I'm considering to purchase a used Z1 and the running hours are as below. Anyone knows the typical drum life? Is this considered high usuage? I was thinking of doing some maintenance should I buy it but I'm not sure what are the recommended operating hours between servicing.

Operation: 290 Hrs
Drum Run: 170 Hrs
Tape Run: 130 Hrs
Threading: 340 Hrs

I thought I read somewhere that the recommended service interval for drums is 500 hours, while the recommended replacement life was 1500 hours.

Note that threading is operations, not hours. So 340 threading operations.

Thks. So it seems like it is more than half through its service life.

No, drum run is 170 hours, that's only 34% of 500.

You could look at it even more charitably by using the tape run number into the lifespan, which is 1500 hours or so, so only about 12% of its total life on that basis. I think the 500 hours figure is for service, not replacement.

This is a question I've often asked myself as well. I can't find any official figures from Sony. Does anyone actually know the maintenance schedule/recommendations for cleaning or servicing the camera, and for drum life?

Here is a official technical bulletin from Sony for the complete DSR-3xx and DSR-5xx DVCAM camcorder series. It's a user manual correction that says the video heads need to be replaced after 2000 hours instead of 1500 hours. I guess this also will apply for other DV, DVCAM, HDV equipment.

http://supportdocs.sonybiz.net/indexes/pi/EB/Jun_2006/00041984.pdf

It's good to service the heads after 500 hours. I always did.

Hope this helps!

If I recall correctly, the numbers I cited above were from a Sony Maintenance manual for one of their DV tape decks, I think the DSR-11.

I'm considering to purchase a used Z1 and the running hours are as below. Anyone knows the typical drum life? Is this considered high usuage? I was thinking of doing some maintenance should I buy it but I'm not sure what are the recommended operating hours between servicing.

Operation: 290 Hrs
Drum Run: 170 Hrs
Tape Run: 130 Hrs
Threading: 340 Hrs

These are very low hours. The camera has still a whole life to go when you handle it with care.

500 hrs I have know is on those SONY VTR Deck. Cam not sure. But now I know when the NOs hit the target, will need for servicing Thanks

I'm considering to purchase a used Z1 and the running hours are as below. Anyone knows the typical drum life? Is this considered high usuage? I was thinking of doing some maintenance should I buy it but I'm not sure what are the recommended operating hours between servicing.

Operation: 290 Hrs
Drum Run: 170 Hrs
Tape Run: 130 Hrs
Threading: 340 Hrs

Sean you just got a new EX1 and looking for a Z1 so soon? Is this your B cam or you do not like your EX1?

These stats are only availabe from the Z1 -

Is it possible for a say, a sony engineer to discover these stats on an FX1 or are they just unavailable??

Does this sound ok or has this camera been abused

FOR SALE
Sony Z1 HDV handycam $3,000. ono (GST inc) Includes battery (NPF570) and AC adaptor/charger (AC-V700).
Operation 450H, Drum Run 320H, Tape Run 160H, Threading 480.
Only used for filming. Digitised footage using dedicated player.
In good condition. All offers considered

what are your thoughts on this one

Rob

I would think you could get it for less than $3000. For that many hours on it at 320 drum run. A new Z1 goes for about $4000 from B&H. Always talk to the people in voice and get a feel from them about the cam use and go with your vibes/gut feeling. But $3000 sounds to much to me. I'd pay maybe $2500 or less.