Cartoni Focus HD Repair?

[Michael Millichamp]

Hey guys, I've had my Cartoni Focus HD for about a year and a half. It has been great, but over the last 8 months or so, I noticed that the locking mechanisms were slipping and not tightening all the way.

No it's come to my attention that the locking really just doesn't work at all. I've tried operating on it myself, but that doesn't seem to help.

Has anyone had this issue?

Does anyone know of a solution?

Thanks.

 

[Mestizo Devon]

It may be the locking break, you can order one from cartoni for like 18 bucks.
Its a little brass screw that goes into a nut on the lever. I wish they would make a metal lever though.

 

[Michael Millichamp]

Yeah, me too.

Good thing is, i just found out there is a 5 years parts and labor warranty, so I'm going to send that bad boy in.

 

[Michael Millichamp]

Well I talked to Customer Service and he was probably the rudest man. I assume he gets this all the time but he was still kind of a jerk.

He led me to this video, which will probably fix it. Hope this helps anyone else in need.

http://vimeo.com/17303648

 

[Steve Manios]

Michael,
I am sorry to hear about your recent experience with us. Please understand I take these complaints very seriously. We have always prided ourselves on quality customer service.
I spoke with my service manager regarding your phone call. To be honest he was quite surprised by your posting that he was rude. I asked him if you had been rude, he said that you were not rude but maybe a little frustrated that this was not going to be a warranty repair.

The 5 year warranty is for defective parts and workmanship as was explained to you. It does not cover routine maintenance for normal wear and tear. He mentioned that the break depending on use needs to be adjusted once a year or so. As you pointed out in your post he sent you a pdf and a link to our video. I noticed based on your posting times that Jeff sent out the pdf and link right after your conversation with him.

I can attest that at every NAB show I get at least 20 customers who are very happy with how Jeff and our service department handled their needs, along with glowing reports of Jeff’s customer service.

Please feel free to call me with any questions at 818-760-8240 or email me at steve@maniosdigital.com. I will be leaving the office for a week and will try to respond as quickly as possible.

Steven Manios
President
Cartoni USA

 

[Elisabetta Cartoni]

Just to close the controversy, Michael was able to fix the problem at no cost with the help of the video and Jeff's instructions. In case of any further problem Steve Manios and Jeff Kristensen are as always available to offer a solution and ourselves, here at Cartoni, Rome, will always back up our products and perfom the 5 years warranty if applicable.
Thank you for using Cartoni products!
Elisabetta Cartoni

 

[Domenic Barbero]

This exact same thing happened to my cartoni focus as well. Hoping the video helps. not locking really sucks.

 

[Curt Pair]

Micheal,

I'm not sure with whom you spoke, but generally, the guys at Manios Digital are just awesome! I'd ask to speak with Jeff! I've owned Cartoni heads for about 15 years exclusively now! Working them every day means from time to time, they do need service... I've found them to be outstanding...

Good luck with your issue.

 

[Athan Merrick]

Bump. I've developed some play at the start of tilts both up and down. A lot of play. Kinda unusable. Regular focus head. Not a focus hd. Time for service or maybe there is a simple fix like the video above? Kinda doubt it, but worth an ask.

 

[James Healey]

Hey Athan,

You just need to re-tighten your tilt damper bolts (there's 6 of them inside). Need to open the head though but if you are comfortable with taking things apart its really not a big thing. I'm also in Vancouver area so worst case, maybe I could help you with it.

 

[Athan Merrick]

Thanks James. Already dropped it off for service as it was very affordable, but good to know for next time. That's pretty much the way the technician explained it.

 

[James Healey]

no problem!