[pinholecam]

I think I will share this here. (did the same in the local forums)

So not all is rosy with the A7.

The sensor reflection issue is perhaps the 'show stopper' to some considering this camera as a smallish, FF system.


I am currently doing more real use trials on it.

Don't want to book myself for a photo tour and end up getting serious use issues w/o a backup.
My criteria is pretty loose.
So long as it does not render a shot bad or uncorrectable in post (say 5mins of cloning).



This one is pretty bad to me.



No issue.

A7+Canon 20/2.8
No filter
used between f8-f11.


I know this sort of 'problem found' post will often bring up very defensive remarks or even angry ones. (perhaps not on a Pentax forum??)
So if you have shot in similar situations, and found no problems, do share sample picts.
Even better, if anyone got a solution (eg. bracketed shots and clone out ), thats the best.
Lens no good?
Adapter issues (adapter is matt and rough inside) - may try gaffer tape to eliminate the possibility.
Avoid diffused light sources that shine into the lens? -might be not very agreeable with this combo.

For those considering this camera.
I think I have posted a fair bit of photos of various real use conditions and genres here on PF.
This does not spoil every shot, though it would help to understand it better, perhaps mitigate it or find a way to correct in post.
Its certainly something to think over though.

I've shot here many times and I know that other lenses+camera I've used don't give this.

[osv]

I think I will share this here. (did the same in the local forums)

So not all is rosy with the A7.

The sensor reflection issue is perhaps the 'show stopper' to some considering this camera as a smallish, FF system.

this issue has been well documented on multiple forums, and it's not a show stopper by any means... it's only seen under certain extreme conditions, as in, when pointing the camera at the sun, or certain combinations of lens and lights at night... i've never seen it on the a7r.

it's not only the a7, people have also reported it on certain nex cameras, Sigma DP1 and SD15 cameras, the fuji x10(google white orb), and even television cameras, a guy saw sensor reflection on the jimmy fallon show.

the alleged sony response:

Reply from Sony Hong Kong about Problem with Sony A7, reflections on the sensor, this is a "normal optical phenomena, this optical phenomenon also comply with the camera and lens specifications acceptable range"

attached the reply email form Sony Hong Kong

首先感謝閣下購買 Sony 產品！

關於閣下早前的查詢，在日常拍攝中，我們常常都會面對不同的光源，例如是太陽、街燈、閃光燈等等。當相機面對一些強光時，光線從進入鏡頭內之後，它會在鏡頭及相機中反射，而某些強的光線在反射後會在最終影像上形成有色的圓盤，這些照片中的效果，我們稱作「光暈」。基本上，在面對光源下拍攝時都可能出現及十分常見，而光源的強弱，以及使用不同鏡頭、相機組合時，「光暈」的形狀或密度亦會有所不同，影像上形成的「光暈」屬於正常的光學現象。經廠方參考閣下早前所提供的照片後，此光學現象亦符合相機及鏡頭規格的可接受範圍內，請閣下可以放心使用產品！

若閣下需要在面對光源情況下拍攝時，建議您嘗試稍微改變拍攝的角度，此舉可以大大減低照片中出現「光暈」的現象。甚或乎閣下亦可以自行調整拍攝角度，特意為照片增添鏡頭光暈以營造特別的相片效果。

我們十分感謝閣下的意見，希望在未來所推出的攝影器材產品，為廣大的攝影愛好者提供更加優良的攝影產品，謝謝！

如閣下還有其他疑問，歡迎直接回覆本電郵查詢或致電索尼客戶服務熱線 或瀏覽 http://www.sony.com.hk 或 http://www.sony.com.hk/service/

保養及維修事宜 28335129（星期一至星期六 09:00-18:00）
產品查詢及電話銷售 23452966 (香港)／080-0039 (澳門) （星期一至星期日 09:00-20:00）
技術支援 23893202（星期一至星期日 09:00-20:00）

再一次感謝閣下支持Sony產品！

Ted Cheung
客戶服務本部
香港業務拓展總部
索尼香港

Translate by Google

First of all thank you for purchasing Sony products !

Earlier inquiries about you in everyday shooting , we often are faced with different light sources , such as the sun, streetlights , flash and so on. When the camera face some glare , the light from entering the lens after it in the camera lens and reflector , and some strong light colored discs will be formed after reflection on the final image , the effect of these photographs we called " halo ." Basically, are likely to appear in the face of light shooting and very common, and the strength of the light source, and the use of different lenses , the camera portfolio , " halo " shape or density will vary, formed on the image " halo " is a normal optical phenomena . After the factory Photo provided by you earlier , this optical phenomenon also comply with the camera and lens specifications acceptable range, you can rest assured that the use of the product !

If you need to shoot in the face of the light source , it is recommended that you try to slightly change the angle shooting , a move could greatly reduce the photos appear " halo " phenomenon. You also can adjust almost even self- shooting angle , lens flare added specifically for the photos to create a special photo effects.

We are very grateful to your comments , I hope in the future launch of photographic equipment products for the majority of photographers with more quality photographic products , thank you !

If you have additional questions , please feel free to reply to this email or call our customer service hotline or visit the Sony http://www.sony.com.hk or http://www.sony.com.hk/service/

Care and maintenance of 28,335,129 ( Monday to Saturday 09:00-18:00 )
Product inquiries and telesales 23452966 ( Hong Kong ) / 080-0039 ( Macau ) ( Mon-Sun 09:00-20:00 )
Technical Support 23893202 ( Monday to Sunday 09:00-20:00 )

Once again, thank you for your support Sony products !

Ted Cheung
Customer Service Division
Hong Kong Marketing Company
Sony Hong Kong

---------- Post added 02-08-2014 at 05:39 PM ----------

I know this sort of 'problem found' post will often bring up very defensive remarks or even angry ones. (perhaps not on a Pentax forum??)
So if you have shot in similar situations, and found no problems, do share sample picts.
Even better, if anyone got a solution (eg. bracketed shots and clone out ), thats the best.
Lens no good?
Adapter issues (adapter is matt and rough inside) - may try gaffer tape to eliminate the possibility.
Avoid diffused light sources that shine into the lens? -might be not very agreeable with this combo.

i doubt that it's an adapter issue, and i haven't yet seen a fix for it... maybe try changing the angle of the sensor face, relative to the incoming light, but that could prove to be a real hassle when it comes to framing the shot... lose perfect framing just for this?

i would also wonder if a tilt adapter would change the angle of the incoming light slightly?

[Rondec]

I think I will share this here. (did the same in the local forums)

So not all is rosy with the A7.

The sensor reflection issue is perhaps the 'show stopper' to some considering this camera as a smallish, FF system.


I am currently doing more real use trials on it.

Don't want to book myself for a photo tour and end up getting serious use issues w/o a backup.
My criteria is pretty loose.
So long as it does not render a shot bad or uncorrectable in post (say 5mins of cloning).


No issue.

A7+Canon 20/2.8
No filter
used between f8-f11.


I know this sort of 'problem found' post will often bring up very defensive remarks or even angry ones. (perhaps not on a Pentax forum??)
So if you have shot in similar situations, and found no problems, do share sample picts.
Even better, if anyone got a solution (eg. bracketed shots and clone out ), thats the best.
Lens no good?
Adapter issues (adapter is matt and rough inside) - may try gaffer tape to eliminate the possibility.
Avoid diffused light sources that shine into the lens? -might be not very agreeable with this combo.

For those considering this camera.
I think I have posted a fair bit of photos of various real use conditions and genres here on PF.
This does not spoil every shot, though it would help to understand it better, perhaps mitigate it or find a way to correct in post.
Its certainly something to think over though.

I've shot here many times and I know that other lenses+camera I've used don't give this.

That's very odd. I wonder what the issue is -- maybe the adapter? Although if there isn't any extra glass in the adapter that would seem odd. Obviously some lenses flare worse than others, but that's pretty odd flare to me.

[pinholecam]

this issue has been well documented on multiple forums, and it's not a show stopper by any means... it's only seen under certain extreme conditions, as in, when pointing the camera at the sun, or certain combinations of lens and lights at night... i've never seen it on the a7r.

it's not only the a7, people have also reported it on certain nex cameras, Sigma DP1 and SD15 cameras, the fuji x10(google white orb), and even television cameras, a guy saw sensor reflection on the jimmy fallon show.

the alleged sony response:

Reply from Sony Hong Kong about Problem with Sony A7, reflections on the sensor, this is a "normal optical phenomena, this optical phenomenon also comply with the camera and lens specifications acceptable range"



i doubt that it's an adapter issue, and i haven't yet seen a fix for it... maybe try changing the angle of the sensor face, relative to the incoming light, but that could prove to be a real hassle when it comes to framing the shot... lose perfect framing just for this?

i would also wonder if a tilt adapter would change the angle of the incoming light slightly?

Thanks, for the inputs and the link to the Sony HK response.

Yeah, changing the composition would certainly help in most of the situations where it happens, but those 'hard situations' are precisely what we want to do.

K30+DA15ltd, certainly no such problem and shooting into the light was exactly what was wanted.








I have not had a shot that has been a 'total junk' because of this (the sample before is probably the first one, but its certainly usable though not ideal), but until I shoot in more situations to cover 'real world use' its bit of a concern.

I doubt its the adapter.
I got first hand experience with reflections in the adapter (another adapter).
Its not like this and it was settled with gaffer tape.


I do suspect the FD20 isn't the best when it comes to flare, so it might be adding to the problems.

That's very odd. I wonder what the issue is -- maybe the adapter? Although if there isn't any extra glass in the adapter that would seem odd. Obviously some lenses flare worse than others, but that's pretty odd flare to me.

The general agreed theory is that the sensor is reflective enough to bounce the glare back onto the lens rear element and then is captured on the sensor again.

[Shanti]

Hi anyone have trouble with the A7R shutter shock syndrome? was thinking of one for WA landscapes,and need to handhold alot,say using 24mm lens.Is there any info on best shutter speeds for this camera? My K5II is easy ot get slow shutter speeds without any blur..Thanks for any info

[osv]

i haven't seen an issues with any shutter vibration on my a7r, and i do extensive pixel peeping.

that said, i try to use the old 1/focal length(mm) formula for shutter speed, and i always use a monopod or tripod where possible... how you mount the tripod can be a factor, as in, bolt to the camera body or the adapter mount, or the lens itself.

the problem is reputed to be worst at 1/100th or so, generally 1/60th to 1/125th range.

[NickLarsson]

What about this problem ? (light leaks with the body cap on)

A7/A7R owners: do you have a squishy mount?

[pinholecam]

What about this problem ? (light leaks with the body cap on)

A7/A7R owners: do you have a squishy mount?

I have shot enough real world samples to know that I don't have this issue.
But that's a sample size of 1.

I have not seen anyone complain of it too in the local Sony section of the forum.
But then neither have they been proactive about the sensor reflection and FE35 issues.
Some are starting to complain about the poor o/p of the new FE 24-70zeiss though.

[pinholecam]

Another sample that I got of the sensor reflection issue.




This is probably not beyond repair with a clone tool, just that it would mean more work.
Left by itself, its not totally unacceptable either, just a bit more distracting to me.

[NickLarsson]

About the "light leaks" :

Well - just off the phone with a senior specialist from Sony.... In short - yes, they are aware of the problem and it is both A7 and A7R models effected. Yes, it does happen with extended exposure images... Now - for the kicker...

They are waiting for the engineers to see if it is a "problem", and will post an update on the support website "if" or "when" there is any fix.. No ETA for any of that to happen...

I did test outside - a lightproof bag over the lens - an at a setting of ISO 800 for 15 seconds, I can still see the light streak on the right of the image. When I cover over the lens mount/lens with black cloth - I get nothing...

I did however get a record number - so, at least I can follow up.. Follow up with "what", I'm not sure exactly..?

Anyway - just an update...

- John

[Christine Tham]

I can confirm there is a small light leak on my A7r, but only under the following conditions:

1. Exposure time 30 seconds
2. ISO 25600
3. Bright LED torch shining directly onto 3 o'clock position on mount.

The leak can be plugged by shielding the mount with either tape, or cloth or simply using the hand/fingers. Probably unlikely to surface in "normal" shooting conditions, unless you happen to take lots of night sky long exposures and there is a lot of ambient light hitting the side of the camera.

On the other hand, I don't experience the "sensor reflection" issue on my A7r, so maybe it's an A7 vs A7r thing. I have, however, seen similar issues on my NEX6 (but only when I recover shadow details around a bright light source).

There is a theory that the reflection is due to the the array of PDAF sensors which may explain why I don't see it on my A7r but sees it on the NEX6. If that is the case, it may affect the A6000 as well.

[jpzk]

Sony Canada has absolutely NO IDEA and the "chat" staff reports: "There is no known issue about this.", unbelievable!
I've just spent a few minutes chatting with them at 8:01 to 8:09 EST.
She added:
"There is no known issue with regard to the camera's image sensor."
"It may be a case to case basis, but it is not a known issue."
"If there is something wrong with a particular unit, it can be sent to our service center to have it repaired."

Of course, Pentax Ricoh Canada is also rather clueless when it comes to admitting, for a lack of knowledge apparently, that there could be something wrong in a product.

So, this is a show stopper for me, for now, until this sensor reflection/light leak is solved.

JP

[jogiba]

I prefer the adjustable angled OLED EVF on my full frame Sony VG900 camcorder than the fixed OLED EVF on the A7 and A7r. Here is a shot of it with the new 28-70mm FE OSS lens that works great with it.

[RyanW]

I prefer the adjustable angled OLED EVF on my full frame Sony VG900 camcorder than the fixed OLED EVF on the A7 and A7r. Here is a shot of it with the new 28-70mm FE OSS lens that works great with it.

That thing got a Hemi in it?

[Christine Tham]

Sony Canada has absolutely NO IDEA and the "chat" staff reports: "There is no known issue about this.", unbelievable!
I've just spent a few minutes chatting with them at 8:01 to 8:09 EST.
She added:
"There is no known issue with regard to the camera's image sensor."
"It may be a case to case basis, but it is not a known issue."
"If there is something wrong with a particular unit, it can be sent to our service center to have it repaired."

Whether you choose to believe it or not, that is actually the correct answer.

The issue is not experienced by everyone (for example, I don't see it at all despite several attempts to try and replicate it) and someone else has pointed out the issue is also observable on other (including non Sony) cameras.

Specular reflections like these are not unusual and in one set of discussions I participated in, everyone in that group more or less concluded it was a non-issue, even the person who originally raised it - he said he had difficulty convincing his wife it was an issue - she took the pragmatic approach of saying "it is what it is - deal with it" so he took the advice.

The light leak "issue" is also not confirmed, as it is not experienced by everyone. I do experience it, but only in the extreme conditions that I described above, which I am unlikely to encounter in real life shooting.