• Cinematography

  Camera hour usage

  Posted by John Shand on September 23, 2009 at 8:11 pm

  Hi im looking to buy a certain 2nd hand camera, but it says the meter readings are ‘OPERATION 39 X 10H DRUM RUN 17 X 10H TAPE RUN 13 X 10H THREADING 42 X 10’
  What does this actually mean, is this good for a used camera?
  Thanks

  John Cummings replied 16 years, 7 months ago 2 Members · 1 Reply
• 1 Reply

• 

  John Cummings

  September 24, 2009 at 12:01 am

  It’s easy math…just multiply the numbers: 39X10=390 hours.

  I would call that a pretty low-hour camera.

  Some cameras, like a betacam, could need major work (like drums or heads) as soon as 1500 hours. Other cameras, like a Panasonic DVCPro, have been known to make it to 4-5000 hours before needing the same work. Of course, those numbers assume regular maintenance and check ups.

  As always, your mileage will vary.

  J Cummings
  Cameralogic/Chicago
  cameralogic.tv
  HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50

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