Side Handle Red Volts don't always fit?

[PC Greene]

Rented 12 Volts (in fine condition) for my shoot this past weekend, and 3 of them would_not_fit_well in my side handle...the locking plastic "latch" wouldn't keep them in and I ended up not being able to use them.

I don't own these volts, but was wondering if anyone else had experienced this and determined if it's an issue with the volts or the side handle? I would've started a support ticket but I don't have the volts any longer and can't trouble shoot.


Thanks,

PCG

 

[Josef Gatti]

I have this problem too. It took me about 10 minutes to get a redvolt into the side handle, I'd pop it in and that little plastic red latch would just not take. Was not fun. Eventually I just held it in the for a minute or so and slowly took the pressure off and it held long enough for me to close the handle door. Definitely not what I expected from a Red module.

 

[Brook Willard]

Push in at the top where the battery status button is. I've had the same troubles with some side handles but I can get it in with just a few tries when I push up at the *top* of the battery rather than the middle.

If the issue persists you should contact RED to see about servicing your side handle.

 

[Jeff Whitehurst]

I've had this problem with all my REDVolts since day 1, but learned to reach around under the lens and push on the bottom left corner of the battery while closing the door. That's the best place I found to push so your finger won't block the door swinging shut. I contacted RED and they of course offered to fix it under warranty, but haven't done it yet since I'm waiting on my Quad Module as an alternate power source while the side handle is in the shop.
Best, Jeff

 

[Jack Shanahan]

A real fix from red on this would be nice. Hopefully it wont be purchasing DSMC Sidehandle v2.0 for $1200 (like the OLED scenario I am going thru...)

 

[Jeff Whitehurst]

A real fix from red on this would be nice. Hopefully it wont be purchasing DSMC Sidehandle v2.0 for $1200 (like the OLED scenario I am going thru...)

I'll be sending my SH back this week, and I'll report back once it's fixed. I have every expectation RED will get this minor problem sorted.

 

[Josef Gatti]

So is this a manufacturing fault in only some side handles? Bit of a problem for me as I'm in Australia and the side handle is the only way for me to power the thing. Would love to hear what they do with your SH Jeff.

 

[Jeff Whitehurst]

So is this a manufacturing fault in only some side handles? Bit of a problem for me as I'm in Australia and the side handle is the only way for me to power the thing. Would love to hear what they do with your SH Jeff.

You know I have no way to know. Kinda surprised no one has posted their outcome after sending the SH back in for repair. Seems like we would have heard something good or bad by now. All I can say is the problem appears to be the spring steel tensioner behind the plastic retainer, and I would guess RED will take it apart and replace it. I'll be sure and post my results soon. Cheers, Jeff

 

[Andrew Easey]

I had the same issue with my side handle from the first day. I sent a query to my rep and he set me up to send the handle in for evaluation/repair, however just as I was about to send it in I noticed another thread about the same topic (not sure how to insert a link, but here goes: http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?76312-Side-Handle-Issue-Battery-not-locking-in-properly). The 12th post in that thread suggested that it could be from leaving the battery partially inserted when not using the camera (which I had done on occasions). I've stopped doing that now, and although the red latch doesn't hold real tight, it is now enough to enable me to get the door closed without holding the battery in with my finger. I'm holding off on sending the handle in for now while I do some further testing (I'm also in Australia and the handle is my only power source).

 

[Rob Castiglione]

A really simple thing that helped me from another thread was to push in on the letter R on the Redvolt. It seems just like the right spot to get the battery in.

 

[Ryan Bohner]

I've ran into this problem with a couple of side handles and a variety of redvolts... no single culprit. Happened while shooting a bunch today, but it was really hot - not sure if heat made things worse or not. It hasn't been so bad that anything has been unusable, but its definitely not a matter of simply lifting up on the tab and inserting the battery the first time.

 

[Daniel Doherty]

Yeah, I think heat has a lot to do with it. It's the only variable I can think of which could explain why sometimes the batteries are easily seated and other times it's a struggle.

 

[PC Greene]

Thanks all.

Please let me know. I can't really shoot without the side handle and would be interested to see how long it takes to get it fixed.

I'll be sending my SH back this week, and I'll report back once it's fixed. I have every expectation RED will get this minor problem sorted.