Servicing at DVinfo.net

Justin Hewitt · January 6th, 2011, 09:05 PM

Folks.

I have had a Sony FX1E for 2.5 years now & I was wondering what is the prevailing opinion on servicing.

The camera does not have a massive amount of use, so its unlikely that tape heads or mechanics are wearing out yet ( i also use a tape head cleaning tape regurlarly); however, i use it for filming ski racing, so it does travel with me a lot (in my camera backpack). so is subject to vibration. ( idon't take it out of the case if it bad conditions, so its not subject to moisture)

I am most interested to know if it should be serviced or at least checked that it still records as well as it did when manufactured.
or
should servicing (even at authorised Sony outlet) be viewed with a (if it aint't broke don't fix it) attitude.

anticipate your thoughts ?

Justin.

Tom Hardwick · January 9th, 2011, 12:26 PM

If you're not experiencing video or audio dropouts then your FX1 is indeed recording as well as the day it was made. Digital recorders are like candles - they burn brightly and in exactly the same way for their whole life, then suddenly stop.

With this in mind I'm from the 'Ain't broke? Don't fix' school, because your precious camera will/might be disassembled by mere mortals, mortals who have head colds and bad days, who need more light, space, training and experience.

Of course you may feel happier about using the camera on a paid-for shoot having paid lots of money for a service and if this is so, then the peace of mind is what you're paying for, so go for it.

tom.

Justin Hewitt · January 10th, 2011, 05:03 AM

Thank you for your advice.

Justin.

January 6th, 2011, 09:05 PM	#1
Justin Hewitt Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Melbourne Victoria Posts: 75	Servicing Folks. I have had a Sony FX1E for 2.5 years now & I was wondering what is the prevailing opinion on servicing. The camera does not have a massive amount of use, so its unlikely that tape heads or mechanics are wearing out yet ( i also use a tape head cleaning tape regurlarly); however, i use it for filming ski racing, so it does travel with me a lot (in my camera backpack). so is subject to vibration. ( idon't take it out of the case if it bad conditions, so its not subject to moisture) I am most interested to know if it should be serviced or at least checked that it still records as well as it did when manufactured. or should servicing (even at authorised Sony outlet) be viewed with a (if it aint't broke don't fix it) attitude. anticipate your thoughts ? Justin.

January 9th, 2011, 12:26 PM	#2
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	If you're not experiencing video or audio dropouts then your FX1 is indeed recording as well as the day it was made. Digital recorders are like candles - they burn brightly and in exactly the same way for their whole life, then suddenly stop. With this in mind I'm from the 'Ain't broke? Don't fix' school, because your precious camera will/might be disassembled by mere mortals, mortals who have head colds and bad days, who need more light, space, training and experience. Of course you may feel happier about using the camera on a paid-for shoot having paid lots of money for a service and if this is so, then the peace of mind is what you're paying for, so go for it. tom.

January 10th, 2011, 05:03 AM	#3
Justin Hewitt Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Melbourne Victoria Posts: 75	Thank you for your advice. Justin.