What the thread found

• A Tiffen M-2 Top Stage caught fire after being accidentally switched to 24-V mode while powering only a 12-V camera, but the voltage mode switch was ruled out as the cause.
• One operator identified a defective power distribution cable with integrated tally port at the front of the Top Stage as the root cause: the 3-pin connector showed melted insulation, with resistance buildup over time especially when a low-mode monitor drew current from the auxiliary ports.
• Tiffen acknowledged the problem and traced it to a specific batch of faulty distribution cables.
• Multiple M-2 operators reported similar smoking incidents, including cases where the rig sat idle on the dock in standby with no camera attached ('campfire' effect at the front Top Stage).
• The 3-pin auxiliary port power supply is regarded by several operators as the most frequent weak point of the M-2 design.
• Immediate shutdown is the only safe response; maintaining a spare Top Stage as backup is advisable; warranty replacement through Tiffen is possible.

Depends on

• Defect depends on affected cable batch; typical use on Mini rigs with AB-Battery-Eliminator was also implicated; failure risk may increase with monitor current draw and extended standby operation

Gear in this thread

Voltcatalog

Parts

Top Stage, Low Mode

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