RED V-RAPTOR RF Locking Ring Issue Solved

Camera News

by Jeff LochMay 26^th, 2022

RED recently addressed an RF lens mount locking ring issue for all V-RAPTOR users that purchased their camera before April 1st, 2022. If you’re affected by this issue, you can contact RED Support or a certified service center to send your camera for evaluation and service. Let’s take a closer look at it!

The RED V-RAPTOR was announced in September last year, and like most new cameras that come out, the company is addressing issues over time. For example, they recently fixed a vertical sensor stitching line problem that could appear on your footage.

Recently, several users complained about the native RF lens mount and, more specifically, the RF locking ring. In summary, all lens mounts have tolerances, so the best way to avoid any play between the lens and lens mount is to physically lock the lens, like PL mount lenses, for example.

Once your lens is mounted to the camera, the RED V-RAPTOR’s locking ring securely tightens the lens to the camera/lens mount, so there is absolutely no play in the lens. However, it looks like the V-RAPTOR lens mount needed reinforcement.

RED V-RAPTOR RF Locking Ring Modification

Customers that purchased a RED V-RAPTOR before April 1st, 2022, might be eligible for a free tour at your nearest certified Service Center or a call at RED Support.

Here is the complete statement by RED on the recent RF locking ring modification:

RED has received reports from customers that their RF locking ring no longer tightens or that heavier lenses show an undesired amount of play. Starting April 1, 2022, RED has reinforced the V-RAPTOR lens mount to be more robust when used with heavier lenses or subjecting the lens to high rotational force with external motors. If you’ve encountered this issue and are no longer able to tighten your RF locking ring to an acceptable tightness, please contact RED Support or one of our Certified Service Centers to send your camera for evaluation and service.

RED recommends ensuring the locking ring is in the unlocked position during lens attachment and removal, as well as using lens supports when using heavy or long lenses whenever possible.

RED

According to the company, the RF locking ring has been reinforced to support heavier lenses, which is good news since it’s a cinema camera and as such, most people will use cinema lenses and focus/iris/zoom lens motors with it.

Did you experience this issue with your V-RAPTOR? Do you think other cameras should have a locking ring as well? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!