What to do with a DVX100 with possible back focus problem?

Johnnyfive

Johnnyfive

Well-known member
Hello All,

I have a DVX100 that's done its fair share of work, I'm thinking of selling it but don't know if its worth selling or if anyone would buy and for how much. It works great in all aspects, but it has a strange issue (possible back focus) that might be easily fixed or not.

Now here's the problem:

In MF or AF
I zoom in to Z99,
make a sharp focus for a distant object at for example MF89,
then zoom out again to Z00,
everything is out of focus,
Now if I want everything in focus at Z00 I have to refocus to anything between MF20-MF24 which is in the MACRO range.

Not sure how this problem arose. If it is back focus, Iv'e heard dropping, humidty, temperature might be the cause. But I haven't dropped it, might be humidity/temp.

Is this a back focus issue and is it easily/cheaply fixed?
How much could I sell this camera as is?
Should I not even bother selling it?

Thanks very much for your input.
 
Of course! doh! That worked like a charm! Thank you very much! I never thought that reseting the camera would fix this. I was sure it was a mechanical issue.
 
Hi there,

I too have back-focus problems with my DVX100ae camera. For example, if I zoom in to focus on at object at MF60 and then zoom out the object is out of focus. In order to get the object back in focus, I usually have to take the focus to around MF90-99 when I'm fully zoomed out.

I've tried resetting the camera but it hasn't helped so I fear I need to send my camera in for a service.

Roughly what sort of price should I expect to pay to have the back-focus re-aligned? Are we talking in the region of £100, £500 or £1000 here in London?

Many thanks,
Jack
 
Hello!

Many I ask if anyone knows roughly what sort of price should I expect to pay to have the back-focus re-aligned on a DVX100a? (I'm based in London)

I don't suppose there's a way for users to attempt to fix back-focus on a DVX100ae? (I've tried resetting the camera but that didn't help)

Many thanks,
Jack
 
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So... I sent my DVX100AE off to have its back-focus issues checked by Panasonic. I thought I'd post about my experiences in case it's of any help to other folks who are considering sending their DVX100AE off to be checked.

First, I searched the Panasonic UK website for the phone number for repairs. I called the number which automatically directs you to the nearest dealer. I told the lady at the end of the phone which model camera I have and she said "OK, send it". So I did. The next day I receive a phone call saying that the place I sent it to only deals with consumer cameras and the AG-DVX100AE counts as a "pro" camera so I have to send it to Panasonic proper. The lady I dealt with was very friendly but she didn't refund my postage expenses and I had to arrange for a courier to collect the camera from the dealer to take to Panasonic (even though the lady I spoke to when I originally phoned the dealer took the model number of my camera and didn't flag up any problems).

So... a few days after sending the camera to Panasonic, I get an email saying they can't replicate the back-focus problem at all and that the camera is behaving perfectly. So I go through some of my rushes to find bits of video which clearly demonstrate the back-focus problem and I send this video to Panasonic. They receive the video but they're absolutely certain they can't replicate the problem.

At this point Panasonic give me two options: either I pay £104.26 to cover the cost of having the camera checked or I pay £989.69 to have the entire lens unit replaced. I go for the cheaper option. (At the time of writing, I've just paid so it'll take a good few days before I get the camera back).

So, some words of advice for others who are thinking of sending off their AG-DVX100AE Panasonic camera:

1) Send it to Panasonic UK Ltd! Always quote the full model number (e.g. "AG-DVX100AE" rather than just "DVX100a") to minimise the chances of miscommunication.
2) Send a DVD which clearly illustrates the problem

As I understand it, there are three possible outcomes if you send a DVX100AE off to have its backfocus fixed:

a) If Panasonic check the camera but you then decline to have any repairs done then you'll be charged £104.26 (inc VAT) (plus to cost of posting the camera to them, of course)

b) If the hardware is fine but it needs recalibrating then the cost will be "several hundred" which I take to mean about £200-300.

c) If the entire lens unit needs to be replaced then you'll be looking at a cost of £986.69 inc VAT.
 
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