Camera Shipping Update: 2/8

How can this delivery debacle be anything like RED?
For one thing RED only has one delivery channel and that's simply RED (pardon the pun).
Folks its not the same and quit dragging others into this mess.

The reason people compare this to Red's launch is that Red's launch wasn't flawless, either. They got the cameras out there and their users ran into all sorts of problems. Yet now Red is well respected as a camera maker.

The comparison is reasonable only because there's no reason to consider BMD to be a failure because they're having teething problems. They aren't the same teething problems Red had, but if Red went from that to not only being successful but also being respected, why can't BMD do the same? BMD is launching its first ever camera, and has made it very clear that they're taking QA as well as image quality very seriously.

Yet people assume the worst because they're impatient. I can understand the impatience because I share it, but that's about it.

Yet people assume the worst because they're impatient. I can understand the impatience because I share it, but that's about it.

I wouldn't describe it as impatience.

We've seen here earlier today that Wolf in Cologne placed an order in April 2012 and is still patiently waiting for that camera, but when he ordered from Japan he got one delivered in less than a week. Similarly, Stephen in Edinburgh has received a camera from a UK dealer after waiting less than a month, whilst some of us have been on another UK dealer's list for nearly a year.

Blackmagic could publicly say 'We recognise that these stories are symptomatic of a wider problem, and here's what we're doing about it...' but instead they remain silent.

It isn't impatience. It's wide-eyed bewilderment.

Yet people assume the worst because they're impatient. I can understand the impatience because I share it, but that's about it.

I wouldn't describe it as impatience.

We've seen here earlier today that Wolf in Cologne placed an order in April 2012 and is still patiently waiting for that camera, but when he ordered from Japan he got one delivered in less than a week. Similarly, Stephen in Edinburgh has received a camera from a UK dealer after waiting less than a month, whilst some of us have been on another UK dealer's list for nearly a year.

Blackmagic could publicly say 'We recognise that these stories are symptomatic of a wider problem, and here's what we're doing about it...' but instead they remain silent.

It isn't impatience. It's wide-eyed bewilderment.

Id say they are doing something worse than being silent, they claim there is no problem and that the arrangement is fair. Despite the overwhelming evidence to suggest that a much larger proportion of cameras need to be allocated to the EU/A/ME distributor in order to compensate for the much larger region zone, they maintain that the shipments are fair and proportionate.

I have tried to be patient, polite and understanding towards BMD regarding this, but right now I am just left feeling a lack of confidence in them as a company and that as one of their end customers, I am not important to them. This isnt about me not having my camera yet per se, this is about the fact that if I was from any other region in the world, id have had my camera months ago - that in itself highlights to me a major distribution problem - but apparently not to BMD. If they at least acknowledged that there was a problem and that they would look into it, I would feel much better.

I have tried to be patient, polite and understanding towards BMD regarding this, but right now I am just left feeling a lack of confidence in them as a company and that as one of their end customers, I am not important to them.

Spot on, Tom.

What's hard to understand is that although Blackmagic is new to camera manufacture, it already has an established distribution network for its many existing products. This is not its first product launch.

The comparison is reasonable only because there's no reason to consider BMD to be a failure because they're having teething problems. They aren't the same teething problems Red had, but if Red went from that to not only being successful but also being respected, why can't BMD do the same?

Even with this mess I have not lost respect for BMD.
This camera is a drop compared to their other tech that runs rampant in my studio

Let's all realize that it took years for the Scarlet to finally come out, and it was not 3K for $3K when it eventually did.
Also if Sony or Canon had an issue where their new camera's sensor had a problem because of their supplier, the best you would get is a press release and "We have no official statement at this time" in the interim.

Let's all realize that it took years for the Scarlet to finally come out, and it was not 3K for $3K when it eventually did.
Also if Sony or Canon had an issue where their new camera's sensor had a problem because of their supplier, the best you would get is a press release and "We have no official statement at this time" in the interim.

BMD are now manufacturing their product on mass. It is at this very moment being sold for the promised price.

They have had a world wide distribution network for many years now, but clearly with this product at least, there is a problem. This is beyond any early issues with promising a product and then not being able to make it for that price.

Just because other companies might be bad with their PR, doesn't mean BMD should follow.

Yet people assume the worst because they're impatient. I can understand the impatience because I share it, but that's about it.

I wouldn't describe it as impatience.

We've seen here earlier today that Wolf in Cologne placed an order in April 2012 and is still patiently waiting for that camera, but when he ordered from Japan he got one delivered in less than a week. Similarly, Stephen in Edinburgh has received a camera from a UK dealer after waiting less than a month, whilst some of us have been on another UK dealer's list for nearly a year.

Blackmagic could publicly say 'We recognise that these stories are symptomatic of a wider problem, and here's what we're doing about it...' but instead they remain silent.

It isn't impatience. It's wide-eyed bewilderment.

Id say they are doing something worse than being silent, they claim there is no problem and that the arrangement is fair. Despite the overwhelming evidence to suggest that a much larger proportion of cameras need to be allocated to the EU/A/ME distributor in order to compensate for the much larger region zone, they maintain that the shipments are fair and proportionate.

I have tried to be patient, polite and understanding towards BMD regarding this, but right now I am just left feeling a lack of confidence in them as a company and that as one of their end customers, I am not important to them. This isnt about me not having my camera yet per se, this is about the fact that if I was from any other region in the world, id have had my camera months ago - that in itself highlights to me a major distribution problem - but apparently not to BMD. If they at least acknowledged that there was a problem and that they would look into it, I would feel much better.

Spot on but rather late in suspecting BMD balls it up.
You know I got Grant Petty to talk about updating us on here. I knew something wasnt right, the delays and what not and when trickle masquerading as production start to appear much of that end up elsewhere apart of from Europe and the UK. Next thing I was attacked by apologists and BMD people on here and banned for awhile. Looking at the amount of criticism now the language from customers are far harsher and less diplomatic than I have ever been simply because many are fed up about the whole arrangement or lack of it.

BMD are now manufacturing their product on mass. It is at this very moment being sold for the promised price.

They have had a world wide distribution network for many years now, but clearly with this product at least, there is a problem. This is beyond any early issues with promising a product and then not being able to make it for that price.

Just because other companies might be bad with their PR, doesn't mean BMD should follow.

Correct, cameras are being made and sold in mass.

The only problem is that there's a bottle neck in europe, because the distribution network over there is one office, in the UK, which is pretty far from Sydney. And it doesn't help when there is such a high demand for a product. You don't hear about people ordering hyperdeck shuttles in droves... If people really are tired of waiting they can just order from Japan or Australia (though I have yet to find a place in AUS that ships internationally) better yet there's always eBay. As soon as people balance out the lines at re-tailers things will run smoother. Does it make sense to wait in the slow lane when the other 3 are moving freely? Plus the fact that you can wait in multiple lines at the same time? Numerous people including myself have an order at more than one retailer. As soon as one fills the order, we cancel the other, both lines get shorter. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out an efficient way to get this camera.

A lot of companies have terrible PR. Blackmagic is doing some of the best compared to other camera manufacturers. The really great places though tend to be the ones that have dedicated sales teams, require a quote to see a price and then once you do buy it, there goes $50K+... People seem to be forgetting that the Cinema Camera is only 3 grand, and a superb value. nothing is ever perfect, and thus the price to pay for this camera has been time.

Let's all realize that it took years for the Scarlet to finally come out, and it was not 3K for $3K when it eventually did.
Also if Sony or Canon had an issue where their new camera's sensor had a problem because of their supplier, the best you would get is a press release and "We have no official statement at this time" in the interim.

Are you suggesting BMD should repeat the problem that RED had.
The problem RED had was a lesson for other companies not to follow. The reality of the market nowaday is somewhat different. People now have more choice and less forgiving with failures.

From today in another thread:

Tue Mar 19, 2013 4:30 pm

Hi guys,

As I mentioned earlier in the Camera Shipping Update thread, we see your requests for another update but we don't have any news at the moment. If something changes, we'll post an update.

For now, we're continuing to ship out EF cameras and we're preparing for NAB. Haven't heard any news about MFT cameras yet.
Christine Peterson

Community Relations Manager
Blackmagic Design

BMD are now manufacturing their product on mass. It is at this very moment being sold for the promised price.

They have had a world wide distribution network for many years now, but clearly with this product at least, there is a problem. This is beyond any early issues with promising a product and then not being able to make it for that price.

Just because other companies might be bad with their PR, doesn't mean BMD should follow.

Correct, cameras are being made and sold in mass.

The only problem is that there's a bottle neck in europe, because the distribution network over there is one office, in the UK, which is pretty far from Sydney. And it doesn't help when there is such a high demand for a product. You don't hear about people ordering hyperdeck shuttles in droves... If people really are tired of waiting they can just order from Japan or Australia (though I have yet to find a place in AUS that ships internationally) better yet there's always eBay. As soon as people balance out the lines at re-tailers things will run smoother. Does it make sense to wait in the slow lane when the other 3 are moving freely? Plus the fact that you can wait in multiple lines at the same time? Numerous people including myself have an order at more than one retailer. As soon as one fills the order, we cancel the other, both lines get shorter. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out an efficient way to get this camera.

A lot of companies have terrible PR. Blackmagic is doing some of the best compared to other camera manufacturers. The really great places though tend to be the ones that have dedicated sales teams, require a quote to see a price and then once you do buy it, there goes $50K+... People seem to be forgetting that the Cinema Camera is only 3 grand, and a superb value. nothing is ever perfect, and thus the price to pay for this camera has been time.

If BMC distribution office are in the UK and the camera is bottlenecking in the UK I would expect CVP and other UK resellers to have rich pickings while the rest of Europe left with the crumbs. This is not what is happening and the UK is in similarly bad situation.

"I'm in the same boat you and everyone else is on this one. BlackMagic has sent me 2 cameras so far. I was informed by the shipping manager for the United States that currently they are working on filling orders from April until June of LAST YEAR. As it is now they are only shipping 1 camera per week to each vendor that has pre-orders in for the time I specified above. Therefore you would be hard pressed to receive your camera before the month of April. Currently you are number 5 in my back order list. Although I would be disheartened to have you cancel your order, If you do I will fully understand."

An email from my small shop retailer minutes ago....

I maybe buying a RED considering I heard the very same thing from him in January when his prediction was February on my shipping date. He hasn't received any cameras in 4 months....

This maybe a last straw for me. My clients expect RAW files and I can't keep renting cameras and stay profitable. An update could take the sting from this bite but I doubt it considering what passes as customer service at BMD.

While I'm at it Onevideo in the UK have yet to deliver my BMC handles. This was an indication that if BMD are having trouble delivering the handles in the UK they will have the same problem delivering the cameras.

Let's all realize that it took years for the Scarlet to finally come out, and it was not 3K for $3K when it eventually did.
Also if Sony or Canon had an issue where their new camera's sensor had a problem because of their supplier, the best you would get is a press release and "We have no official statement at this time" in the interim.

Are you suggesting BMD should repeat the problem that RED had.
The problem RED had was a lesson for other companies not to follow. The reality of the market nowaday is somewhat different. People now have more choice and less forgiving with failures.

I was in no way suggesting anything of the sort. I was merely saying that in comparison to RED, BMD has done a much better job, and that people should realize this, and hopefully complain less.

BMD are now manufacturing their product on mass. It is at this very moment being sold for the promised price.

They have had a world wide distribution network for many years now, but clearly with this product at least, there is a problem. This is beyond any early issues with promising a product and then not being able to make it for that price.

Just because other companies might be bad with their PR, doesn't mean BMD should follow.

Correct, cameras are being made and sold in mass.

The only problem is that there's a bottle neck in europe, because the distribution network over there is one office, in the UK, which is pretty far from Sydney. And it doesn't help when there is such a high demand for a product. You don't hear about people ordering hyperdeck shuttles in droves... If people really are tired of waiting they can just order from Japan or Australia (though I have yet to find a place in AUS that ships internationally) better yet there's always eBay. As soon as people balance out the lines at re-tailers things will run smoother. Does it make sense to wait in the slow lane when the other 3 are moving freely? Plus the fact that you can wait in multiple lines at the same time? Numerous people including myself have an order at more than one retailer. As soon as one fills the order, we cancel the other, both lines get shorter. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out an efficient way to get this camera.

A lot of companies have terrible PR. Blackmagic is doing some of the best compared to other camera manufacturers. The really great places though tend to be the ones that have dedicated sales teams, require a quote to see a price and then once you do buy it, there goes $50K+... People seem to be forgetting that the Cinema Camera is only 3 grand, and a superb value. nothing is ever perfect, and thus the price to pay for this camera has been time.

If BMC distribution office are in the UK and the camera is bottlenecking in the UK I would expect CVP and other UK resellers to have rich pickings while the rest of Europe left with the crumbs. This is not what is happening and the UK is in similarly bad situation.

it's bottle necking in Europe not specifically in the UK. Europe office spreads the love to retailers all over a very large land mass, with a few seas and straights in the way. It's not anarchic in how any retailer can just go and snatch up cameras because they are close to where the cameras come in.

I'll go back to my pool analogy.

Each region is a pool, the more orders in the region the bigger the pool. each regional office is a hose. Each hose flows water (cameras) into their pools at the same rate. small pools fill up faster. Math and logic people.

...in comparison to RED, BMD has done a much better job, and that people should realize this, and hopefully complain less.

+1

Also: nice demo reel, Trevor.

+1

Also: nice demo reel, Trevor.

+1 to your +1 kind sir.

If people really are tired of waiting they can just order from Japan or Australia (though I have yet to find a place in AUS that ships internationally)

Sadly I can only second that - Japan seems to be a little easier (and also a little cheaper) but international shipping does only seem to work directly through Amazon Japan, all the retailers I found only ship locally.
Same with Australia, although I just recently got lucky in Melbourne but I needed my friends in Melbourne to receive it and ship it out again. Another hickup was that the shipping company needed confirmation/detailed info on the internal battery (!) of the BMC - if it's within certain parameters to be safe for overseas shipping I guess. Because of the time zone difference this delayed shipping for a further 2 days. *sigh*

If people really are tired of waiting they can just order from Japan or Australia (though I have yet to find a place in AUS that ships internationally)

That is one option, certainly. Another one is that Blackmagic starts to show some respect for its distributors, retailers and customers, and makes sure stock is sent immediately to, say, dealers who ordered at NAB 2012 but still can't supply April 2012 orders. It would be really embarrassing for the company if this absurd situation hasn't changed by the time Blackmagic is exhibiting at NAB 2013.

That is one option, certainly. Another one is that Blackmagic starts to show some respect for its distributors, retailers and customers, and makes sure stock is sent immediately to, say, dealers who ordered at NAB 2012 but still can't supply April 2012 orders. It would be really embarrassing for the company if this absurd situation hasn't changed by the time Blackmagic is exhibiting at NAB 2013.

I agree with Nic. It's totally insane. Things should have moved on quicker in Europe and the UK. To argue that Blackmagic are X-miles away from Sydney doesn't cut I'm afraid. When a company decides to build and ship such a product, it should have a stock pile at least prior to announcing a shipping date. I'm not talking about a hundred units; I'm talking about at least a 1000 or more. Of course the demand is going to be high because it's a well priced product. What do you expect. Other companies producing such products will have had a huge stock pile ready to go. "O sorry Madam, you can't have an IPhone 6 because Apple don't have enough screens to put in there phones". Come on Blackmagic.....

With offices worldwide, this should be easy right?!

Grant Petty, Kristan Lam, Christine.......... You all should start engaging with your customers more before you lose them. Start talking.

I agree with Nic. It's totally insane. Things should have moved on quicker in Europe and the UK. To argue that Blackmagic are X-miles away from Sydney doesn't cut I'm afraid. When a company decides to build and ship such a product, it should have a stock pile at least prior to announcing a shipping date. I'm not talking about a hundred units; I'm talking about at least a 1000 or more. Of course the demand is going to be high because it's a well priced product. .

So you are saying that a private company should only operate on your terms. That's very open minded of you.

I begin thinking that BlackMagic Design distribution geography follows the well known lines of Anglo-Saxon imperialism. First to "US" (pun intended) then to the "Others", read Europe and the rest of the World as allogeneous "region" of course at insanely higher street price than in the market of former colonies of Her Dubiously Gracious Majesty. I am located in Norway, own a BMCC bought at an outrageous overprice from a US customer who had got one item too much. Norway still mainly dry of BMCCs Come on BMD! Get rid of your europhobia. No more rabbit proof fence.

Homepage still states “shipping in december“ for the MFT version.
No year specified.
If this should mean december 2013 I would cancel my order.
Otherwise it would be good to update the homepage to something like “spring or early summer 2013“ or whatever they think is likely.

daniel

Homepage still states “shipping in december“ for the MFT version.
No year specified.
If this should mean december 2013 I would cancel my order.
Otherwise it would be good to update the homepage to something like “spring or early summer 2013“ or whatever they think is likely.

daniel

Where on the homepage does it say this? what site?

http://www.blackmagicdesign.com/product ... emacamera/ Bottom of the page...far right of the MFT row.

EF still says "limited shipping" BTW.

I agree with Tamerlin's comments from about 3 pages back...
It's nice to see that despite massive posts by pretty much the same people, than saner minds have begun to prevail.
Having been through this many times before I opted to NOT place an early per-order (last time I admitted this some kindly citizen took me to task as he felt my comments weren't as important as his).
The internet's kind of a free society where you can complain, threaten to cancel your order, name call, or otherwise try to be as patient as possible while exercising the common courtesy that isn't so common...

I gotta say though that the debate about whether it's the UK's fault or Europe's fault (in Europe) is somewhat amusing . . . or that those sinister folks at BM are exercising some sort of mind control over distributors to keep YOU from getting your camera. I don't know that BM has any control over which individuals get their product, or in what order (nor should they), but that's just speculation on my part . . . Which seems to fit well with a lot of the preceding 50+ pages here.

I would almost bet that the US probably got the lion's share of first outs based upon the fact that there were probably a whole bunch more of its citizens at NAB when the announcement was made (in the US).

Who knows, maybe BM will show up this year with a train load of m4/3 mount cameras ready for delivery?
Time will tell.

The thing that helps me keep faith with BM is that unlike others, they not only host this forum but permit the type of negative comments to stand . . . Which says a lot (to me anyway).

Oh yeah, and if you want to cancel your order in protest . . . Please do, as it puts someone else a little closer to getting theirs.

Peace.

http://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/blackmagiccinemacamera/ Bottom of the page...far right of the MFT row.

EF still says "limited shipping" BTW.

Ah so not the homepage. but it does exist and changing it would not be difficult unless December 2013 is the goal, but then they could say so. valid points.

now if only google would update their site caches...

example A

bmcc-in stock.jpg (160.56 KiB) Viewed 13593 times

Good news partners! I received my BMCC today. I was asking this week and in Spain received at least 15 cameras this week. It seems that something happened. I hope you can enjoy yours as soon as possible. I have waited 7 months but it worth it.

regards!

Good news partners! I received my BMCC today. I was asking this week and in Spain received at least 15 cameras this week. It seems that something happened. I hope you can enjoy yours as soon as possible. I have waited 7 months but it worth it.

regards!

Hi nichymontero,
Could you post your seller?
Thanks

My Feb 11th order from Adorama is shipping out tonight, should have it tomorrow.

If people really are tired of waiting they can just order from Japan or Australia (though I have yet to find a place in AUS that ships internationally)

Additional note/warning: in case anybody is thinking about this... go for Japan! Seems to be much easier.

I still have not got my BMCC out of Australia! I have been going back and forth about the internal battery of the camera with the shipper for a few days already - finally it was shipped but I just got a "shipping exception" and it will be returned to the shipper because of - still - something being supposedly wrong about the customs declaration?!?? Arrrgh...

Seems OZ is not that big about export...

Feb 11th 2013?

My Feb 11th order from Adorama is shipping out tonight, should have it tomorrow.

Living in the UK, a camera I ordered in January has just become available.

Living in the UK, a camera I ordered in January has just become available.

Nice, which dealer?

11 month pre-ordered and still no product!!!

MARCH 2013, NO SHIPPING UPDATE FOR CUSTOMERS OR RESELLERS FROM BM!!!

Congratulation, it's a worldwide shame!!!

I live in Malaysia and I want to purchase this camera but no stock, please how can I get it, in malaysia no stock, in Singapore no stock, GRANT PERRY PLEASE CAN YOU HELP ME TO GET ONE?? THANK YOU

Just got my 2nd BMCC from a pre-order I made, and forgot about last April! Killing me not to open the box while my original BMCC is getting its flange adjusted. Anyone interested in purchasing this one off me?

What's the over/under that there will be an update on the MFT before NAB?

I'm guessing under 10% likelihood...

I live in Malaysia and I want to purchase this camera but no stock, please how can I get it, in malaysia no stock, in Singapore no stock, GRANT PERRY PLEASE CAN YOU HELP ME TO GET ONE?? THANK YOU

Hi, I'm based in Singapore. I have 2 unit of BMCC EF mount. I'm letting go of 1 unit(new in a box) to fund the MFT mount. Let me know if you are interested.

Just got my 2nd BMCC from a pre-order I made, and forgot about last April! Killing me not to open the box while my original BMCC is getting its flange adjusted. Anyone interested in purchasing this one off me?

Can you take a credit card lol? It's really tempting, but I'd like the ability to take it back if I have any problems with it.

My camera will be with me as of MONDAY MORNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Over the moon... literally.

I ordered this unit on November 5th 2012 from TNP Broadcast in the UK.

5th november? grmpf

Mine is still stuck in Melbourne ... not a friend of DHL Australia after this shipping desaster...

So even in the UK there seem to be resellers now fulfilling quite late preorders? What the...

Note to self: never ever again preorder anything anymore only buy from stock

Mine is still stuck in Melbourne ... not a friend of DHL Australia after this shipping desaster...

So even in the UK there seem to be resellers now fulfilling quite late preorders? What the...

Note to self: never ever again preorder anything anymore only buy from stock

i need it 0166777378 call me, make sure its new

11 month pre-ordered and still no product!!!

MARCH 2013, NO SHIPPING UPDATE FOR CUSTOMERS OR RESELLERS FROM BM!!!

Congratulation, it's a worldwide shame!!!

Man... look arround.....
Im sure you can put your hands in a camera quite soon if you shop arround.
We canceled our MFT this week, and got an Ef.
We realised that the mft was not going to happend for us... (couse even if they start shipping mft next moth it will take another couples of moths untill enogh numbers of mfts are out there to guranty us one (like we've seen with the ef) So we got an ef from a friend of us that placed a couple of orthers arround after seing that the first retailer wast getting many cameras. so we got one of those spare orders once he got his bm.

hey folks, sold my 2nd BMCC. Now the agonizing wait to get my first one back from flange adjustment....and then the MFT.

Having been through this many times before I opted to NOT place an early per-order (last time I admitted this some kindly citizen took me to task as he felt my comments weren't as important as his).
The internet's kind of a free society where you can complain, threaten to cancel your order, name call, or otherwise try to be as patient as possible while exercising the common courtesy that isn't so common...

Same here, when i canceled our 2 bmcc order, got the friendly "dont let the door hit you in the ***" from some that are now part of the angry mob

Now i get the "youre a troll" from clowns that have never laid hands on a bmcc, never shot anything on one and dont currently own one, yet had mine 2 weeks now and been shooting the lights out with it FOR PAY.

Gotta love the net!

Oh, and the ssd's im using havent dropped so much as 1 frame

Oh, and the ssd's im using havent dropped so much as 1 frame

Are you using the Sandisk Extreme 480 GB?

Hello everyone,
I daily read this forum for months and here comes my turn to post news, hoping to help some other users to find informations about the delivery of their camera.

I ordered my BMCC on May 31th 2012, and after nearly 10 months waiting time,
I got my camera yesterday !.
The dealer is Photocinerent in Paris.

They had barely receive it with three other models. This is rather good news for deliveries in Europe, but it still seems superficial: After several unsuccessfully calls, we met on 18th of February a Photocinerent-director who told us that we moved from fifth to the first place on the waiting list, and he promised us that we would get our camera latest on week 12 (this week).
I'm amazed it still took a month to deliver 4 cameras...

In any case I never do expect last year to have to shift shoots planned for early 2013 for a camera purshased in May 2012! But now I am relieved and we can peacefully work on our new project.

I hope you will also get very soon your camera.