Any need for a backup body with M-X ??

[PETER JOHN KNOX]

Hi all, We have just sent one of our 2 x R1's to LA for the M-X upgrade. We hope to have it back next week when shipping commences again. The query I have is if the M-X upgrade makes the camera more reliable to overheating, corrupt files etc. We are based on the Island of Mallorca so we always have to have a backup body in case our R1 goes down and have been recommended by rental companies to always have one so I am interested in hearing some general opinions if you feel that there is still the need to have a "backup body" or if the M-X sorts out some of the previous reliability problems that could then free our 2nd body up to be used on separate shoots.

Peter-John Knox
Technical manager
Palma Pictures T.M.P.C.

www.palmapictures.es

 

[Greg M]

We have rarely ever had a M or MX body fail on location. IMO most cases are operator error.
We have numerous requests on rentals to supply a "back-up" body and we charge extra to provide this, but from my experience 100% of the time this "back-up" body is always used as a second body for handheld, steadycam, etc. and it never sits in a case waiting for the first body to go down

 

[Rob Gardner]

We always have two bodies with us because we often shoot in remote locations. We just had one of our bodies upgraded to MX, and we will trade the second one in for an Epic when its available. It is true that you only need a back-up body (no matter what the camera system) on maybe 5% of the time, but when you need it, you really need it. We have had almost no trouble with our Reds, though and for most occasions (when you are in a place where there is a replacement body to rent) there is no need, except for two camera set-ups.

 

[David Rasberry]

Given your location, it seems prudent to keep a backup handy just in case. You never know, things do happen at the worst times even with extremely reliable systems.