More stuttering zoom stories….

[Craig Seeman]

[Michael Pruitt-Bruun] “Craig, I was specifically told by the tech in Teaneck that they would not address any failure of the “button” zoom. How does that indicate that i’m defeating myself? I appreciate what you’re saying, and your taking the time to say it. But the game has changed since you dealt with this problem. “

You ask to speak someone above him in the chain. He’s only a tech. Try to contact Juan Martinez. Unless Sony issues a service support statement (and they used to when I was a chef engineer) there’s no reason to take an informal statement as an official position. Being one of those well intentioned failable humans he may well be misinterpreting an instruction.

Simply put, either Sony gives you a printed policy position or you have every right to assume you will be serviced and if refused that too should be in writing as a tech report for your camera (non) service. Often that would be as simple as “Tested zoom controller, meets factory specifications.”

[Michael Pruitt-bruun]

Again, Craig, I’m with ya man. The Sony rep we spoke with at Abel was Juan Martinez. He was the person who suggested Cine Alta couldn’t be expected to produce a camera with a proper zoom at such a low price point. I don’t think he was offering that as a policy statement though. We attempted to pursue the matter further with him, but he didn’t reply to our email.

Everything you’re saying is sound reasoning. But so far it seems clear that the only policy in effect here is that of stonewalling. We are certainly open to further suggestions though, from you or anyone else in the community. So far our policy has been one of persistence. We may have to walk away from the ex3, for the time being at least, but we’re still trying to get this resolved.

[Craig Seeman]

[Michael Pruitt-Bruun] “The Sony rep we spoke with at Abel was Juan Martinez. He was the person who suggested Cine Alta couldn’t be expected to produce a camera with a proper zoom at such a low price point.”

That’s very sad to hear. Coupled with the recent events around Snow Leopard this speaks very poorly of Sony support. Buying a camera should not be a crap shoot. Yes lower price point cameras have compromises. If a camera can’t execute a function reliably . . . you don’t include it. If the camera can’t reliably execute a smooth zoom below a certain speed, you don’t include that speed. If Sony want’s to issue a Tech advisory sayings speeds below X are not supported they should do so so the potential customer or current user is informed. Sadly this is right in line with Sony not posting any statement warning people not to upgrade to OS 10.6.

[Michael Pruitt-Bruun] “so far it seems clear that the only policy in effect here is that of stonewalling.”

I now some people are adverse to publicly posting about such issues but I commend you for doing so. When reviewing a product, customer service and reliable build consistency is fair game. If it impacts current or future sales than Sony has to address those issues or JVC and Panasonic will benefit.

[Bob Pierce]

I have an EX1 that, although I don’t think it’s malfunctioning, has never really been capable of smooth zooms, at least not in the way I’m used to from using regular broadcast lenses. The speed of the rocker is simply too fast for smooth, slow zooms and is not adjustable. To do a slow zoom you have to use such a light touch that it becomes impossible to do reliably, and ruins too many shots. I’ve given up trying. Does anyone know if the external zoom controllers offer better control?
Thanks,
Bob Pierce

http://www.lightstreamassociates.com

Mac Pro 2.66 – 8GB memory –
Mac Book Pro 2.33 Duo –
FC Studio 2 – Kona Lhe
Adobe Production Suite CS4 –
Sony Multiformat 14″ – Panasonic 42″ Plasma –
Ikegami HLDV7 – PVW EX-1

[Craig Seeman]

I can set the zoom speed to 2 and use the top handle zoom to do slow creeps. It’s far more reliable than trying to use the rocker. Granted it’s not the smoothest stop and I do forgive an “inexpensive” camera that. If that top handle zoom is not giving reliable results then you have a problem that Sony should deal with.

[Bob Pierce]

Yes, that’s what I do too. And I agree that it’s a reasonable tradeoff for a camera that costs less than the lens alone of a true broadcast camera. It just surprises me that no one really talks about this as a shortcoming. Still wondering if external controllers can do better.
Bob

http://www.lightstreamassociates.com

Mac Pro 2.66 – 8GB memory –
Mac Book Pro 2.33 Duo –
FC Studio 2 – Kona Lhe
Adobe Production Suite CS4 –
Sony Multiformat 14″ – Panasonic 42″ Plasma –
Ikegami HLDV7 – PVW EX-1

[Michael Pruitt-bruun]

We’ve found the problem to be consistent whether using the handle “button,” the primary zoom rocker or a variety of external zoom controllers. Let me reiterate that the issue is not the same as the abrupt start you frequently find on the smaller cameras. Under a static rocker position the zoom may either stutter without pattern, pulse rhythmically, or accelerate unexpectedly. It is not present in every ex. Just in every ex3 that we have tried to purchase.

[Craig Seeman]

Yes, the problem is the camera communication to the lens. Interesting that you’re seeing this in every EX3 you’ve attempted to purchase. When checking cameras you might note the serial number because if you get two close together that fail, you’ll want to make sure you test one from another lot.

[Rick Diamond]

I too have an EX3 with the stuttering zoom problem. The word that I got from management at Teaneck is that any speed under 10 will not be addressed as a fixable problem. They are basically acknowledging that the lens is inexpensive and that this issue is one of the trade-offs.

Rick

[Craig Seeman]

So does this issue go away using another lens?