Millennium FX Dr Who Sonic Screwdriver

[Jamanticus]

So I guess my question is; "Where's the debate?" That upper image could pass for an MFX in a heartbeat save for the poorly drilled neck hole. Or am I missing something?

I think everyone here would agree that the MFX could pass for the original in a heartbeat. You have to admit, however, that there are certainly easily observable (albeit small) dimensional differences between the MFX and that 3-4 sonic on top. Yes, they're minor and definitely not enough to ruin a replica, but they exist, which is why there's a debate; MFX said that there's was an exact (exact!) replica of the real thing in all of their advertisements for it. It would look like an exact replica to most people, but here on the RPF, we obviously take little details more seriously than most :lol

 

[Birdie]

In the interest of accuracy, Nick, look at the MFX replica compared to the original prop. Yes, they handled it in person and took measurements, but it is clear that their replica is not completely accurate to it. Look at the black endcap on both of them (MFX doesn't taper enough towards the tip), the windows of the emitter head (MFX ones are almost right in the center of the emitter head, while the original had them further down on the head), the blue lens (MFX has the lens very round from edge to edge, while the real has the lens starting out going straight for a bit longer, then curving), even the ridges at the base of the slider slot (MFX has sharp corners on theirs while the original has rounded edges). Clearly quite different from original to replica. MFX said that their sonic was, "An exact replica of the Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver as used during filming." Do you still trust everything they say solely because they can prove they had access to an original?

And, as I just pointed out, those innacuracies were dismissed by Neil as being due to the screwdriver MFX referenced having variations not seen on the examples people were posting as evidence- now proven to be a lie by his own posting of pics of the MFX reference piece!

So how are we supposed to take all this colour white (gold?) washing seriously?

 

[Asp9mm]

Uhh...guys? You may recall where I posted about having a ridiculous amount of SS pics?

Let me show you my two favorites. They are the ones I'll be basing my build(s?) upon.

View attachment 27292

Now, these two images have been posted here. Both of them bore the description "Screen Used" prop, or a reasonable facsimile thereof.

So I guess my question is; "Where's the debate?" That upper image could pass for an MFX in a heartbeat save for the poorly drilled neck hole. Or am I missing something?

You are missing something That top one is photoshopped (slider closed but extension out) and is one of only TWO pictures including the DK one that shows the heritage gold colour. The wear on the slider button matches up to the white version posted in other various pictures and the yellowing of the metal is what people pointed out, and started this whole debate.

The bottom one is a static stunt version made by Aztec.

Come on guys, get looking, there has to be a heritage gold sonic picture other than those two out there. Has anyone checked Voyage of the Damned where it is said the spring up version may have been used

 

[Organic Mechanic]

You are missing something That top one is photoshopped (slider closed but extension out) and is one of only TWO pictures including the DK one that shows the heritage gold colour. The wear on the slider button matches up to the white version posted in other various pictures and the yellowing of the metal is what people pointed out, and started this whole debate.

The bottom one is a static stunt version made by Aztec.

Come on guys, get looking, there has to be a heritage gold sonic picture other than those two out there. Has anyone checked Voyage of the Damned where it is said the spring up version may have been used

OK, yeah, I was completely ignoring the color for reasons already posted. I was referring more specifically to the dimensional aspects. The ridges on the handgrip for example.

Are you certain that it's a chop though? I've done quite a few of those myself, and none of the "Tattlers" are there. It looks to me more like the button functions as an un attached "pusher" for the extension re: the small, pushable, chunk of material at the end of the slot.

And an interesting (to me anyway) note, the Aztec Stunt Prop seems a great deal closer, proportion wise, to the concept drawing so readily available on the web.







All of this is very helpful to me BTW. You guys rock.

 

[Straker]

An absolutely excellent point. Same problem that occurs with just about every prop and costume from LotR :unsure

No matter what color of paint the original sonic prop has on it, it's not that color anymore due to all the grime it's developed on it. The sonic looks beautiful with both color schemes, so I echo your 2 cents, bringing us up to a whopping 4 cents :lol

I know this is gonna sound like I am flip flopping support on CT but I have to agree. It's like the Han Solo Empire Strikes Back parka "Is it brown or blue?" debates. XD

I have to say that in my opinion, the color issue for me isn't quite as big. I like the Heritage Gold for the sonic. NMR's pic is pretty good for seeing a color wash out in a photo on an actual Heritage Gold paint job and even though the evidence on the color being actually gray is pretty darned good, I still would probably own the Heritage Gold piece as it really is a nice color. *shrugs* maybe I'm only about accuracy based on external dimentsions and engineering and such over materials used and colors but on this I think I swing either way pretty easily. I mean it's not like people are saying the grip was actually blaze orange XD

 

[Organic Mechanic]

I know this is gonna sound like I am flip flopping support on CT but I have to agree. It's like the Han Solo Empire Strikes Back parka "Is it brown or blue?" debates. XD

I have to say that in my opinion, the color issue for me isn't quite as big. I like the Heritage Gold for the sonic. NMR's pic is pretty good for seeing a color wash out in a photo on an actual Heritage Gold paint job and even though the evidence on the color being actually gray is pretty darned good, I still would probably own the Heritage Gold piece as it really is a nice color. *shrugs* maybe I'm only about accuracy based on external dimentsions and engineering and such over materials used and colors but on this I think I swing either way pretty easily. I mean it's not like people are saying the grip was actually blaze orange XD

Indeed. Mine will be cream. Sort of a happy medium I guess. Though I DID consider blaze orange for just a second when I read your post. XD

 

[E-Wan]

Come on guys, get looking, there has to be a heritage gold sonic picture other than those two out there. Has anyone checked Voyage of the Damned where it is said the spring up version may have been used

The bit where he pops the champagne cork with his Sonic near the start has it looking kinda goldish - but that's a very yellow/red looking scene.

 

[Straker]

In the name of fairness NMRs picture was much clearer before he adjusted the saturation. You can see from the saturation on the yellow wires that it has been adjusted in the simplest way. The originals before adjustment are on top....

You're not helping either way by doing that. Either side tweaking pictures to fit their argument is not at all fair. I think this thread should be closed as it's impossible any side will ever agree and the fans are making it far worse than it actually is.

I think it's a fair debate Asp. I mean if someone could just go to an exhibit and if there were a Heritage Gold sonic prop that was proven to not be a MFX replica on display then that would be great evidence. Considering we've had two series and a year of specials to look at I think the question is fair. I'm for leaving it open though I don't think there will be any definitive agreement to be reached without more shots of other screen used props.

Indeed. Mine will be cream. Sort of a happy medium I guess. Though I DID consider blaze orange for just a second when I read your post. XD

Do they make a crackle finish blaze orange paint? You know under the right lighting it COULD look like Heritage Gold!


:angel

 

[ratchetrex]

Im really not trying to get into this but I read in one of the previous posts about the voyage of the damned sonic and here are 3 caps of it showing what looks to me to be both of the different colors and one cap from partners in crime. Doubt this helps much either way but I thought I would throw them out there for examination.

 

[NakedMoleRat]

Sorry, I really want to be out of this thread, but, could you please delete my pictures from this thread and leave my pictures out of the debate?

CT is a fine craftsman and has made an absolutely beautiful sonic. If I still had the money, I would buy one of his in a heartbeat!

Neill forged ahead and and secured the rights to make a replica for us. We whined and hounded him for over a year, we BEGGED for any tidbits that he would offer, and when the doors opened on July 15th, we shut his server down with orders.

I made some vary harsh and uneducated comments about CT and his sonic during his prototype stage. I was being an git and had no idea what I was talking about. He proved me wrong by the quality item he produced, so here I am with a large helping of foot!

MFX was the only game in town when I bought it. I have no regrets, but I do have some 'issues'. A dull head that looks clearly like a different metal, and some NASTY gouges in the clear neck (But since it was my third sonic and one that finally worked, I figured 'just deal with it')

I respect CT for the time and attention he has put into his sonic.

I respect Neill for his taking the bull by the horns, getting the license and putting up with 500 kids in the back seat constantly yelling "Are we there yet!" And all of the subsequent garbage he has gotten.

Am I a little upset? Yes, I paid $492.00 for a sonic with a chipped neck, that does not seem to have held it's value!

Do I feel the need to Flame Neill? No! He made a sonic that I CHOSE to buy.

If I had the money now, I would also CHOOSE to buy a CT sonic, and maybe someday I will be able to.

But please!!!!!!
My pictures were to show off a custom stand, not to be used as fodder for a flame war.

If any mods are reading, is that a reasonable request?

Neill..... Well done!

CT..... Well done!

"Lovely Chaps, the both of you!"

 

[Foxmeister]

I think that's a shame, he could have bolstered his credibility instantly by just allowing Straker to PM me, or even by contacting me through one of my many sites he's clearly visited.

That's rather arrogant of you don't you think? No disrespect to you, but I don't know you from Adam so even if you were privy to this information, why would take I take your word for it? Straker has already said that he has information about the source, so what makes his word any less credible than yours?

Again, I mean no disrespect to you personally on this - I'm sure you are a trustworthy, reasonable guy and your offer is perfectly genuine - but if we work on the assumption that CT did have access to an original prop, we can infer that someone gave him access, and that someone is almost certain involved in the production of Dr Who. That someone's career could very much end up in jeopardy if their identity ever became public knowledge, so I can fully understand why CT is not prepared to share his source.

Personally, I don't believe it is possible for CT to have produce a replica of the quality and accuracy that it clearly is without access to an original prop - the product speaks for itself.

Regards,

Dave

 

[Asp9mm]

Are you certain that it's a chop though? I've done quite a few of those myself, and none of the "Tattlers" are there. It looks to me more like the button functions as an un attached "pusher" for the extension re: the small, pushable, chunk of material at the end of the slot.

100% certain as it has already been discussed by MFX and others in a long dead thread that was deleted.

NMR, I wasn't accusing you of altering your own picture, so don't worry about that. Just that someone was out to prove a point by deception. Things are difficult enough without them faking images to support an argument.

And I agree that this debate should be kept open as long as we are debating the sonics themselves and NOT the people who make them. It was getting far too personal and like MM says, thats when debates degrade into handbags at dawn and no real progress is made.

I was firmly in the heritage gold camp, but I have to admit, I'm not seeing much visual evidence to support it being used on screen. Actually, I have seen no visual evidence as of yet, so keep those screen caps coming. I certainly can't see the spring activated sonic being used in VotD.

 

[RKW]

NMR, I wasn't accusing you of altering your own picture, so don't worry about that. Just that someone was out to prove a point by deception. Things are difficult enough without them faking images to support an argument.

Well I hope you're not accusing me of deception because in post #190 where I posted the comparison I linked to the very NMR thread where I took the original photo posted back in August 09. Irritatingly NMR has now removed all his photos to prove this. Where did you get the same NMR photo which was more saturated?

 

[Asp9mm]

Well I hope you're not accusing me of deception because in post #190 where I posted the comparison I linked to the very NMR thread where I took the original photo posted back in August 09. Irritatingly NMR has now removed all his photos to prove this. Where did you get the same NMR photo which was more saturated?

I wasn't accusing anyone, just pointing out that the original image had been altered. These images have been about for some time since NMR had listed them to show his stand. If you did a Google search then both would show up. As you say, they have been deleted now, and it doesn't really matter as long as people know that there are two versions of those images. The original showing clearly the Heritage Gold paint and the same image in which the saturation had been altered so that the MFX gold sonic would appear grey.

I saved them before they were deleted so that the evidence would be openly available for people to view. To me it's not about who was right and who was wrong, but what is screen accurate, and what colour is used or sees most screen time. Once this has been established, and I think it has, I'll mod my sonic to match the results. At least I'll be happy then, even if others aren't. It's not like we've discovered that the replica is two CMs too short or anything like that.

 

[RKW]

"Just that someone was out to prove a point by deception."
"I wasn't accusing anyone"

Sure read like you were accusing me since I was the one making the point. How are you determining which is the original image? I used a photo from way back in August 09 long before any talk of incorrect colour.

 

[Asp9mm]

"Just that someone was out to prove a point by deception."
"I wasn't accusing anyone"

Sure read like you were accusing me since I was the one making the point. How are you determining which is the original image? I used a photo from way back in August 09 long before any talk of incorrect colour.

I apologise if it came over like that, it was sincerely not my intention. Someone was out to prove a point by deception (poor choice of words by me, I'd admit). Someone!! I don't care who, or why, just that it happened, Those pictures could have been sent to you for all I knew, and I actually did assume that they had been. Wherever they came from, or however old they are (and if they are quite old, they may have been altered to show the sonic or stand in a better way). In which case there was no intended deception.

The images are clearly altered as the unaltered one shows a true Heritage Gold colour and the correct yellow wire colour quite clearly. The background colours are also under saturated and they do stand out as very pale and stark compared to the other version.

And we are debating NMRs individual sonic now, which is pointless as the images have been removed, so can we close this particular episode and move on.

As far as CT having access to the original prop, I'm absolutely sure he did. It is far too accurate for guess work, even the tiny step under the emitter struts is there and the Ecclestone sonic has only recently been put on display way after CTs version came out. He's proven it by making and delivering the prop, what more do you need?

 

[LeAngeSolitaire]

Well, someone altered the NMR pics. Not that it really matters anyway but it does seems pretty difficult getting Heritage Gold to consistently read grey. Virtually impossible since I've yet to succeed.

 

[Organic Mechanic]

100% certain as it has already been discussed by MFX and others in a long dead thread that was deleted.

Thank you. That was very informative. :thumbsup

And I agree that this debate should be kept open as long as we are debating the sonics themselves and NOT the people who make them.

I second that!

 

[mooneye63]

Surely the colour of the Sonic has been answered by someone who has no axe to grind with MFX or CT, and that is the rep from Dorling Kindersley.

'The Card 'posted the following on Gallifrey Base Forum & a copy is also on on CT's Blog. For those that havent seen it she wrote:

"I think I have the answer to this whole debate. I just spoke to Dorling Kindersley and had a conversation with the really nice guy who did the artwork for the Doctor Who Visual Dictionary. I explained that there was a debate about this and the sonic colour online and he shed light on this by having a look at the original artwork supplied by the Beeb and he told me in no uncertain terms it was 'ivory gray' and was not yellow in the slightest.




He then went on to explain the reason why the colour issue occured. This was down to the printing and error in colour rendering.

Ivory Grey, thats what the nice Rep said, which I think should wrap up the debate... but it wont of course!

 

[Pastor Jedi]

CT is currently selling his Tennant SS! Buying things from him doesn't take forever to receive like other sellers, especially the seller and maker of the "approved" SS.