What is this lens problem and how do I fix it? at DVinfo.net

Laurence Kingston · May 17th, 2011, 02:50 PM

I have begun to have a problem when I zoom out with my Sony HVR-Z7U, and that is that there is a vertical shadow along the entire right hand side of the frame. Often I can't see it in the viewfinder and only notice it when I transfer the footage later:

What is this and how do I fix it?

Gerd Kogler · May 19th, 2011, 05:58 AM

Does it only appear in the widest angle zoom setting? Any difference between wide open lens or stopped down to max? Then vignetting could be considered as the solution. Is the lens hood 100% aligned? Do you also change lenses on your camera? Hard to believe that it could be caused by the sensor.

Just a thought!

Cheers, Gerd

Don Bloom · May 19th, 2011, 10:36 AM

That really appears to be something like a flag or lens hood or even a cable of some sort that's in the way or not aligned quite right. If you're not seeing it when zoomed in then it's got to be something on that side of the camera. I doubt it's the sensor(s) or I would have to think you would see it thru out the entire zoom range.
I would start by taking off anything that's on the lens, hood, mattebox or flags and check to see if the vignette is still there. If not then replace one piece at a time what ever was on the front of the lens and check it thru out the range before putting the next piece on.
I had placed a piece of gaff tape on the edge of my lens hood once just as a place to put it while I got distracted and did something else. I forgot all about it and was shooting the job and did not see the vignette until about halfway thru the job. I then remembered the tape, carefully removed it and carried on without the shoadow rearing it's ugly head. During post I cropped the image slightly to get rid of the shadow and the client never suspected a thing but it was scarey for a few seconds.
Try the above measures and let us know if that takes care of it for you.

Wayne Dear · July 2nd, 2011, 08:42 AM

ND Filter not closed off properly? just a thought, as when I switch mine sometimes and I dont click it in, it can cause this dark edge.

May 17th, 2011, 02:50 PM	#1
Laurence Kingston Major Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Clermont, FL. Posts: 941	What is this lens problem and how do I fix it? I have begun to have a problem when I zoom out with my Sony HVR-Z7U, and that is that there is a vertical shadow along the entire right hand side of the frame. Often I can't see it in the viewfinder and only notice it when I transfer the footage later: What is this and how do I fix it? Last edited by Laurence Kingston; May 17th, 2011 at 03:26 PM.

May 19th, 2011, 05:58 AM	#2
Gerd Kogler Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: NSW / Australia Posts: 76	Re: What is this lens problem and how do I fix it? Does it only appear in the widest angle zoom setting? Any difference between wide open lens or stopped down to max? Then vignetting could be considered as the solution. Is the lens hood 100% aligned? Do you also change lenses on your camera? Hard to believe that it could be caused by the sensor. Just a thought! Cheers, Gerd

May 19th, 2011, 10:36 AM	#3
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	Re: What is this lens problem and how do I fix it? That really appears to be something like a flag or lens hood or even a cable of some sort that's in the way or not aligned quite right. If you're not seeing it when zoomed in then it's got to be something on that side of the camera. I doubt it's the sensor(s) or I would have to think you would see it thru out the entire zoom range. I would start by taking off anything that's on the lens, hood, mattebox or flags and check to see if the vignette is still there. If not then replace one piece at a time what ever was on the front of the lens and check it thru out the range before putting the next piece on. I had placed a piece of gaff tape on the edge of my lens hood once just as a place to put it while I got distracted and did something else. I forgot all about it and was shooting the job and did not see the vignette until about halfway thru the job. I then remembered the tape, carefully removed it and carried on without the shoadow rearing it's ugly head. During post I cropped the image slightly to get rid of the shadow and the client never suspected a thing but it was scarey for a few seconds. Try the above measures and let us know if that takes care of it for you. __________________ What do I know? I'm just a video-O-grafer. Don

July 2nd, 2011, 08:42 AM	#4
Wayne Dear Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Albury NSW Posts: 46	Re: What is this lens problem and how do I fix it? ND Filter not closed off properly? just a thought, as when I switch mine sometimes and I dont click it in, it can cause this dark edge.