Zacuto Lifetime Warranty

Arrik

Arrik

Well-known member
My problem:
Hi Steve,

My name is Mike Hechanova, Arrik on DVXuser. I am currently shooting a feature in CT and my z-american arm, which I've owned for a few months now (with no problems) seems to have a threading issue. I've been using a Nebtek NEB70HD monitor with the Panasonic Lithium ion battery upgrade. This puts the payload at about a little over 3lbs. The z-american has been great, but the last two or three shoots I notice the Nebtek monitor slips (even with a bend in the z-american position). To remedy this I would simply tighten the arm til slipping wasnt an issue. I would also lean the nebtek against a part of the camera to help take the weight off the z-american. But now, the z-american arm seems to have stripped because when I turn the knob it is not smooth. The arm also doesnt loosen when the knob is loosened. I have to fiddle with it. I can still get it to be somewhat rigid if I tighten hard enough but I know that shouldnt be normal.

I know the z-american should have no problems with a 3lb payload. Would I be covered in the warranty for a replacement or do you consider my actions negligent? To clarify, I currently have the old silver z-american arm.

Either way, you guys have been great. Thanks for the help.

-Mike Hechanova
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Steve's resolution:
Mike,

Doesn't even matter to me if it is negligent. My warranty covers negligence. I want your Zacuto experience to be amazing.
Send me the arm with a this email in the package and I'll send you a new Zamerican arm. It should be able to hold much much more then 3 pounds with no slipping.
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Try getting that response from most any manufacturer.
 
That's aweome.
I actually just sent them a mail asking if the z-american arm would hold up with a NEB70HD monitor with a panasonic battery attached to it.
So thanks for your post, puts my mind at ease when buying the z-american arm :)

thanks!
 
Smettli said:
That's aweome.
I actually just sent them a mail asking if the z-american arm would hold up with a NEB70HD monitor with a panasonic battery attached to it.
So thanks for your post, puts my mind at ease when buying the z-american arm :)

thanks!
Click to expand...

As the self-proclaimed biggest Zacuto fan (ask Steve... it's official!), I can guaruntee that the Z-american will indeed hold up a Nebtek70HD

Check out this picture of a large Zamerican arm holding up your very monitor!
(Picture Link)
 
Nice! Thanks for the picture :)
I do a lot of handheld work including running around with my rig, you think
it will stay in place even then?
 
Yeah.
For handheld you're going to use the Zamerican arm with a Z-mount on the rod for the Z-grips. (I know lots of Z words! You get used to it after a while).

You'll be absolutely fine! Might want to consider a battery plate from them though... that way everything is balanced.
 
Smettli said:
Nice! Thanks for the picture :)
I do a lot of handheld work including running around with my rig, you think
it will stay in place even then?
Click to expand...

It can hold a NEB70HD w/ lithium ion batt attached no problem. Can it slip? yes. If you're running around with the rig or if you have to tilt the rig up/down (extremely so the bend is no longer below or above the monitor) it MAY slip. It may not. It really depends of the force of the bumps/bounces and the angles at which they occur.

I usually have the bottom corner of the monitor (side closest to the cam) leaned on my flip module whenever I go handheld. That way no matter what I do, it aint going anywhere. I recently hopped off a stage to catch another shot, and the arm didnt slip at all.

So yeah, accept that it can slip, and get a feel for its limits. This will prevent overtightening in an attempt to get more out of the arm than realistically possible. The NEB70HD isnt exactly lightweight. Though, with the backing these guys give on their products, I guess you could push the envelope :)
 
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