Redemption for Redrock Micro
Recently I stated that Redrock Micro could bite me. I would like to take this opportunity to retract that statement.
I was in a panic because the M2 kit that I ordered for use on Ninja Pirate Supermodels had not shipped as of the end of the week prior to the start of production, and it was a holiday weekend coming up. I fired off a few frenzied e-mails, since Redrock Micro does not have a publicly-listed phone number, and by Tuesday, I was absolutely livid. I needed my gear by Friday at the latest.
I finally heard back from Brian at Redrock Micro, and after hearing about my situation, he contacted the Redrock Micro fullfillment dept. to see how quickly they could get my order out.
As it turned out, a woman at Redrock Micro actually drove 80 miles to get a part that was missing from my order, just so they could get it out that very day. Now that is customer service! I received my order the very next morning. You can’t beat that shit with a stick.
I told them that not only am I going to plaster their names all over the credits, but they had also made a loyal Redrock Micro customer for life. I don’t making such a statement based solely on their stellar customer service, but I don’t have to, because their gear also kicks a fair amount of ass.
My M2 unit is awesome. Once I got it fitted and calibrated to the Sony Z1U, I was very pleased. There was, however, a slight vibration that got worse as the first day of shooting progressed. I made a call to Brian again, and he replied with instructions on how to adjust the motor mounts of the unit to reduce vibration.
I pulled it apart and made the fix, and that made it better, but there was still something causing some vibration. I removed the ground glass element from the motor spindle and readjusted it to its center of mass on the axle, and that fixed the problem. Now it spins as smooth as glass. The picture quality of their new Cinescreen™ is fantastic, and with my fast 1.4 and 1.2 Canon lenses, the footage I’m getting off the camera rocks, even in low light. I can’t wait to see how it looks after I send it through post.
I have a Z1U and recently concluded my original thoughts on buying a V1U and selling the Z1U were… lame.
The V1U has CMOS, I just don’t trust it yet and have to lean toward the tried and true “CCD’s” for now. I really need to make a new friend that has used the Z1U with the redrock stuff. I’m about to make the plunge and get the HD “kit” from them and maybe also a mattebox. If you are willing to consult or offer advice I’d love the help. I’ve never shot with 35mm lenses and am a “video guy” by nature. I am sick of not having the depth of field and quality of good glass and this is why I’m making this step. I’ve also concluded that as soon as I can afford to, I’m going to start shooting on 35mm film. Nothing really compares, yet.
je voudrais acheter un kit redroch pour canon hd je veux savoir quand est ce l’image revient normal c’est a dire dans le bon sen
Jeff,
Good luck with the film thing. I wish I had the money to afford a good 35mm film rig. As for Redrock gear on the Z1U, I will be glad to offer any help I can. Just let me know what you need.
We are having a similar problem with a HD Bundle order which we paid extra to expedite but can not reach anyone at Redrock to send us a tracking number. Last we heard they shipped it out last Friday, but Fedex after 3 days still has no record of the package. This is needed for a trip out of the country to film and we can not get anyone to respond within Redrock. Can you help advise how to contact someone directly in Redrock? Much appreciated! Jackie
Unrelated but you can also expect fantastic customer service from the folks at Focus Enhancements too. Between Redrock and Focus these are two companies that ALL other companies worldwide should try to emulate.
i’m having a similar problem where all of a sudden there is an increased vibration sound coming from the cinescreen as it spins.
you said you readjusted it to its center of mass on the axle. what position is this on the axel i.e quareter of an inch? center? was it a loose nut issue or just positioning?