When using the Zoom on the top handle, switch set to LOW, Speed in Menu set to 10 (or less), Z at 0 (zoomed out wide), when I zoom in it steps or pauses rather than zooms in smoothly.

Steps to reproduce:
Menu - Camera/Zoom Speed/Low - set to 10
Set Top Handle Zoom Switch to LOW(L)
Use Control Grip Zoom rocker and zoom in Z0 as your starting postion
Press Top Handle Zoom to go tight (numbers should go from 0 to 99).

Comments:
If I set Z to 99 and press top handle zoom to go wide (numbers decrease to 0) it smoothly zooms out.
If I set Menu - Camera/Zoom Speed/Low to 15 and follow the above steps Z goes from 0 to 99 smoothly.
If I set Menu - Camera/Zoom Speed/High to 10, set Top Handle Zoom Switch to HIGH(H), I get the same issue so it seems related to low speed setting as zooming from wide to tight regardless of whether such low speed (10) is assigned to High or Low.

So it only happens at very very low speeds and only going from wide (0) to tight (99).

I can't imagine this is a hardware issue since top handle zoom and servo control work at higher speeds and the issue is only in one direction and at a very low speed setting (such as 10 or lower).

is OIS on?

I tried OIS ON and OFF and I'm getting such inconsistent results it hard to say anything definitive. Sometimes it'll zoom in a bit and stop and then start again. Sometimes it doesn't move at all. It's almost as if it's losing "contact" which makes no sense since the top handle zoom is not touch sensitive.

What I can say definitively for me is that it's only on zoom in and it happens when speed is set to 10. I set it to 15 and it zooms in all the way from 0 to 99 without issue. Since that top handle zoom is, in effect, an an ON/OFF contact switch and not touch sensitive I can only conclude is that it's a software issue.

The more I test the more I see it as an intermittent issue. I've turned the camera off/on a few times between tests and sometimes it's ok. All the more reason to think it's software based.

I tried following your steps Craig and mine works fine with low at 10, zooming both in and out.

There was a post about iris behavior that was effected by camera modes.

http://dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=111628

Not sure if it's related.

regards

Paul.

I'm testing at 1080p30.

It is odd because sometimes it does work fine. I certainly think it's software, not hardware because sometimes turning camera off then on fixes it.

I can try other settings and frame rates but if it's intermittent I may not know if the results changes due to the settings or the act of the camera booting into that setting.

Hi Craig,

Did you ever resolve this issue? Im seeing the same thing but Ive only seen it now with zoom setting of 1. I wanted it to be really slow but it ramps through. It is not consistent ramping either. Sometimes it goes smoother and sometimes it skips a couple of beats so to speak.

Sami

Not resolved and you see EXACTLY what I see. I believe many more people have this but just aren't looking closely enough.

It seems the problem is intermittent but increases in occurrence as you drop the speed to 10 or lower.

Sometimes it will "step" (skips a beat) rather than zoom at some points.
It seems much more prevalent on zoom in then zoom out.
There seems to be a delay when pressing the top zoom down to zoom in when compared to zoom out.

I did some more tests and I only really notice the skipping at zoom speeds 1-3. Zooming in or out doesnt seem to make much difference except I feel there is a slight delay as well when you start zooming in. I only tried OIS off because I have the Letus Extreme attached.

Sami

I sent some footage to my UK supplier and they ackowledge the zoom problem and promised to look into it once they have a stock demo unit.

Please take a look at the footage showing the problem here:
http://escycle.com/videos/EX1
the file name is: EX1-zoom-problem.mp4

It's not a stream and it doesnt play proper on the browser as it is a 1280*720 file so you should save it on your HD.
The file is 11MB, 720p shot with zoom setting 1.

It would be very interesting to hear from more people if they see this? I see it at zoom settings 1-4. It is worst at 1 and comes and goes on 2-4. Craig said he sees it on 10 and lower.

Sami

Sami, your example is similar to what I see. It steps and even the steps aren't event.

Now I'm finding I don't see it much at 10 but at around 7 or so it only steps.

I can't help but wonder if others just haven't tested. I haven't noticed any clips posted that show a successful creep in/out zoom.

I would LOVE to see someone post a creep with a zoom setting of something like 3 going the full distance from 0-99 or vice versa.

When a motor turns at low speed it has less torque than at fast speed and friction, the resistance to movement, is more pronounced. Also when zooming in the motor turns counter to zooming out and the resistance offered by the zoom mechanism of the lenses is more one way than the other. This says to me it is a mechanical issue with the motor zoom gear connection. The gearing is simply slipping under stress.

But why would they implement a feature that cant be used? Why not just have the lowest zoom setting at 11 if they know it acts like this at lower speeds?

And another fact is that I can make slower absolutely smooth zooms (I would estimate zoom speed 2-4) with the zoom in the handle bar. So I dont think its purely a mechanical issue.

sami

This is a problem just with HIS camera and maybe a few others. I have done all these tests and see no signs of non-smooth zoom at any speed. He needs return this camera for service. I am convinced it is a mechanical problem with the motor to zoom gear mechanism.

EDIT TO RESPOND TO SAMI: I respond to Sami when he says it's not mechanical because the rocker switch does not do it. The likely cause is this:With the rocker switch speed is never constant, there are slight ups and downs caused by the fingers ever-changing pressure. These small accelerations and decelerations give the motor more torque and friction, or the resistance of the lens to turning is less and so a weak connection does not show. It's like you car is to slow for the gear and its is about to stall - pump the gas and brake and keep doing this and the rocking of the car will keep it going.

I don't have this problem either.


regards Dennis

Thanks Dennis and Paul for confirming you don't have the issue.

I called Sony USA and they tested the camera they had on hand following my instructions. They didn't have the issue either. They gave me instructions to send back the camera.

Unfortunately I'm booked through next Monday so I'll have to ship it back next Tuesday or thereabouts and put shoots on hold.

I called Sony. Described testing procedure to them I used. They tested and didn't see the issue on their camera so they said to send my camera to Sony San Jose, CA. Which I did and paid for out of my own pocket. $130 UPS overnight plus insurance. Ouch!

I spoke to Sony San Jose and they're going to replace the camera. I gleaned a few bits of info, again only from Customer Service and not a tech.

They've been backlogged with repairs around a couple of issues which does include the zoom issue I had.

They attempted to "upgrade" my camera and still had problems. That seems to have involved placing an entirely new lens mechanism on the camera. I infer by the term "upgrade" that they've changed how the lenses are being manufactured due to the issues they're getting.

They are going to send my camera from San Jose, CA back to Japan so Sony can see it.

They are awaiting approval to get me a new camera.
They will test the new camera before they send it.
The told me to call this Friday to give me an update and info about shipping me new camera.


Additional Comments:
It seems they're getting a lot of cameras back and it apparently is NOT just the vignette issue. Folks REALLY TEST YOUR CAMERAS.
It's interesting that they referred to Upgrade and NOT Repair. It implies they've made a design change. I asked they to differentiate and they wouldn't other than to say the Tech described it as an Upgrade and not a repair.
It's interesting that even with new lens they still had issues. Apparently this is very finicky and the Tech was NOT happy with the results.
It's interesting that they told me the camera was going back to Japan to deal with. Apparently the San Jose techs are seeing something they want Sony Japan to pay attention to.

The good news is that Sony did NOT try to send a camera with an issue back to me with an unsatisfactory repair errr upgrade.

What tests should one do and how do you do them?

I'm concerned as even though I waited till now to buy my US camera was a low seriel number 100135.

My serial number is/was 100808.

The vignette issue test has been posted in that thread.
To test for zoom issue set low zoom speed to something like 3 or 5.
Zoom all the way out with the grip zoom rocker.
Zoom in with the top handle zoom control through the entire range and then zoom out the entire range.

There my be a long delay between pressing the top handle and when the zoom starts to engage.
The zoom may "step" rather than zoom smoothly at points.
The zoom may stop/stall entirely at some points.

Sami posted video where you can see the stepping.
Apparently only Sami and I have had the issue but judging from my conversation with Sony we're not the only ones.
Given that Sami is in Finland and I'm in NYC, USA it may not be a specific batch or set of serial numbers affected.

Keep in mind this is NOT affecting all cameras. It's probably a small number but apparently enough given this and other issues that Sony San Jose has a backlog.

Sami do let us know if Sony in Europe says anything.

Hi,

A guy from Sony called me again today to reassure that they're looking into the issue but they dont know what it is yet. So at the moment Im just waiting to see what happens.

I havent shipped my camera to them and they are only looking at the footage I put online.

Sami

Odd response from Sony for you. I'm reluctant to speculate but apparently they feel sending in the camera won't do any good and they're waiting to see how Sony wants to handle this. Obviously they couldn't "upgrade" my camera.

Unlike the vignette issue it's apparently not as simple as a re-calibration or changing (upgrading?) some parts or the lens itself.

The issue is apparent with your camera and I was getting the exact same thing with mine.

I guess they're waiting to hear from Sony about the issue. It obviously doesn't affect every or even most cameras though.

Hi,

A guy from Sony called me again today to reassure that they're looking into the issue but they dont know what it is yet. So at the moment Im just waiting to see what happens.

I havent shipped my camera to them and they are only looking at the footage I put online.

Sami

Sony shipped me a new camera which I'll have on Monday.

On another forum someone else has experienced the Zoom Servo issue much more severe than either Sami or I. Person is also in USA (like me but unlike Sami).

BTW Sami, I really think you should send your camera in to the appropriate place in Europe.

I'll excerpt below.

_______________

During comparison test, the brand new EX 1 failed. Lens servo broke or something - back focus completely out; would zoom out, but not in. Almost seemed like it was stuck in "macro," which was 'floating.' When panned, objects appeared to "fly through" the frame - as if the steady shot feature was failing to center the image. Totally weird behavior.

Sony phone support talked me through a nifty procedure: push the "menu," "select," and "cancel" buttons, all at the same time. This brings up a whole new level of diagnostics and, as the tech told me, "stuff you shouldn't fool around with."

He did have me go the "M" (for "Maintenance") menu, where the "FB adjust" function can be found (I'm not 100% sure I got the acronym correct - I mailed the camera to Sony within a short time of doing this diagnostic, and didn't write down the exact menu command - it's the last one in the "M" list, if I recall). "Execute" will cause the camera to rack focus and focal length repeatedly as it, I guess, adjusts back focus. It failed on my camera - it either hung, with "executing," displayed, or it displayed the error message, "NG - timeout."

So, when I talked to the folks at the San Jose Sony service center (the only place in the U.S. that is servicing the camera) I got the distinct impression that this was a known issue. My camera serial number ends in 375, which leads me to believe it's 'early' in the series.
______________________

Hi Craig,

I havent heard from Sony since they called me last wednesday. I will give them a call on monday. Thanks for the update. Hope the new camera will be fine.

Sami

Got new camera from Sony.
New serial number 103861 (was 100808).
Went down to zoom speed of 2.
Smooth as silk.

Looks like they've changed the design of the HD-SDI plastic cover. Seems to be a very snug fit now.

I forgot to call them today. But good news Craig! Does the new cam seem a-ok in all aspects?

Sami

I'll be checking though aspects in greater detail but so far so good!

So after a month of sending emails and calling Sony Prime Support they finally decided to take my camera in. It came back today accompanied by an email stating:

SWITCH BLOCK CONTROLE ON THE HANDLE PREVENTIVE REPLACEMENT,FIRMWARE UPGRADE AND FLANGE BACK ADJUSTEMENT

But I tried the camera and it still has the exact same problem with the zoom as before. So off to call Sony again...

Sami

Sorry to hear this Sami. Sony admitted they couldn't fix my camera so they sent me a new one. That saved me another round of back and forth that apparently a few people are going through with various issues.

They did tell me they tried to "upgrade" the camera but that didn't work. It was at Sony a few extra days while they got approval to send me a new camera but it was worth it. I have a hunch that's what they'll end up doing for you. Why they didn't just do that the first time, I don't know. I did call to "check up" on the progress while it was "in the shop" though.


At a zoom of 2 it's now nice and slow and not "steppy."

I posted a thread a few weeks ago about a problem I had with my EX-1.
Zoom would work in one direction and not the other or not at all and if the zoom worked then the focus would not ,not even auto focus. It happened after only 4 days and Sony gave me a replacement and I love my new camera. Another person from OZ had the same problem.
I wonder if the problems are related?
Hope you get the problem sorted out ASAP Sami....Good Luck

ok, so Sony called and said "they do not guarantee the zoom operation at hyperslow settings. The zoom operation changes due to enviromental issues, lighting (sic!) and other conditions". So I wont be able to use zoom setting 1 at all on my camera.

I also had the back focus issue which I wasnt aware of and it was fixed at Sony.