OT: EX3 zoom problems... Workarounds?

corug7 wrote on 1/22/2010, 11:06 AM

I am experiencing the slow zoom stutter that seems to plague these otherwise fine cameras. Of course, Sony service in Teaneck says it is within specs, and they will not do anything else to remedy the problem. So, I'm wondering what some of you are doing to work around the problem, aside from purchasing an $8000 replacement lens.

Anyone?

Comments

Jay Gladwell wrote on 1/22/2010, 12:20 PM

This came up earlier (a search should find what you're looking for). For whatever reason(s) I have not experienced this problem.

It would appear that not everyone that owns the EX3 has this trouble. There's another shooter here in Miami with the EX3. He hasn't had any trouble with this, either. Just what you wanted to hear, right?

Are you sure it's the lens and not technique?

farss wrote on 1/22/2010, 12:38 PM

Certainly not everyone who owns the camera has this problem and some managed to convince the service centres to replace the lens and the problem got fixed or not. Luck of the draw combined with the design of the lens.
The lens motors appear to be only powered at 3Volts and that can mean there's not enough torque at slow speeds for the motor to smoothly overcome the striction leading to juddery zooms.
Best solution especially if you want those uber slow creeps with smooth ramps in and out of the zoom are external zoom motors and controllers. Unfortunately they cost as much or more than the camera. Even then the mechanics of the lens itself could bring you unstuck. There's reasons why the top shelf prime lenses and zooms cost as much as an imported car.

Bob.

corug7 wrote on 1/22/2010, 1:34 PM

Funny Jay, I saw your post over at DVinfo from a year or so back and almost included an aside: "and yes, Jay, I'm sure it isn't my technique!"

So, yes, I'm sure it isn't my technique. In fact, Sony's representatives readily admit that it can be a problem, but that there isn't anything they can do about it because the lens was built to a price point.

Thanks Bob. I was looking into RedRock's external solution but it appears to be vapor? They announced it in 2007 and have stopped taking reservations for it.

farss wrote on 1/22/2010, 1:50 PM

I think Varizoom might have something.
We've looked very briefly at top shelf zoom / focus drive gear. I don't recall exactly how many zeroes at the end of the price but enough :)

If you really need like 1% per minute zooms then you'd do better using a push. Sliders are quite cheap but they're really only practical for set pieces.

Bob.