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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

VFS Inclino, Imperio, Origo News ??

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VF is not going anywhere at least this week guys, We have recently sent our system back to adjust a slight intermittent drift, Curt kindly gave us a shipping acc. #, an RMA# and we sent them back. Not only will the firmware be updated but the drives on the motors as well. I will recieve them this week and report back.
Our first system went back months ago because the motors were torqued incorrectly and we could not drive the Master Primes. That was resolved in the same , professional manner. I'm not saying Curt has much time for phone PR but he has ALWAYS returned my call. Might not be that day but never more than the next. between John, Caroline and Curt we have always gotten good customer service. These follow systems are really well built and i understand the frustration levels with all these delays but if you can hold on you will love the system. It seems so strange because my experience with VF seems to parallel many satisfied customers yet others are so furious ( and rightfully so it appears from their arguments). But the outright ugly manner of some of these claims against Curt might find someone in court for slander. Curt is not a crook , he is a really smart guy trying to perfect a really good follow focus system. Those who wait will be rewarded. I KNOW because I have one. Those who feel victimized should take that up in small claims between the two parties it's getting really BORING here. 2 sides to every story. Let Curt work out these last few small issues and allow a great cost effective system a fair shake .
 
Frank and Miltos, I agree with your general statements and have tried not to bother Curt so he could keep making progress. I'm all about the end goal - getting the product and putting it to good use. But except for perhaps one case (I won't name names), I haven't read any slanderous or unreasonable comments on this thread, and I've read every post. It's remarkable how patient and understanding we Viewfactor customers have been.

As for communication, my few phone calls have not been returned; my emails were replied to last year when I was sent my fictional FedEx tracking number, but haven't been recently. I think Curt would respond to you, Frank, as you have product in hand that needs refinement and that makes sense. In any case, I don't think we should all be calling Viewfactor every week as that wouldn't be productive.

I haven't seen evidence of increased shipping from Viewfactor, so I'm a little sensitive to statements that would give false hope, and I don't think that's helpful. I would love to know where everything is at, but will take it as it comes because there really is no other choice. I am glad that there is positive feedback from many who have received their units, and I hope to be able to do the same soon.
 
Point taken Matthew. I hope you receive your unit soon. And again sorry for seems what seems the the cardinal sin of small start-up businesses.....Hardware changes, not answering customers phone concerns, Not being able to upgrade firmware without shipping back to factory., and...... what is the part I REALLY DON'T get from Viewfactor team? A simple E-mail goes a long way if you can't afford to chat with most of your customers.(very time consuming) . And as duly noted a group of very patient cameramen just want their *%@#! follow focus. Consolation prize ......You WILL like them!
I will post the results of the drift issue when unit comes back. Have been told by Curt the drives are quieter which will be icing. Our only wish is a pro grade controller, super-light, super-strong , Billet aluminum/ carbon fiber casing ? , 3- recessed , low profile dust/ sand resistant wheels, all aircraft grade stainless screws, Long Range ( Blue-tooth 3G WiFi?pre-set limits!!!!! and a lanyard .
 
VF studios are fellow redusers, and I support them fully. Even if they were not able to deliver, which I believe they will, I support the honest effort, and the good intentions of bringing something most of us wanted to the market at a great price.

I believe they will come through and deliver- as promised.

I too ordered my unit in 2008 and have not received mine yet, and am encouraged by the positive feedback, and the increased frequency of feedback that tells me that units are shipping.
 
I travelled to see Curt. He is not a big timer but do have the know-how to get this thing to work eventually. I just got back my new motor last week but could not try them yet as my cameras are all out.

From feedbacks, we are certainly seeing a light from the other end of the tunnel.

We all have the pioneering spirit when we jump to RED. I am sure Curt would like to have the resources of RED. Like what they said, we took all the arrows going with Curt. It is the risk we took and have to accept the consequences. Lim
 
Miltos Pilalitos said:
Pawel is continuously writing the same message in this thread although he could speak with him directly whenever he wanted. Of course it wasn't Curt's attention what he was after and gladly for him it looks like he is getting was he wants. I hope he will now stop the negative contribution in this thread.
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Trust me, posting negative feedback here about this issue is the last resort and something I do not enjoy doing, in fact, I hate doing it.

I have provided countless positive feedbacks, when I felt it was due. I have great respect to pretty much every equipment manufacturer: ARRI, RED, Abel, you name it. I dealt with them and love their service and products. I have no specific dislike of VF other than my experience dealing with them as a customer.

But, this seems the only way to get an answer from Curt. Unless the heavens are falling down, he does not respond. Well, let's the haven's fall down to get an answer, then...

Honest feedback serves the broader community in knowing the experiences of others. I'm not arguing with those that had a positive experience with Curt. Good on them. I'm simply updating the status of my problem that remains unresolved.

I chose not to speak to him for two reasons:
1. There is no record of what has been said or promised and it is easily forgotten or distorted.
2. I live in Australia and time difference is not always convinient to me.

Sorry for sounding like a broken record, but this is exactly my experience with VF to date and I'm not going to provide positive feedback if I'm getting negative experience.
 
One thing that i would like to add, i do not hope to see this Origo problems affecting other RED owners that has been using it without any problems or without any fry port. If RED decide to put red flag to origo and void warranty and upgrade. This becomes a bigger scale of problems instead of individual.

I certainly do not want to see this happen. Best if you guys can sort it out personally.

Thanks
 
CVB said:
Pawel, I received your origo and cable awhile ago. I apologize for taking so long to take a look at it. I took it apart and I could not find anything that looked out of the ordinary. I ran it on our electrical tester and found no problems. All of the connectors on your cable are Lemo. I tested the cable and tried as hard as I could to cause a failure and was not successful. I tried to plug the cable in backwards... no success. I plugged the unit into a friends Red and it worked fine. I'm sorry but after seeing the unit you sent back to us I can't accept the blame for your power board failing on your camera. If you don't think I made a fair assessment then I would be more than happy to send the Origo and cable to a third party to test it. I'm not sure if Red would be up for it but let me know what you want to do. I will send the Origo and cable back to you on Monday if I don't hear back.
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I can't speak on behalf of RED whether or not they can or are interested in evaluating the Origo. I leave it up to Jarred, otherwise please send it back to me and please note that I'm upset to hear that we are unable to resolve this issue.
 
Miltos Pilalitos said:
It might be that Curt is not updating this thread like he said but he will give you an update if you give him a call. Why don't you? The same goes for you too Rowland. You want an update? Why don't you call him?

Pawel is continuously writing the same message in this thread although he could speak with him directly whenever he wanted. Of course it wasn't Curt's attention what he was after and gladly for him it looks like he is getting was he wants. I hope he will now stop the negative contribution in this thread.

It's obvious over the last weeks that the FFs are shipping non stop. It's difficult to figure out how many per day but they do ship. It's not a scum and it's not a Pyramid scheme. The only way he is going to bankrupt is if you keep on feeding the issue with irresponsible dirt.

I have no affiliation with Viewfactor and i agree with most here that Curt's on-line communication is bad to say the least but i really want a Viewfactor FF. I have held one in my hands, tried it and loved it. All you guys are doing is trying to ruin it for me and destroy Viewfactor. Then i'll never manage to buy one! :-D
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Well I hope you understand that being abroad, it takes alot of effort to give an international call (esp when the time zone is almost opposite). If a phone call really resolves the problem, I would have done so much earlier. Being a foreigner, it's a huge effort to speak English as well.

I just want my product that I paid in full a year and a half ago. That's all. I don't want VF to go bankrupt, but I don't want to lose my money in the process either. $2500 might not be alot for some of you, but for me in this hard economic times, it is a huge amount... I've had couple of bad internet purchases in the past, but at least it wasn't over $500 and I didn't have to agonize over a year and a half thinking about it... LOL
 
Rowland Kirishima said:
Well I hope you understand that being abroad, it takes alot of effort to give an international call (esp when the time zone is almost opposite). If a phone call really resolves the problem, I would have done so much earlier. Being a foreigner, it's a huge effort to speak English as well.

I just want my product that I paid in full a year and a half ago. That's all. I don't want VF to go bankrupt, but I don't want to lose my money in the process either. $2500 might not be alot for some of you, but for me in this hard economic times, it is a huge amount... I've had couple of bad internet purchases in the past, but at least it wasn't over $500 and I didn't have to agonize over a year and a half thinking about it... LOL
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I understand perfectly what you are saying since i am currently based in Greece and my time-zone difference is also substantial. I have personally never spoken with Curt but Constantine Tyritzis (the Running Rig) whose Impero/Inclino is the one i have used (and fallen in love with) never had a problem to get in touch with him. He also told me that Curt was very helpful with him and the impression he got of him and Viewfactor had nothing to do with what some times is presented on this thread.

The only product from Viewfactor i currently own is an Origo and although i know about the unfortunate experience Pawel had with his RED i can reassure you that mine is working perfectly and i consider it one of the best built accessories/gadgets I have. Even the instruction card included with it in the package had class, with well made graphics and carefully planed! The only other camera accessory i have with such attention to detail is P+S Technics' Mini Skater.

So, my experience with Viewfactor so far is very positive and that's why i frequently jump in this thread to support them. The development of the Impero/Inclino is completed so it's only a matter of time until you get yours. I wouldn't worry for my money if i were you.
 
Firstly, i apologise to fellow users if i had gotten on the flogging a dead horse wagon. Just fustration being vented and it's easy to vent with others here and get it off our chest, it is the place for it....mind you i was of the other opinion not that long ago... I do not apologise to VF though. Since 2008 when i ordered and they quickly took my money i have only ever had one official message from them back in March 2009 as with everyone else. I refuse to pick up a phone and call him, why should i. It's his business and he took my money and should be updating me. He has told us only recently he won't keep us in the dark anymore but still does. And he even just posted to Pawel but didn't offer anyone else anything. I am not the bad guy and all i have ever asked for is updates!!!! Why should i be chasing him through bloody reduser, twittering or whatever the hell it is to find out what the hell is going on. Emails are useless as well. I'm pissed off and it's because of Curt's no communication and just plain ignoring us. He even has his own forum for updates that is useless as well. I think people will remember this because of just no regular communication and the mammoth wait. What the hell is so hard with a e-newsletter from VF to everyones emails once every few weeks updating and with where they are in delivery. Not hard at all. I'm sure he is a nice guy and i almost feel bad writing this but what does it take for him to take a bloody clue!!!!! FOR FUCKS SAKE...I JUST WANT UPDATES CURT....and of course my FF:)

I'll probably get my FF one day and it will be great. :party:
 
I am not sure if i was supposed to post this but maybe it would make you guys feel better to know that all the back ordered items will have shipped by late May, early June. So, the most you will have to wait if you were one of the last to preorder will be around 90 days. That info is from the source and all i had to do was just ask them nicely.

After that, it's our turn to order!:thumbup1:
 
Well I ordered mine on
23rd March 2008 and according to Viewfactor's system Order 32320 is 26 and 21

And I'm still waiting
Ever time I contact Curt he says it will ship next week
Been almost 2 years now... wow that "next week" is an amazing thing
 
Miltos Pilalitos said:
from the source and all i had to do was just ask them nicely.

After that, it's our turn to order!:thumbup1:
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Curt was always very nice on th phone when I started calling once a week at the end of Jan. I asked for a refund in October and had #25 I believe. I called to see where the refund was and he actually convinced me to take delivery,
another week passed...call....oh yeah I think I saw your name on the next
batch to go out....no unit....call...yeah should go out this week I will send you the racking number friday....called again....please just send the refund.....callled again, finally got a check back.

I am not trying to discourage anyone and once He gets caught up it will be a great product that ships, but please be realistic on ship dates. until you have the working unit in your hands don't make any plans to use it.
 
what do you mean by "caught up"
They haven't even been able to ship the first 100 units to people that place their orders on day one... come on
 
Paul Hazlett said:
I called to see where the refund was and he actually convinced me to take delivery,
another week passed...call....oh yeah I think I saw your name on the next
batch to go out....no unit....call...yeah should go out this week I will send you the racking number friday....called again....please just send the refund.....callled again, finally got a check back.
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Stories like this are what worries me. Why does Curt keep saying it will be next week or yours should be in the next batch, and it doesn't ship for months. He must have known it was not going to ship, but refuses to say that.

With all the pics of parts we have seen he must have built these things ten time over. It would be nice if Curt was a little more up front about what the problem is. Bad design? Poor workmanship from vendors? Software? Everything?

He should also give some clue about what order numbers have shipped. I ordered in Nov 08 and know there are lots of people in front of me.

It would also be smart of Curt to ship in order. The way he jumps around shipping order seems a little odd?

I just want my unit and want it working .


Dusty
 
Hello. What I think happens is things go wrong for him one after the other, then with out many hands to support numbers he just tries to bring up all the devices and at the same time deal with broken ones and more trouble, not to mention that situations where someone is working under so much pressure sometimes have effect to his personal life and he just tries hard to get in control but phycologicaly he is standing infront of so many trouble that he doesnt know where to start.I can understand people being very upset here, after all they gave 2600 usd for a unit and never or partly got it, I my self wait for an upgrade, I just think the Man is under a lot of pressure right now and thats why he doesnt respond he just doesnt know what to write anymore
But I dont think its Carrion case and the fact that he ships even in low quantities shows that he doesnt get the money and run.
I dont know what the solution is cause I dont know what situation he is in economically speaking with all these thing go wrong and so I cant propose what its best for you to do.
But because I feel that he is not giving up I think I ll wait until he is ready.
On the other hand customer support sometimes is more important than the product its self. Do what you feel is best for your business as these are difficult times to just pay for a product you dont have, but I believe that every time something nusty is written here he sees more bricks on the already huge wall that he is facing .
Iam not happy either.
Actually Iam not happy twice cause when bad things happens in small companies that effect my business as well as Iam a small company and the trust gets less. But things happens in life and it can happen to everyone any time , being decent and not a crook is what matters.
And that s what I think the case is here
Best
 
CT is right, this not a case of scamming people, just poor business plan and even worse follow through. I kept hoping Curt would hire some people to help out with order processing
even on a temp basis or to just to answer phones and emails but no such luck.

I defended Curt for a year and a half and had faith till it started to hurt my business
and i had to buy elsewhere

Again i wish him all the best but i got stuff to shoot now.
 
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