It seems to be a semi-known issue with the A1, and its wreaking havok trying to use a firestore. The A1 has no where close to it to hold a firestore, so i used the belt clip not knowing the port wasn`t designed well...so half my footage was lost to corruption from the wire sliding around during recording. Is there anything that can be done about this problem? I didn't notice it when i first used tape and put video into the computer since the camera was stationary, no issue. But out on the field with the firestore was a mess. Is there any way to tighten/fix the firewire port so its reliable?

could a mod change the title to 'firewire port' not 'post' please

I just got my A1 back from Canon, it cost 270.00 to replace my firewire. They said do not use a firewire if it does not fit snug into the port. I learned the hard way.

Two suggestions:

1) first find a cord with a better fit.

2) look at a on camera mount solution. There are many different types on the market. Here is the link to the one I'm thinking about purchasing, once I get my firestore.

http://www.geardear.com/Cage.html

i see nowhere to attach the cage to the A1...says theres a screw to attach it to the handle. "All cameras have a 1/4" thread on top somewhere." Funny...I don`t see one.

As for the port, is it a common problem? I would think all firewire ports and wires would be compatible and work well...I can`t very well go out and buy 25 wires and hope to find one that fits snug, then return the rest opened

Canon told me to make sure the wire properly fits the port. I know this is not easy to do because they don't let you try them on like shoes. I think if you have the firestore connected to the camera instead of a belt clip your movement won't effect the camera/cord connection as much. Also, someone on this site mentions a angled cord. This might be your's and mind's best option. When or If I locate one I will post the link. If you find it first please pose the link.

Also, If the Cage doesn't work for you check of the Mounting Bracket for FS-4, it costs $119.95. You can find it here:

http://www.videoguys.com/FireStore.html

look were is says : FS-4 Accessories:

And for that very tiny firewire port there is also a neat solution.....

http://www.usbfirewire.com/Parts/rr-64r01-24gbig.jpg

Angled firewire cables! (left and right angled, meaning: cables goes up or down. I have ordered both!)

Just to protect it against a hit you could protect it with tape. Unless there is a better solution.

I'm thinking about a solution, but did not made one yet.

The big thing about the angled firewire cable: about 40-50% less sticking out of the camera. Reducing the chance of getting a nice bill of 270 dollars. Like Paul did. (And me too).

UPDATE: I really want to find a good solution for this problem. I called a local electronics shop and they have some firewire connectors in their program. After the trip to London I'm going to try to design a good and strong solution for the A1. That should be possible. Any ideas are welcome.

I'm thinking about a short connector at the back with a little wire in between going over in to a 6 PIN (the bigger one) firewire port.
Somehow built so it can be fastened to the back of the camera without harming it.

here is a link to were I just ordered an angled firewire cord.

http://www.usbfirewire.com/fcable64.html

I have discovered it was a 3rd party firewire cable, not one that came with the A! (mine) or the H1 (my bosses). I tried the one that came with the canon's and they fit in better. The hard drive sadly still has issues turning on...so it`ll be exchanged....these angled chords are looking nice...which side would you suggest for the A1?

Nathan, no firewire cable comes with the A1.

right if you want it to point down, left if you want it to point up.

If the firestore will be on the camera angle it up, if you will continue to wear it on the belt clip angle it down.

You can see what I mean if you orient the picture of the cord in the mind.