Hi helloimneil,
As you mentioned, that should be the default: empty Why it is a default (with Tokens) after upgrading, I can’t tell.
A little bit more about the feature that was introduced with R17:
https://help.maxon.net/us/#54506
What the example you shared does is to name the resulting file with the variables (Tokens)
Tokens
The following Tokens can be used:
$prj: Project file name
$camera: Current camera name
$take: Current take name
$pass: Multi-Pass or object channel name (the defined multi-pass names). Primarily to be used as directory name. (the Channel Name as Suffix option will be disabled internally)
$userpass: Multi-Pass or object channel name (the multi-passes renamed via double-click in the Render Settings (opened Multi-Pass tree view). Primarily to be used as a directory name.
$frame: Current animation frame
$rs: Current Render Setting name
$res: Image resolution (e.g., 800*600: 800X600)
$range: Animation range (e.g., from frame 23 to 76; 23_76)
$fps: Frame rate
Could it be that you have a “New.c4d” file in your Maxon folder? Perhaps delete it or overwrite it with an empty name field of course.
Have you tried to delete your Preferences and restart the app?
Did you used the Take System?
If nothing helps, I would suggest the support:
https://www.maxon.net/en-us/support/how-can-we-help/
I hope one or the other option will solve it.
All the best
P.S.: if the system is at all of any interest, please have as well a look here
https://www.cineversity.com/vidplaylist/cv-tokens/