HVX users beware

C

Cut2muz

Active member
On our most recent shoot we experienced a failure that we should all beware of who attach Firestores or focus monitors to the HVX handle. During a docile shoot, the handle broke at the rear where it screws into the main chassis. We were, after many attempts, able to epoxy the metal to the chassis and get some beefeer screws to attach the handle to the body at the front of the camera (the left plastic screw hole broke as well). The screws at that point are way to short to handle the torque and the metal at the rear of the handle mount is too thin to bear the weight of the Firestore and a monitor, which I learned very painfully. We are looking at some mods that will help this and a few other problems that we've encountered while shooting a full lenght feature doc. Love the camera and the support, but beware and be careful.

Don Wilson
AmericanaMediaInc.com
 
There's no way in hell I'd trust anything to that flimsy plastic handle. I use a Super Clamp to handle any attachments:

manfrottosuperclamp.jpg
 
I thought the handle was part of the magnesium alloy chassis of the camera? The actual metal framework broke off?
 
Can't post pictures at this point as I'd have to dis-assemble again and I'm deep into edit....but the handle is magnesium and screws onto the chassis just in front of the viewfinder with very small screws. It is obvious upon looking at it that it was never intended to bear much weight though Panasonic sells and endorses the Firestore and sells the camera mount and cradle for it. I'm going to order a replacment and will take pics then as well as I'll beef up the metal and mounting point.

Don Wilson
 
A month ago when I posted I couldn't believe that the handle broke so easily. But mine just did! My friend (HVX co-owner) was using the camera when it broke. The camera was being supported by the top handle on a bicycle mount. Did not fall or anything like that. I guess the shock is was too much for it to handle.

Moral of the story: do not use the top handle to support the camera on any type of mount...find a way to do it with the bottom tripod mount.

Cheers.
 
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