Buying 2nd hand Z1P with strange hours meter
 

Hi all!

I am in the middle of making a transaction for a Sony Z1P with extras for $2000.00
I have the camera at home and am assessing it to make sure it's totally functional. Everything appears to be fine, except the hours meter looks strange to me;

Operation = 163x10H
Drum Run = 1x10H
Tape Run = 1 x10H
Threading = 5x10

As the previous owner was a cinematographer, I don't understand why last three figures are so low.
I saw a separate camera on eBay (Aus.) described with "low hours" as;

Operation = 110x10H
Drum Run = 16x10H
Tape Run = 10x10H
Threading = 27x10H

so I'm guessing the hours on mine are pretty decent, but why so strange?
I will ask the seller as well, but could it be that he has replaced parts (all the internal mechanics sparkle like jewellery, as I'm told they should), essentially bringing their figures back to 0, or is this a camera to steer clear of as the meter may have been tampered with?

Thanks very much for your time and help!

Re: Buying 2nd hand Z1P with strange hours meter
 

Perhaps the camera was only used without a tape for a live switched setup or only with external recording. Ask the seller and see what they have to say about the numbers!

Re: Buying 2nd hand Z1P with strange hours meter
 

They've probably had the deck section or heads replaced.

Re: Buying 2nd hand Z1P with strange hours meter
 

Thanks for the info. Would there be any issue with the deck or heads being replaced? Or would that be beneficial?
Cheers

Re: Buying 2nd hand Z1P with strange hours meter
 

Some sources say that 1500 hours is the recommended head replacement interval, so it sounds about right.

Re: Buying 2nd hand Z1P with strange hours meter
 

Cheers Adam,

Spoke to the seller. He only used it a few times, and the user before that used it for live corporate events, recording externally to a vision switching system.

Thanks for the replies. :) Wanted to make sure it all added up.

Re: Buying 2nd hand Z1P with strange hours meter
 

Frankly I like my version better.

Re: Buying 2nd hand Z1P with strange hours meter
 

Do I get a prize for guessing correctly?! ;)

Re: Buying 2nd hand Z1P with strange hours meter
 

LOL! I award you an immense THANK YOU as your prize Nate!
On the next vid I make I'll be sure to thank you with a credit and let you have a copy :)