Gutted XL2
 

or "loose firewire board on the XL2 and how to fix it"

As this is the second time I had to do this "operation" on one of my XL2 cameras, I thought of documenting it with video and hope that it might inspire (or frighten) others to help themselves.

Remember...Do this at your own risk!

Have fun (.......and tell me I'm Insane LOL)

Check the "how to" here: Fix the loose firewire board on the XL2 on Vimeo

Cool video Bjorn! That takes a lot of guts.

WHOA! Brave man! I'm impressed with both the operation, and the video of the procedure. I hope never to have to do this... but I've bookmarked it!

Oh jeez, I was holding my breath throughout that video, literally. Man, you are the most valiant member of this forum, hands down.

-- peer

Sure, I'll tell you...you are INSANE. :)

You had my stomach in knots the whole time. But it sure was interesting! Good job!

Thanks for your kind comments guys.

I had so much fun doing this video in just 6 hours - that included the repair.

Now what's next? Who knows?
Maybe some more practical videos that are DV/HDV related?

although I'm still intrigued by the inner workings of the latest monopoly game "credit card bank device". I'm sure there must be a way to...

Wow Björn,

I'm not sure which impressed me most - your bravery and expertise doing the repair job or the excellent video instruction! Most how-to videos become boring, overlook critical info, etc; not yours - the appropriate use of fast-forward and succinct details with music accompanyment were perfect.

Cudos,

Michael

Very nice DIY video! I'm sure that I will be searching for this thread again at some point. Bravo my friend, bravo!

Nice. Wonder if it stands a chance of messing up the back focus adjustment on the stock auto lens?

I suppose only if you are not careful when replacing the lens lock ring. But if you make sure the ring seats properly in the housing, it should be no problem. Maybe I should add that it is advisable to also tighten the screws over cross a bit at a time. By that you have a better chance that the ring settles evenly.

It's a pitty though that the XL2 doesn't have a backfocus adjustment mechanism.

The lack of backfocus adjustment is the only beef I have with this cam. Hey Bjorn, if you figure out a way to adjust the backfocus on these lenses you will be my new hero! I have been running into some serious problems with this issue.

I have sent my newest cam into Canon twice to have the backfocus fixed and every time they tell me that no backfocus issue exists with the lens? They ship the cam back to me set of f8, so I'm sure they didn't open up the iris when checking for backfocus.

Sorry, didn't mean to thread jack. Just pretty bummed that I can't even get my backfocus fixed!

Anyway, again nice work on that video Bjorn.

Ry

Ryan, if its really getting to you, consider investing in the 16x manual. Its a much sharper lens, and has backfocus adjustment on it.

You are absolutely right Richard, I think that is what I'll do. I promise I'll stop complaining about the whole backfocus issue now lol. I never realized I was so whiney until reading my recent posts. Look out 16x, here I come!

I see them going used for $700-$900 on ebay fairly regularly. About the same here too, though you have the advantage of having a more personal connection through the site here.

YIKES!!! Looks like a kidney transplant. :-)

Good one! Whenever I do some DIY work on delicate equipment I tell myself, 'girls put them together, boys can take them apart'.

tom.

Great video! To anyone contemplating this, I can confirm that it is quite doable (and fun, if that's your idea of fun!).

When I made my repair last year I didn't need to remove the lens attachment ring (details and stills in this thread http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/canon-xl2...pair-shop.html). Is that a necessary step?

Thanks for posting the link.

Hey Ian! Yes I do remember you did the same crazy operation to your cam last year.

And you know what? You're absolutely right about not needing to remove the lens lock ring. I should update the video actually.
Maybe it's just me who likes to take things apart that made me remove the lock ring too.

So guys....No need to remove lens mount!!!

I think I just followed the same procedure when I stripped my first XL2. (remember there was nothing on the web about the inner workings or how to disassemble).

Thanks Ian for spotting it!

No worries - I was actually more concerned that I was doing something wrong!

Ok I re-edited the "instructional" video and removed the section on removing the lens mount.

It's still at: Fix the loose firewire board on the XL2 on Vimeo

Björn,

Thank you for the informative video, next time you are poking around in there maybe you could find out how to replace blown fuses!

Thanks again,
Bill

Great job! Now you need to charge yourself $350.00 to really appreciate it!

I watched this, then read the entire thread and even still I think my heart is beating in my throat. That is some skill and guts you got going there...

Excellent video too!

Great video, Bjorn!

The obvious follow-up would be a video of you removing your own appendix.

;o)