Modify a 200

M

Mac

Well-known member
Okay, with the introduction of the 200a and the upcoming 170, my "B" camera, the HVX200, is soon-to-be obsolete and virtually worthless (I know, I could still probably get around 2 grand for it w/o cards, but that's worthless in my book).

The 200 still has it's uses, though, and would be even more useful it was hot-rodded...

What I want to do is remove the viewfinder, solder in a secured 10 inch shielded cable to keep it functional, and mount it on something like a Noga arm (which I have a bunch of), thereby making it possible to sit back on my shoulder, or slide down into tight places.

I know, it sounds nuts, but I think it will work - people used to do this sort of thing with film cameras for years... and removing the finder is pretty simple because it's hinged.

Anyone know a good electronic tinkerer who might be interested in tackling the cable part of the job?
 
I also don't understand your "worthless" statement. Regardless of what model it is (A or whatever), its still the same killer camera that it was when it was released. You wouldn't say that a 2007 car is worthless just because the 2008 models have come out. As far as being obsolete, the A model, while it has a few nice upgrades, is still the same camera. Theres no way you could consider the HVX obsolete.
 
Some people do have to have the latest and greatest to feel cool. You see it with cell phones and such. Shoot, people are still buying the DVX for gosh darn sake.. lol
 
The 200 is discontinued, but some places still have unsold stock. I recently sold mine for $3400 on eBay with no P2 cards, or extras aside from what it shipped with. I've seen other simiar deals go a fair bit higher recently.

I bought a 200a BTW...
 
Mac said:
Okay, with the introduction of the 200a and the upcoming 170, my "B" camera, the HVX200, is soon-to-be obsolete and virtually worthless (I know, I could still probably get around 2 grand for it w/o cards, but that's worthless in my book).

The 200 still has it's uses, though, and would be even more useful it was hot-rodded...

What I want to do is remove the viewfinder, solder in a secured 10 inch shielded cable to keep it functional, and mount it on something like a Noga arm (which I have a bunch of), thereby making it possible to sit back on my shoulder, or slide down into tight places.

I know, it sounds nuts, but I think it will work - people used to do this sort of thing with film cameras for years... and removing the finder is pretty simple because it's hinged.

Anyone know a good electronic tinkerer who might be interested in tackling the cable part of the job?
Click to expand...

I agree with everyone else here is saying it's far from worthless. That said, I was also concidering doing what you propose here. I've looked into the subject and have yet to see anyone do it. If you do it keep us all posted.
 
Mac said:
Okay, with the introduction of the 200a and the upcoming 170, my "B" camera, the HVX200, is soon-to-be obsolete and virtually worthless (I know, I could still probably get around 2 grand for it w/o cards, but that's worthless in my book).

The 200 still has it's uses, though, and would be even more useful it was hot-rodded...

What I want to do is remove the viewfinder, solder in a secured 10 inch shielded cable to keep it functional, and mount it on something like a Noga arm (which I have a bunch of), thereby making it possible to sit back on my shoulder, or slide down into tight places.

I know, it sounds nuts, but I think it will work - people used to do this sort of thing with film cameras for years... and removing the finder is pretty simple because it's hinged.

Anyone know a good electronic tinkerer who might be interested in tackling the cable part of the job?
Click to expand...

You would probably do well to just get A) Component Splitter (10.00) and B ) A Marshall 4" LCD, then finally C) A noga arm.

That'll take care of the problems you're thinking of... I think? Either way I wouldn't hack up an HVX200 just for the sake of.
 
i have to agree with mac... now that the 200A is out, the 200 is absolutely worthless. just send it to me... i'll make sure it's properly disposed of. i'll PM you my mailing address...

:thumbdown
 
I'm 100% in support of you chopping apart your HVX because experiments benefit the community. And, it looks like the majority of mods made to the HVX200 will apply to its younger brothers and sisters. Take lots of pictures! There are tons of mods (viewfinder extender, additional audio in, etc.) that have been slow-going because of cost, and I think we will see some increased hobbyist tinkering as the threat of $5,000 mistakes turns into $2,000 mistakes.

I'm the type with a modded old-school xbox, an Atari 800, and a Commodore 64, though.

Maybe in 10 years I'll program an HVX camera controller in Atari Basic.
 
Mac said:
Okay, with the introduction of the 200a and the upcoming 170, my "B" camera, the HVX200, is soon-to-be obsolete and virtually worthless
Click to expand...

Nah. Remember, DVX100s are still being made and are selling well. Professional gear has a much longer life than consumer. The replacement cycle is far longer.

HVXs will be popular for a good long while.
 
Don't get all bent about this - by "worthless" I mean the resale value isn't enough to make me worry about "trashing" it... I have an HPX500 and the 200 is my B camera... And I don't intend to buy a 200a, although I will probably get a 170 as soon as it's available...

The suggestion to use a monitor is ludicrous... I have several monitors (a Marshall - and a SWIT that I use with the Red Rock)... I am talking here about making the camera MORE hand-holdable, not less so...

I make documentaries and when I have to use the 200 I am always bothered by it's "handycam" design... I have an excellent shoulder brace that I built, but that size increase sort of obviates the reason to chose the 200 over the 500 in a given situation.

Ten or more years ago Sony made a camera called the DSR200. It was light and very low profile (so you could see over it with it on your shoulder).. It had a not-so-good lens and the nose mike wasn't removable, but other than that it was ergonomically superior to anything that's come along since - with the possible exception of the JVC, but we're not considering HDV here...

My idea is to replicate the ease of use of that camera with a great little camera that is "worthless" only in the sense that I'm not worried about ruining it's resale value by doing the modification...

I hope that smoothes some feathers...
 
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