F3: Replace F3 LCD with pmw200 LCD. Can I do that?

N

nomana

Active member
Hi guys,
I saw the sony pmw 200 LCD once and it looks better and has wider viewing angle compared to my ex1r and f3.
and now my ex1r LCD turns bad and I plan to buy replacement part.

1. Is F3 LCD the same as in ex1r?
2. Can i use ex1 LCD for ex1r? (they look same in service manual but ex1 LCD is $300 cheaper!)
3. Can i use pmw200 LCD for ex1r? (I don't have pmw200 service manual)
4. Can i use pmw200 LCD for F3 ?

I really hope that these LCDs share same design and compatible across the cameras.

please advice.
 
I would look at the service manual to try and determine the LCD internal connection method for both, and how many connections is actually is.

For instance, it they are both flat ribbon connectors with 44 conductors in the ribbon, then I'd say there's a chance of compatibility.

My guess is if they are different enough to look different on their face, they are likely not compatible in their outside connections and how they are driven.

On top of that, I doubt you can return parts if you are wrong. Kinda an expensive gamble.
 
Where can I find pmw200 service manual?
Could not see it on the Sony site where I found F3 service manual.
 
Last edited:
nomana said:
Hi guys,
I saw the sony pmw 200 LCD once and it looks better and has wider viewing angle compared to my ex1r and f3.
and now my ex1r LCD turns bad and I plan to buy replacement part.

1. Is F3 LCD the same as in ex1r?
2. Can i use ex1 LCD for ex1r? (they look same in service manual but ex1 LCD is $300 cheaper!)
3. Can i use pmw200 LCD for ex1r? (I don't have pmw200 service manual)
4. Can i use pmw200 LCD for F3 ?

I really hope that these LCDs share same design and compatible across the cameras.

please advice.
Click to expand...

If you want my opinion, you're wasting your time even thinking about it. I have an F3, PMW-200, and EX1 and any differences between the LCD screens is insignificant. Instead of wasting money on a screen that will only barely be better, spend that money on a Zacuto EVF. It changes the whole camera when you have a decent viewfinder, and the Zacuto can easily be moved from camera to camera as needed. One of the best camera accessories I ever bought and I don't leave home without it.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/755493-REG/Zacuto_Z_FIND_EVFP_Z_Finder_EVF_Pro_3_2.html

Doug
http://www.vortexmedia.com/DVD_F3.html
 
Thanks for advice Doug.
Zacuto is nice solution, I agree.
EX1 is used 50% of my works and the best thing about it is no brainer. Just the camera, mic, battery, no others accessories. Just suit my work condition.
 
Sony service manuals seem difficult or impossible to come by during the first year a given camera/deck is on the market. Best as I can tell, since essentially 100% of units are covered by warranty repair that first year Sony doesn't like giving the competition detailed diagrams on the equipment.

During that period the number of parts available on the Sony parts site may also be limited.
 
I'm using the Zacuto finder and I don't find HDMI all that terrible. I'm really not experiencing loss of signal or anything else significant. For the money, it does the job. The biggest pain is needing to deal with yet another set of batteries and charger. F5/55 will so excel in having viewfinder that runs from camera power.

I would probably go with Alphatron today since it is SDI but when I bought the Zacuto, only HDMI devices were available.

Ned
 
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