I just picked up a dvx100b on eBay in like new condition, but the focus ring is not smooth and is rather hard to turn. It's almost impossible to smoothly manually focus with my just my finger. The seller claims that this is normal and consistent with these cameras.

I shot a documentary for a year where I used the Sony EX1R exclusively, so maybe I'm use to the smoothness of the Sony. I could do very micro adjustments to the focus ring on the Sony with just the tip of my finger. Is the dvx100 focus ring not as easy / smooth to adjust as other cameras?

This is definitely NOT normal in the DVX. I can easily "pop into focus" with the tip of my finger on my 100A.
The focus ring is hardly damped at all and should give smooth "grit free" operation.
If it is hard to turn, it may be damaged or mis-aligned internally. Sometimes it doesn't take much of hit to mess up these...not the sturdiest part of this camera.
There are threads on several sites detailing focus ring assemblies that have broken off and been put back together by the owners. Some as good as new.

If it looks like new, what kind of use did it have, if you don't mind my asking?

Ken

Thanks for the reply. The camera was used with a "Camplex Multiplexing System" exclusively in a television studio (never outside etc), and an external switcher and recorder were used so the tape heads were not used at all.

Would you happen to have a link to one of these sites where the owners have repaired the ring?

I have had a dvx100b as well and also can say the focus ring was buttery smooth and very accurate, so the behavior you are describing is not normal.

Sounds like someone smacked the lens ring into the proverbial "Immovable object" in that studio.

Don't have any links to those threads, but a search for "DVX lens damage" or similar should yield results.

Ken