FS7: SmallHD 502 loose SDI issues

Taylor Rudd

Taylor Rudd

Veteran
this seems like the best forum as the 502 & FS7 were made for each other.

just sent off a second 502 monitor off to repair. most SDI connectors have some kind of stress relief built in, the most common being a nut on either side of the device's enclosure. it appears the 502 has no stress relief so any tension goes directly to the circuit board. if the solder point comes loose the signal cuts in and out.

to be clear, SmallHD's customer service is wonderful. they have been prompt & helpful every step of the way.

has anyone else had this experience with their 502? the most stress our monitors get is connecting/disconnecting the BNC connector. as you can see in the pictures, we use a very flexible spaghetti cable since it's used as a VF replacement with the sidefinder. IMG_6391.jpgIMG_6392.jpg
 
I am using the same setup but for my SDI cable, I am using a coiled one that has a right angle like yours. I haven't noticed any problems in my SDI connections yet but I also keep the coiled cable on 24/7 since it's very compact to throw in a bag. I also found it is much easier to remove the cables when the batteries are out. I always have a hard time reaching in there to access the lock with the batteries, putting unnecessary stress on the 502. Are they fixing it for you or just sending you new monitors?
 
so far it's a repair, not replacement. can't stress enough how easy it is to work with customer service.

my bigger concern is what happens when the warranty expires.
 
Thanks for the heads up - that's good to know about and be aware of since I've been considering a 502. It looks like you're powering via D-tap...are you using V-mount or AB batteries, or the Swit Sony style batts with the D-Tap? Do you find adding the 502 to be a lot of extra stuff to manage on the camera, or is it worth the extra effort?
 
David Kudell said:
Thanks for the heads up - that's good to know about and be aware of since I've been considering a 502. It looks like you're powering via D-tap...are you using V-mount or AB batteries, or the Swit Sony style batts with the D-Tap? Do you find adding the 502 to be a lot of extra stuff to manage on the camera, or is it worth the extra effort?
Click to expand...

AB batteries -> D Tap. It's not much extra effort, as we already need the XDCA extension for timecode, power distribution, and balance. The 502 is crucial since we have to shoot SLOG3 in Custom mode and need to use MLUTs for exposure/focus on the fly.
 
David Kudell said:
Thanks for the heads up - that's good to know about and be aware of since I've been considering a 502. It looks like you're powering via D-tap...are you using V-mount or AB batteries, or the Swit Sony style batts with the D-Tap? Do you find adding the 502 to be a lot of extra stuff to manage on the camera, or is it worth the extra effort?
Click to expand...

Gotta chime in here on two counts:

1) Independent LUTs in the VF are a godsend for the FS7.

2) Do have a close look/think at the dimensions and weight of the 502. I sized one up and was amazed by how large and heavy it is as a VF. Given how front heavy the fs7 can be at the best of times, there was no way I wanted that added up front. Instead I went with the gratical, and keep the stock LCD mounted at the back for times when I can't use the grat's VF positioning.

No one tool is the best for everyone, but I'm pretty sure the GHD is the best for me.

Cheers, j
 
jasonbrooks said:
Gotta chime in here on two counts:

1) Independent LUTs in the VF are a godsend for the FS7.

2) Do have a close look/think at the dimensions and weight of the 502. I sized one up and was amazed by how large and heavy it is as a VF. Given how front heavy the fs7 can be at the best of times, there was no way I wanted that added up front. Instead I went with the gratical, and keep the stock LCD mounted at the back for times when I can't use the grat's VF positioning.

No one tool is the best for everyone, but I'm pretty sure the GHD is the best for me.

Cheers, j
Click to expand...

I'll bet the Gratical has reinforced SDI ports, too. I'd definitely look into that as a one stop shop for just VF replacement. If you need both VF & LCD, 502 is hard to beat.
 
I've found the 502 to be a good monitor, very accurate and a useful workaround to the FS7's LUT gauntlet - but, in my opinion, the Sidefinder is not fit for purpose. My list of issues with it:

Too much distortion in the diopter
Too much "look around" - display has to be scaled down significantly to fit in the field of view that the rubber eye cup/diopter allows.
Cheap plastic finish - doesn't close properly. Compounded with a low quality free "upgrade" of 2 plastic clips to keep it closed - they work until you need to open the Sidefinder, at which point you realise they're facing the wrong way for an easy grip and release.
Fogging of the diopter - one of my biggest issues with the stock loupe. Unfortunately, not solved by the Sidefinder.
General overall feeling of poor quality - the 502 doesn't fit snugly and the Sidefinder frame lifts away from the 502 too easily.
Feels like a prototype - maybe the next generation will be better. I feel like I'm Beta testing it for them.

Ben.
 
My 502 SDI port broke when I bumped it slightly on a shoot. Was resolved kind of quickly by SmallHD though.

I think as a monitor its great, as a VF its not really ideal, but it certainly works when you need to shoot outdoors.
 
Interesting feedback on the loupe.

In the old days 5d2/loupe I drilled some holes to allow airflow inside to help stop temperature differencials which are a cause of fogging.

--

Not good to hear about the SDI issue.

IMO the 502 has the best electronics (in ANY monitor!) but I dont trust the physicality.. this has stopped me buying a second one and means that I make it a 'SOP' to take the onboard with me on jobs as a backup.

I think SmallHD new owners Vitec rushed the product to market.

S
 
Tv Logic 5.5' VFM-058 full HD is a very good on board.. latest firm ware up date gave it built in specific LUTs for Sony Slog and Arri LogC.. and a few others ..and a nice screw in screen safer comes with it..
 
Donny 123 said:
Tv Logic 5.5' VFM-058 full HD is a very good on board.. latest firm ware up date gave it built in specific LUTs for Sony Slog and Arri LogC.. and a few others ..and a nice screw in screen safer comes with it..
Click to expand...

good to know! Their 5.6" is one of the best tools I've used. Can you load in custom 3d LUTs?
 
TBH I dont know,I have a feeling you cant.. but the latest firmware built in LUTs cover most camera,s out there.. I know they have Sony Slog 1/2/3.. Arri LogC and Canon C log..pretty sure RED and BM but haven't used those.. they are just to get Log back to 709 for monitoring really.. one of the best features are 3 assign buttons, you can change each function within its own menu..ie you dont have to go into the main menu to re assign a function.. very handy..on a Zacuto arm really the best on board set up Ive found..
 
I gave up on my 502 and Sidefinder - nice picture, but I just couldn't see it lasting more than a few months. I managed to return it for a refund.

I think they really missed a trick with the design - earlier SmallHD stuff seemed so much better built.
 
bengiles said:
SmallHD stuff seemed so much better built.
Click to expand...

They have (AFAIK) been bought by Vitec who, IMO, take these little companies and re-engineer their products down to a price rather then producing functional products where price does not compromise functionality.

S
 
I had bought the 702 Bright...twice.
And twice, only one of the sony battery holder works. And since I have sony batteries, it seems like I only have half a monitor. I'm going to return it because I no longer trust their products.
 
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