MXF Files Not Compatible? Stuttering?

[Shane Ross]

[Peter Chambers] “I recently received some MXF files from a production company that I needed to import into Final Cut Pro 7.”

What produced these MXF files? Avid Media Composer? Canon XF camera? This is something you need to know before you can really move forward. If from the XF cameras, there’s a Log and Transfer plugin for importing these via the normal tapeless import workflow with FCP:

Tapeless Workflow for FCP 7 Tutorial

[Peter Chambers] “I downloaded a free trial of iMedia Converter and now I’m able to import the MXFs into FCP.”

What does that do? Just enable FCP to see the MXF files natively? Or did you convert them?

[Peter Chambers] “The stats of the files are 1920 x 1080, 59.94 fps, Compressor H.264, data rate: 1.1 MB/sec.”

FCP doesn’t edit H.264 files. Period. 1080p 59.94? Meaning 1080p 60fps? That’s a non-standard video rate, and one that has a HIGH data rate. That, coupled with the files being H.264. No, FCP will nor work with this format. Gotta convert to ProRes.

Shane

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[Peter Chambers]

Thanks Shane.

I just emailed the company to ask them what camera they shot on.

iMedia Converter just converts the MXF to whatever you want, (in this case *.mov)

I’m wondering if the 54.94 fps (or 60 fps) is the reason why the clips are playing in what seems like fast forward and stuttering. I currently have them placed in a sequence where the frame rate is 60fps. I will try to make the sequence 30 fps and see what happens.

[Peter Chambers]

Also, the MXFs come from a Panasonic HVX.

[Peter Chambers]

I can’t seem to find the FCP plugin anywhere. Do you know where I could find it?

Thanks.

[Peter Chambers]

Just watched your tutorial. The folder structure does not exist. All I have are the MXF files.

Am I sunk?

[Brian Vedholm]

Don’t know about iMedia Converter. I work with Avid MXF files (SD) in Fcp7 and I use MXF import QT. I reads the files without converting. You can get a free trial:

https://home.mxf4mac.com/quicktime-plug-ins
https://hamburgpromedia.com/

Rgds,
Brian

[Peter Chambers]

Thanks Brian. I’ll try it.

[Peter Chambers]

Installing this software from the company is a pain in the ass. Thanks anyway Brian…

As for my solution; I have requested that the production company send me the original folder structure from the P2 cards. I will follow Shane Ross’ tutorial:

https://library.creativecow.net/ross_shane/tapeless-workflow_fcp-7/1

…and hopefully I will finally be able to get these files to work.

[Brian Vedholm]

Sorry, Peter, should have warned you about the complexity installing the plug-in. Happily forgot all about that part. You would have to send for an activation code after installing. The company do reply quite fast, though.
Anyway glad you found a possible solution to your problem.
Coming to think of it, buying a plug-in designed to work only with FCP7 might not be the best investment with FCPX taking over.

[Peter Chambers]

That’s what I’m thinking as well.

Thanks for the response.