-
EX3 Firmware Upgrade Available Now
FYI.
I had my EX3 in for repair and the tech did a firmware upgrade to correct the lens backfocus issue that sometimes rears it’s ugly.
If I owned another I would send it in before I found myself without a working lens.
This is covered under your warranty.That camera sat at Sony for a nearly a month before I got it back. Parts backordered and lots of cameras in line.
Seems there is quite a backlog of EX3’s in for repair.Things like people lifting the tripod by the camera handle and busting the bottom plate off. These are NOT cameras that can take a hit. The shoulder rest bends easily and my battery release compartment took a hit and broke the release mechanism.
I did not have it at the time so I am not sure how it occurred.Needless to say it’s not your $30,000 camera that can take a hit and survive.
Be careful out there.
Not b-tchin about the camera here, just passing on info.
Love the look of my camera. I really was not expecting a camera for under $10,000 to take wear and tear like the big boys.Now go and get that upgrade scheduled and be prepared for a wait.
My camera did in fact have the backfocus issue occur when it was rented out. It did correct itself sometime later.Paul Zwicker
ZwickFlicks LLC -
3 Replies
-
“Things like people lifting the tripod by the camera handle and busting the bottom plate off. These are NOT cameras that can take a hit. The shoulder rest bends easily and my battery release compartment took a hit and broke the release mechanism.”
When I left television (with its bulky, but durable ENG gear) and came to my current job shooting on Canon XL series cameras, that was the hardest thing to get used to: the durability just isn’t there. I found myself constantly tip-toeing around fragile connectors and plastic parts!
Being a bit of the “careful” sort, I find it frustrating when someone brings back the camera and “dunno why it won’t stay on the tripod”. Then I spend the day fabricating aluminum to replace torn-out tripod mount threads so the camera can fly out of state in two days! Granted, I like being paid to play with metal in my garage…but durable gear would be fantastic, too.
I consider the EX-1 and EX-3 (we have both) to be a pro cam in a prosumer chassis. I’m friends with the chief news videographer at the dominant local TV station, and he’s been using an EX-1 for ENG. It just isn’t what he’s used to for durability, ability to operate with gloves, and that sort of thing. Granted, it doesn’t cost $30k. No complaint about the price, so I suppose we waive the right to complain on the rest 🙂
For the person who’s more meticulous in the care of their equipment, I find the EX series fantastic. I wouldn’t mind being able to flash firmware upgrades myself, especially being in the geographical center of North America; that, combined with North Dakota’s rural configuration, make us several UPS days from everywhere!
Cf
-
I really liken our EX3s as laptops, not cameras.
Basically the same construction and weight,
and almost the same on the inside! 🙂Will Griffith
Producer -
I was really appalled by the tripod mount on the EX3 I posted about it a few months back.
I got this plate and Toe Piece for VCT-24 and VCT-U14:
https://www.vfgadgets.com/grip-camera/ex3-heavy-duty-base-plate-system
From Canada and it completely solves the problem, and now I use my old Sony VCT-24 base on my miller solo sticks.
I also made an additional side plate to hold wireless mikes, I will post a photo later.
Now the EX3 has a rugged feel and true quick snap-in for the fluid head.
After hauling BetaCams and DSR500 around for years I love these new lighter cams, and the quality of the footage is astounding.
Olof Ekbergh
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up