Panasonic WV-F2 Video Camera Review

[@KylesDigitalLab]

4:11 Was expecting a WT-boom! Gotta have some comedy lol. My Dad always makes a lound "BZZZZ" sound when he sees me plug something in or hit the power button. I used to have a WV-3230 from 1983, which was also sold as a "ProLine" camera by Panasonic. That one used a 2/3" Newvicon tube, not a CCD. It was pretty big. Currently I have a WV-3320 which was manufactured in May 1980, although it dates back to 1976. Sadly I think the 1" color vidicon tube is worn though because it's like pitch black. I like the design of it and I have the original power zoom C-mount lens for it. I might buy a lens adapter for it so I can use it on modern cameras like a DSLR or mirrorless. In my opinion I find most of the CCD cameras boring there's like a million of them out there. Only the first gen CCD cameras are really special. The tubes are more fun to work with for VFX but of course it sucks when you buy a camera with a dead tube lighting up like a neon sign!

[@davesretrovideolab2709]

I gave up on buying tube cameras for that reason. I have a few obscure tubed cameras which still generate an ok image. Always fun to check out.

[@maxmustardman298]

Wow thats a beauty. Panasonics early ccd stuff really looked good.

[@davesretrovideolab2709]

Max, I think so too. I know my monitor doesn’t do the image justice, but in the lab it looked great. Someday, when I have the time, I want to do a vintage camera shoot out. ‘Use pro lighting techniques on these cameras to se what kind image quality we can get from them.

[@maxmustardman298]

@@davesretrovideolab2709 just shoot a segment outside, 80s/90s News Style ;) Eyewitness News or something like that. Youve got access to some talented actors judging from the past vids ;) A couple of years ago I was about to get my hands on an WV F200 model, but pulled out last minute. Had no lens and little to no accessories, just a little too much risk for me if the thing isnt working properly to begin with. But man, the image you can get out of those eng cams, properly adjusted, is priceless.

[@davesretrovideolab2709]

@@maxmustardman298 I plan to do this soon. Thanks!

[@Dr.-Smart]

nice find :) , by the way that small green/blueish window is your early white balance ;)

[@davesretrovideolab2709]

I totally forgot about that. My Pani WV3260 has the same white balance block attachment. I was so excited to get the camera, I didn’t even think to check the manual before recording this. 🙄

[@isf-2_trival]

Glad I found this. Just bought one for 7 bucks. Came with everything. Including a panasonic omnivision that accepts lead acid batteries to power the camera and record on the go. Including a wall adapter and 3 batteries.

[@davesretrovideolab2709]

Congrats on the great find!

[@posaprel]

Hey dave!Awesome video!(Hint I'm rubens other account)

[@davesretrovideolab2709]

Thanks Ruben! I was worried this episode might be too silly. :) As always, thanks for your support.

[@bigsandwich]

I got one from goodwill for 4 dollars, missing the viewfinder attachment and cables

[@davesretrovideolab2709]

The cable is a tricky one to find. I’m glad my F2 came with the cable. Interesting little camera.

[@bigsandwich]

@@davesretrovideolab2709 Well I’m wondering if I can find a schematic on the pinout so I could wire up a power supply and video out, but the only info on the camera that I could find is from your video 😂

[@davesretrovideolab2709]

​@@bigsandwich...I'm the only KZbinr,, and I use that term very loosely, who has covered the almighty Panasonic F2?!?!? That can't be possible. I'm sure a service manual will eventually pop up on ebay at some point. (Fingers crossed)

[@luigizanetti6908]

Hi, where i can find the adaptor for the Camera Cable type J adaptor?

[@davesretrovideolab2709]

That is an elusive cable to find on its own. I had to buy another Panasonic F2 (dead) with its camera cable so I could get my good F2 up and running again.

[@luigizanetti6908]

Thanks man! Keep going, love your channel@@davesretrovideolab2709

[@zfdfilms]

how interesting!

[@davesretrovideolab2709]

It's definitely an interesting camera for sure. I look forward to using it more and seeing what it can do under great lighting conditions.

[@zfdfilms]

@@davesretrovideolab2709 you have an intriguing channel sir. also gl for 1k subs!

[@davesretrovideolab2709]

@@zfdfilms we’re trying for those 1k subs. Hopefully sooner than later we will achieve that goal.

[@davesretrovideolab2709]

@@zfdfilms Thanks for watching!