Loose Viewfinder and Monitor connectors on camera cause EVF to drop signal

[Ron Steinberg]

My EVF keeps cutting out at the slightest touch. The Lemo connector on the camera end jiggles around quite a bit, probably causing it to drop the signal. Have tried 2 cables and switched end for end, same results. Called Sim Digital in Toronto, authorized Red service centre. They can't quote me an exact cost to fix/replace, why I don't know as it's a simple issue. Either the connector has to be tightened up to prevent the wiggling (it's attached to the aluminum side of the camera, it's not board mounted - don't ask how I know) OR the entire cable harness from connector to wherever it needs to plug into needs to be replaced. They quoted me around $400-500 just to replace the EVF connector/cable, not both the EVF and Monitor.

Has anyone ever had an issue with a loose connector on the Red One causing the EVF to cut out randomly? What was your solution? I would think that since the EVF sometimes works, something just needs to be tightened up. Slight possibility that there is a loose connection between a wire and the connector, and if so this should be able to be resoldered. Help!!

 

[Anthony_K]

Do you have a multimeter and some 22/24 gauge wire? go ahead and check the continuity of the cables you have. If you dont, they are one of the most useful tools on the planet. Get a BK precision for $60 from mouser if you dont have one.
If you do have a multimeter, put it on continuity mode, usually located where the ohm symbol is and reults after hitting a select button. put a small gauge wire in each end of lemo cable and make sure each pin corresponds with each pin. if you find that all the pins of the cable are continous, the cable is not your problem. If the cable happens to be at fault, you can buy legimate lemo connectors from mouser (official reseller).
if the cables are fine (which it seems like they are) it is definitely the connector on the camera. you may even be lucky and find the mating lemo connector on mouser via looking at the datasheets.

if the connector is the problem, you'll need a soldering iron with a 1/32 tip, some lead free solder and some patience

Also, you can try to fix your current situation by tightening up the lemo connector on the camera via the threaded nut on the outside, or you can go overboard and take the side of the camera apart and fix the connector. If you do this though, make sure to look for loose wires and if you find any, resolder. Make sure none of the solder on the pins bridge. when you are done check the signal and plug in the monitor. if it's all good, hotglue the end of the connector on the inside. this should prevent the issue from happening again.

However, I have a feeling that this probably voids your warranty.
If you do take it apart though, your gonna need a torque allen key driver, because each allen bolt is torqued to 8 nm*ft (i believe)

you can probably get away with not using a torque allen key, but remember, that you need to tighten the bolts down well when your done (cast aluminum weighs a ton).

Hope this helps.
-Anthony