EX1 Backfocus Issues - I've sent two cameras back now
by Tom David
on
May 16, 2008 at 6:52:07 am
Has anyone else with their EX1 cameras come across a problem of slowly noticing your back focus is out, then over time (a day or two), the focus system fails altogether and the camera requires an OFF/ON to regain focus control again - until you change your zoom in which you lose focus again?
Today is the second time I have had to send an EX1 model camera back to the supplier from our production house (http://www.hsquared.tv). We've only owned the cameras for several months (since February)
The supplier claims not to have heard of this problem. Though in the first case, SONY replaced the lens system for us, but still we were down a camera for three weeks.
Be interested to hear responses - we have a third EX1 that has not shown this problem yet, though wondering whether to get it checked out in advance.
Cheers,
Tom
Camera Operator - Editor - Motion Graphics
(http://www.tomdavid.com.au)
Re: EX1 Backfocus Issues - I've sent two cameras back now by Craig Seeman on May 16, 2008 at 12:41:13 pm
Some have reported backfocus issue but not of the focus system failing.
There's a backfocus routine in the maintenance menu that Sony is keeping a deep dark secret from the users. Also people have reported that going to firmware 1.05 fixes the backfocus issue but Sony is keeping that a secret too.
Re: EX1 Backfocus Issues - I've sent two cameras back now by Bob Pierce on May 16, 2008 at 2:04:02 pm
I bought an EX1 about 2 weeks ago and it was DOA - the focus stopped working completely within using it for about an hour. Rule Broadcast in Boston exchanged it for me, no problem (they even gave me a loaner to get through a shoot). I highly recommend them.
My new one is working fine so far with firmware 1.03.
Bob
Mac Pro 2.66 8GB memory
Mac Book Pro 2.33 Duo
FC Studio
Kona Lhe
Re: EX1 Backfocus Issues - I've sent two cameras back now by Don Greening on May 16, 2008 at 5:17:40 pm
[Chris Babbitt]"Craig, what's the scoop on the firmware update? I haven't heard about this. How is it done?"
Some users were reporting that when using ND 1 or 2 their back focus went soft. Firmware update v.1.0.5. is supposed to now fix the back focus issue when the ND filters are engaged.
Press and hold the cancel button and menu button at the same time. Continue to hold these buttons and then hit the SEL/SET button. 3 more menus will show up below the regular menu items. Scroll down to the IF icon. Select that and you'll see your serial number and the firmware version number appear. Any firmware upgrade has to be done at an authorized Sony repair facility. The MN menu is where the back focus adjustment is carried out and to do so is at your own risk. Auto FB adjustment stands for "flange back".
Re: EX1 Backfocus Issues - I've sent two cameras back now by Mickey Houlihan on May 18, 2008 at 3:37:14 am
Is there any way to know before purchasing which version firmware the camera might have?
Would it be safe to assume that all cameras beyond a certain serial # have the 1.05 version?
Re: EX1 Backfocus Issues - I've sent two cameras back now by Don Greening on May 18, 2008 at 4:53:48 am
[Mickey Houlihan]"Would it be safe to assume that all cameras beyond a certain serial # have the 1.05 version?"
I wouldn't assume that if I was purchasing right now. I've heard reports of other users purchasing recently and discovering earlier firmware versions. If you buy now you can always check the version by having the store access the EX's extra menus.
Re: EX1 Backfocus Issues - I've sent two cameras back now by Chris Babbitt on May 16, 2008 at 3:35:56 pm
It sounds like you have a legitimate problem, but one word of warning....
I've accidently hit my macro button a couple of times while shooting. As you can imagine, this plays havoc with your focusing, until you figure out what's wrong.
Re: EX1 Backfocus Issues - I've sent two cameras back now by Jim Watt on May 19, 2008 at 6:44:11 pm
I think there is definitely an endemic problem with back focus on these cameras. I sent the first one I purchased back to Sony and they replaced it.
The replacement had excellent back focus on the clear filter, but filters 1 and 2 were soft. I've read several other posts that have had the same problem. Fortunately I found a post on the DVXuser.com site that at least shows you how to set back focus. This operation fixed or rather set, the back focus on all three settings and it looks great.
Open the maintenance menu, which of course Sony doesn't tell you how to find. Mark & Mary Ann Weiss on the DVXuser.com forum gave me instructions on getting to the menu. You get to it by pressing Menu sel/set and the Cancel buttons simultaneously.
Then using a back focus chart at sbout 9 feet distance zoom in and focus on the chart, then zoom out to wide with the aperture wide open. You can use the shutter to control the f-stop.
In the maintenance menu choose backfocus adjustment (FB).
When it finishes leave the menu, then put in ND 1 and do the same thing and then do it with ND-2.
Worked great on my camera.
jw
Producer/DP, HD series, "Discoveries...America", "Discoveries...Ireland", "Discoveries...Spain",
"Discoveries...Argentina"
Re: EX1 Backfocus Issues - I've sent two cameras back now by Craig Seeman on May 19, 2008 at 8:25:05 pm
I've heard to optimal combination is to have firmware 1.05 and the do the backfocus routine in the maintenance menu. It really peeves me that both firmware update and backfocus really can and should be something the end user can do. Looking at the saw in the maintenance menu can also give you much better idea how the settings in the PPs are working.
