Reports of broken pins on F3 PL adapters

Robert Moore · July 13th, 2011, 08:05 AM

There is a fairly decent view of mounting the PL Sony lenses on F3 by Philip Johnston.

See the following video at 10:00 -

Sony PMW-F3 REVIEW By Philip Johnston On ExposureRoom

Notice the lens does not move at all...only the adapter flange as Alister has described.

Good news is that the PL mount adapter could be replaced...so no lasting damage to the camera itself?

Bob

Brian Drysdale · July 13th, 2011, 09:58 AM

The PL mount is pretty much the standard modern film camera mount, the other one being Panavision's PV mount. These together with the old Aaton and CP mounts are based on the Mitchell BNCR mount design, although the dimensions of all these mounts are different. In each, the locking ring rotates locking the lens, which has a notch (or notches) that locates onto a pin on the camera mount. You have to ensure that the lens is flush to the camera lens mount and the pin engaged before rotating the locking ring.

You can see the layout of the electronic pins here:
http://www.fdtimes.com/news/arri/coo...-and-arri-lds/

Peter G. Johnson · July 13th, 2011, 06:27 PM

Thank you for your reply, Alister.

Robert actually stole my thunder. I was going to refer to Philip Johnston's video a few days ago. At 10:16 he conceded that on first inspection he couldn't figure out how to get the lens off and also he noted the small notch on the Sony lenses which is used as a guide for lining it up with the mount, so I assumed that Sony's design with this camera might be different to that of a common PL mount found on other cameras. That small notch is the first thing that I look for when mounting a lens.

I may have also opened a can of worms by posting a picture of my mount, but I did so at the request of Chris Medico who asked me to take a photo as reference.

And speaking of Chris, I'd like to see one of his photos posted for comparison.

Robert Moore · July 13th, 2011, 06:58 PM

Hi Peter,

I think the good news may be that the mount is replaceable...is this the case?

I assume that if the Sony PL adapter is replaced you have essentially a pristine camera....which is great news. I think that the ability to shuck an adapter every so often is part of the entry price...I would prefer that to sending my camera off to Sony National for an upgrade.

I posted on another site that I just returned a "NEW?" MTF adapter that was mailed to me from a major NY LA retailer that looked like it was dropped from a C130 Hercules onto the tarmac from 15000 feet. Major gouge on the camera interface side and dings on the body in two places.

Needless to say they will not be seeing any of my purchases in the future.

But again ... adapters are expendable...and occasionally out of spec. Get a new one and keep shooting.

Bob

Peter G. Johnson · July 13th, 2011, 09:18 PM

The PL Mount comes with the new F3 cameras, but this problem with the pins isn't a big deal, just the inconvenience of having to make a long trip back to the place where I bought the camera from, discussing the issue, arranging for a replacement and waiting who knows how long. I live in Australia and specialised camera shops are far and few between.

It's also very uncommon here to see anyone walking around with a serious camera. I get often stopped in the street with questions like "Will I be on the news tonight?" or "Who are you spying on?"

You'll be interested to also know I had a similar problem with a PMW-F3 adaptor. I ordered one for Nikon lenses. After waiting THREE weeks from date of payment it came in the mail today. They sent me a CANON one instead. Now it's on the way back as I speak.... another three weeks perhaps?

Thanks for your reply, Bob.

Nate Weaver · July 13th, 2011, 10:02 PM

Only problem is that the Sony PL adapter is $990-odd dollars if I recall. I saw this in the Sony US service parts catalogue online.

Peter G. Johnson · July 13th, 2011, 10:58 PM

Well, if it's not covered under warranty, I won't be pursuing it. Besides, those communication pins are only useful if you use those outrageously priced lens from Cooke or Arri.

What is the address for the sony service parts catalogue?

Alister Chapman · July 14th, 2011, 12:27 AM

The pins also work with the Sony lenses, providing iris and focus data.

The notch is normal and all PL lenses have a notch in each mounting lug.

Brian Drysdale · July 14th, 2011, 12:29 AM

Looking at the photo, there's a good chances are those pins on the PL mount are replaceable. Alistair mentions that the Sony lenses also use the pins, although perhaps these use the other set, since there are two sets of pins on the camera's PL mount.

Chris Medico · July 14th, 2011, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter G. Johnson

Thank you for your reply, Alister.

Robert actually stole my thunder. I was going to refer to Philip Johnston's video a few days ago. At 10:16 he conceded that on first inspection he couldn't figure out how to get the lens off and also he noted the small notch on the Sony lenses which is used as a guide for lining it up with the mount, so I assumed that Sony's design with this camera might be different to that of a common PL mount found on other cameras. That small notch is the first thing that I look for when mounting a lens.

I may have also opened a can of worms by posting a picture of my mount, but I did so at the request of Chris Medico who asked me to take a photo as reference.

And speaking of Chris, I'd like to see one of his photos posted for comparison.

I'll get some photos of my mount and post them. I have no bent pins. Another F3 owner here in North Carolina had reported bending pins on their mount. I was not able to get images of it before it was sent to Sony for repair. I've not heard back regarding the outcome of that situation. As soon as I find out more I'll be sure to post it here.

Nick Hiltgen · January 29th, 2012, 10:47 AM

Well After 8 months of careful use I sent the camera out on a rental to one of my clients and of course the mount came back with a busted pin and no communication with lenses. I really don't understand how people don't get it.

I immediately became suspicious when the thumb tighteners on the PL mount side were broken and bent, looked into the pl mount and saw the bent pins, then noticed no communication with the lens and confirmed it. I'll be sending the pl adapter to sony service I just wonder if I need to send the whole camera in, probably not a bad idea so that they can check it out for any other damage.

I haven't seen the cost on here, so I'll post the result of the fix (that the client will be paying) so people can know approx. how much to pay to fix it.

Peter G. Johnson · January 30th, 2012, 11:37 PM

They don't repair PL mounts, Nick, at least not here in Australia. They just replace them, at around $1100. I wonder what you do then, with an otherwise functioning PL mount?

Nick Hiltgen · January 31st, 2012, 02:02 AM

Ha!well that'll be interesting. Seems a little absurd to pay 1100 bucks for a .01 cent broken pin.

July 13th, 2011, 08:05 AM	#16
Robert Moore New Boot Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 7	Re: Reports of broken pins on F3 PL adapters There is a fairly decent view of mounting the PL Sony lenses on F3 by Philip Johnston. See the following video at 10:00 - Sony PMW-F3 REVIEW By Philip Johnston On ExposureRoom Notice the lens does not move at all...only the adapter flange as Alister has described. Good news is that the PL mount adapter could be replaced...so no lasting damage to the camera itself? Bob

July 13th, 2011, 09:58 AM	#17
Brian Drysdale Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Belfast, UK Posts: 6,152	Re: Reports of broken pins on F3 PL adapters The PL mount is pretty much the standard modern film camera mount, the other one being Panavision's PV mount. These together with the old Aaton and CP mounts are based on the Mitchell BNCR mount design, although the dimensions of all these mounts are different. In each, the locking ring rotates locking the lens, which has a notch (or notches) that locates onto a pin on the camera mount. You have to ensure that the lens is flush to the camera lens mount and the pin engaged before rotating the locking ring. You can see the layout of the electronic pins here: http://www.fdtimes.com/news/arri/coo...-and-arri-lds/

July 13th, 2011, 06:27 PM	#18
Peter G. Johnson Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 87	Re: Reports of broken pins on F3 PL adapters Thank you for your reply, Alister. Robert actually stole my thunder. I was going to refer to Philip Johnston's video a few days ago. At 10:16 he conceded that on first inspection he couldn't figure out how to get the lens off and also he noted the small notch on the Sony lenses which is used as a guide for lining it up with the mount, so I assumed that Sony's design with this camera might be different to that of a common PL mount found on other cameras. That small notch is the first thing that I look for when mounting a lens. I may have also opened a can of worms by posting a picture of my mount, but I did so at the request of Chris Medico who asked me to take a photo as reference. And speaking of Chris, I'd like to see one of his photos posted for comparison.

July 13th, 2011, 06:58 PM	#19
Robert Moore New Boot Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 7	Re: Reports of broken pins on F3 PL adapters Hi Peter, I think the good news may be that the mount is replaceable...is this the case? I assume that if the Sony PL adapter is replaced you have essentially a pristine camera....which is great news. I think that the ability to shuck an adapter every so often is part of the entry price...I would prefer that to sending my camera off to Sony National for an upgrade. I posted on another site that I just returned a "NEW?" MTF adapter that was mailed to me from a major NY LA retailer that looked like it was dropped from a C130 Hercules onto the tarmac from 15000 feet. Major gouge on the camera interface side and dings on the body in two places. Needless to say they will not be seeing any of my purchases in the future. But again ... adapters are expendable...and occasionally out of spec. Get a new one and keep shooting. Bob

July 13th, 2011, 09:18 PM	#20
Peter G. Johnson Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 87	Re: Reports of broken pins on F3 PL adapters The PL Mount comes with the new F3 cameras, but this problem with the pins isn't a big deal, just the inconvenience of having to make a long trip back to the place where I bought the camera from, discussing the issue, arranging for a replacement and waiting who knows how long. I live in Australia and specialised camera shops are far and few between. It's also very uncommon here to see anyone walking around with a serious camera. I get often stopped in the street with questions like "Will I be on the news tonight?" or "Who are you spying on?" You'll be interested to also know I had a similar problem with a PMW-F3 adaptor. I ordered one for Nikon lenses. After waiting THREE weeks from date of payment it came in the mail today. They sent me a CANON one instead. Now it's on the way back as I speak.... another three weeks perhaps? Thanks for your reply, Bob.

July 13th, 2011, 10:02 PM	#21
Nate Weaver Wrangler Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,100	Re: Reports of broken pins on F3 PL adapters Only problem is that the Sony PL adapter is $990-odd dollars if I recall. I saw this in the Sony US service parts catalogue online. __________________ My Work: nateweaver.net

July 13th, 2011, 10:58 PM	#22
Peter G. Johnson Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 87	Re: Reports of broken pins on F3 PL adapters Well, if it's not covered under warranty, I won't be pursuing it. Besides, those communication pins are only useful if you use those outrageously priced lens from Cooke or Arri. What is the address for the sony service parts catalogue?

July 14th, 2011, 12:27 AM	#23
Alister Chapman Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bracknell, Berkshire, UK Posts: 4,957	Re: Reports of broken pins on F3 PL adapters The pins also work with the Sony lenses, providing iris and focus data. The notch is normal and all PL lenses have a notch in each mounting lug. __________________ Alister Chapman, Film-Maker/Stormchaser http://www.xdcam-user.com/alisters-blog/ My XDCAM site and blog. http://www.hurricane-rig.com

July 14th, 2011, 12:29 AM	#24
Brian Drysdale Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Belfast, UK Posts: 6,152	Re: Reports of broken pins on F3 PL adapters Looking at the photo, there's a good chances are those pins on the PL mount are replaceable. Alistair mentions that the Sony lenses also use the pins, although perhaps these use the other set, since there are two sets of pins on the camera's PL mount.

January 29th, 2012, 10:47 AM	#26
Nick Hiltgen Trustee Join Date: May 2003 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 1,427	Re: Reports of broken pins on F3 PL adapters Well After 8 months of careful use I sent the camera out on a rental to one of my clients and of course the mount came back with a busted pin and no communication with lenses. I really don't understand how people don't get it. I immediately became suspicious when the thumb tighteners on the PL mount side were broken and bent, looked into the pl mount and saw the bent pins, then noticed no communication with the lens and confirmed it. I'll be sending the pl adapter to sony service I just wonder if I need to send the whole camera in, probably not a bad idea so that they can check it out for any other damage. I haven't seen the cost on here, so I'll post the result of the fix (that the client will be paying) so people can know approx. how much to pay to fix it. __________________ I have a dream that one day canon will release a 35mm ef to xl adapter and I'll have iris control and a 35mm dof of all my ef lenses, and it will be awesome...

January 30th, 2012, 11:37 PM	#27
Peter G. Johnson Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 87	Re: Reports of broken pins on F3 PL adapters They don't repair PL mounts, Nick, at least not here in Australia. They just replace them, at around $1100. I wonder what you do then, with an otherwise functioning PL mount?

January 31st, 2012, 02:02 AM	#28
Nick Hiltgen Trustee Join Date: May 2003 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 1,427	Re: Reports of broken pins on F3 PL adapters Ha!well that'll be interesting. Seems a little absurd to pay 1100 bucks for a .01 cent broken pin. __________________ I have a dream that one day canon will release a 35mm ef to xl adapter and I'll have iris control and a 35mm dof of all my ef lenses, and it will be awesome...