of this problem thus far? I need to order the camera soon for a project, but have been keeping it on hold because of this thread.
 
The status can be determined by reading the last few pages of this thread.

As far as I know, Jan C. is awaiting some directive from Panasonic.

Specialized Communications has a fix and apparently Panasonic has approved it.
 
count me in the crowd that wants to hear panasonic say they will remedy this and cover shipping, at least back to owners.

and did i mention ready to hear something soon? it's been over a week since we've had any word from jan on the issue.
 
I sent my 170 to Spec Comm from Portland,OR last week via FedEx 2 day. $130 one way. Yes I insured it for the $5200. The shipping and the repair should total about $345.

I'm not happy about it but I have a feeling Panasonic will make it right- actually I have a lot of faith in Jan. I do think that Panasonic should reimburse/fix this first round of buyers.

I'm excited to actually use the camera. My real regret is not buying from Spec Comm, they have been great to work with on this. Thank you !
 
BIG Rep + to Spec-Comm and Andrew! Pre-installed Fix on my Camera. She arrives within a few days.

As always, DVXuser Sponsors are really the way to go with major purchases.
 
I have the HPX170 with the Cinemek G35 and have no problems. But I am also using a REAL Lens Support system and bottom plate, not these cheesy DV camera supports. If you want to use REAL Cinema Lenses you need to get a REAL lens support. These cameras aren't made for all this weight.
 
filmer, I don't think you quite grasp the issue people are talking about.
Many 170's display an issue on their own without even putting an adapter on the camera.
You should look at some of the sample clips that have been uploaded.
 
Hi Luis,

Not all of the cameras have the problem. I have three in my custody that do not exhibit this behavior.

As far as shipping, we will ship back to the customer in the same mode that it comes in by, so UPS Red, it returns UPS Red.

As far as Panasonic approving the Spec Comm mod, we are only acknowledging it but have not endorsed that as the warranty service. The factory is still studying the situation. Hopefully it shouldn't be too much longer now.

Thanks,

Jan
 
Thanks for the update Jan.

How much longer do you anticipate?

and will there be a West Coast as well as an East Coast repair?
 
Hi everyone, I have been reading DVXuser for the past couple months now as I debated between the HVX/HPX170 and the EX1. Despite reading this thread, I went ahead and got the HPX170 last week on a bit of a gamble. I have only had it for a few days, but here are my impressions:

-First off, this is a GREAT camera, no doubt about it. This is only a MINOR issue for me and I still love the 170 so far.

-If I grab the focus ring like I did on the DVX's and HVX's I've used, which is at about 9 and 3 o'clock, and twist quickly as if I was shooting run'n'gun, I notice the SLIGHTEST bit of play. Very small.

-If I grab it by the lens hood and flex it side to side like people are doing here, there is about 1mm of play either way.

-When I tweak the lens hood to the camera's right side, there is a very loud hollow click near the line/mic switches.

-When shooting handheld it is not apparent or not if lens wobble is a problem, due to the nature of the shooting style.

-Locked down on my 501HDV head and 351MVB legs, at full tele, there is a very noticable shift in the image if I grab the lens hood and tweak it side to side. At full tele, if I grab the focus ring like I normally would and rack focus quickly, there is a slight shift in the image, but at full tele I probably am shaking the camera a bit anyway. However, if I carefully twist the focus in a smooth rack, there is no apparent shift in the image.

Curious to see what Panasonic comes up with as a fix.

-Kyle
 
Still distressed that Panasonic does not appear to be interested in paying for shipping to and from the place of repair.

I will return my camera for a full refund if I am not made whole.
I spent 5k on a working camera with $55.00 shipping already. I do not intend to eat more shipping.
I love panasonic.
I love this site.
I love Barry and Jan.

Paying shipping again to make this failed camera into a working model will make me feel like a sucker. I have sold a ton of these cameras for panasonic with my recommendations to my local film community and my referals to AVS.

Please panasonic-do not make me regret my enthusiasm.
 
I have to agree... this should not be a warranty issue. It is a lemon. I too love Pana, just look below my user name. The camera is still an insane piece of equipment... and things like this are understandable, they happen. Hope it get's resolved the way it should.

Atlfilmguy, I would otherwise just return my camera for a full refund and buy an other.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top