EX-3 strange Focus issue at DVinfo.net

Arbel Rom · January 4th, 2011, 02:29 AM

I have a strange focus issue with my EX-3.
99% of the time I shoot with Full MF.
The only time I switch is to use the Macro mode in AF/MF.
Some of the times when I switch the focus ring back and forth,
the focus ring stops responding, in both modes.
the only thing that solves it is powering the cam off,
detaching and reconnecting the lens and powering on again.

Did anyone had this issue before?
My assumption is that the repeated pulling of the ring might affect the contactors
between the camera and the lens.

Any input appriciated!

Arbel.

Andy Wilkinson · January 4th, 2011, 05:02 AM

Not had this problem. I too use Full MF 99.9% of the time but it can take a fair few seconds, 5 or more maybe, for the EX3 to get focus in Macro mode, especially if the subject is very close. So much so that first time I tried it in July 2008 I too thought there was something wrong! Now I'm more patient. Maybe you're just rushing it and confusing the cam by push/pulling the ring before it's had a chance???

My apologies if this is obvious, just trying to help. Mine's still on the original (launch) firmware, by the way.

Daniel Epstein · January 4th, 2011, 08:17 AM

Here are a couple of places other people have had with similar issues

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-xdc...-ex-3-a-2.html

EX3 Focus Glitch : Sony EX Series XDCAM

Alister Chapman · January 4th, 2011, 01:33 PM

It's a firmware glitch. If you update your firmware to the latest version the problem should go away.

Arbel Rom · January 5th, 2011, 05:27 AM

thanks for the help.
How do I know what firmwere ver. my camera has, and what's the latest version?

Andy Wilkinson · January 5th, 2011, 06:36 AM

Lots of info in this thread about how to find out and how to update firmware (and how not to - make sure you follow the instructions very carefully if you want to do it as there have been isolated reports of people bricking cameras...). Warning over.

In the end, this focus issue only ever happened to me once, yes only once and never again (that's why I forgot)... and my EX3 is 100% reliable/been performing great for 2.5 years so I've stuck with the original firmware. Note that the latest firmware is needed for using the cheaper Sony media (SXS-1) and for better stability/performance with SDHC and card adapters but also note that you'll loose a little recording time on your media with this latest firmware (about a minute on a 8GB SXS card from memory).

All the info you need should be in this thread. Read it carefully, then follow Sony's instructions to the letter (print them off and have them handy during the update process is my advice) and let us know if you need more help!

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-xdc...available.html

Alister Chapman · January 6th, 2011, 03:03 PM

The Macro issue only effects fairly early firmware EX3's and happens when you use Macro and then zoom in beyond a certain point. This then causes focus control to be lost until you restart the camera.

January 4th, 2011, 02:29 AM	#1
Arbel Rom Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Kibbutz Ein-Hashofet, Israel Posts: 130	EX-3 strange Focus issue I have a strange focus issue with my EX-3. 99% of the time I shoot with Full MF. The only time I switch is to use the Macro mode in AF/MF. Some of the times when I switch the focus ring back and forth, the focus ring stops responding, in both modes. the only thing that solves it is powering the cam off, detaching and reconnecting the lens and powering on again. Did anyone had this issue before? My assumption is that the repeated pulling of the ring might affect the contactors between the camera and the lens. Any input appriciated! Arbel.

January 4th, 2011, 05:02 AM	#2
Andy Wilkinson Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cambridge UK Posts: 2,853	Not had this problem. I too use Full MF 99.9% of the time but it can take a fair few seconds, 5 or more maybe, for the EX3 to get focus in Macro mode, especially if the subject is very close. So much so that first time I tried it in July 2008 I too thought there was something wrong! Now I'm more patient. Maybe you're just rushing it and confusing the cam by push/pulling the ring before it's had a chance??? My apologies if this is obvious, just trying to help. Mine's still on the original (launch) firmware, by the way. __________________ Andy K Wilkinson - https://www.shootingimage.co.uk Cambridge (UK) Corporate Video Production

January 4th, 2011, 01:33 PM	#4
Alister Chapman Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bracknell, Berkshire, UK Posts: 4,957	It's a firmware glitch. If you update your firmware to the latest version the problem should go away. __________________ Alister Chapman, Film-Maker/Stormchaser http://www.xdcam-user.com/alisters-blog/ My XDCAM site and blog. http://www.hurricane-rig.com

January 5th, 2011, 06:36 AM	#6
Andy Wilkinson Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cambridge UK Posts: 2,853	Lots of info in this thread about how to find out and how to update firmware (and how not to - make sure you follow the instructions very carefully if you want to do it as there have been isolated reports of people bricking cameras...). Warning over. In the end, this focus issue only ever happened to me once, yes only once and never again (that's why I forgot)... and my EX3 is 100% reliable/been performing great for 2.5 years so I've stuck with the original firmware. Note that the latest firmware is needed for using the cheaper Sony media (SXS-1) and for better stability/performance with SDHC and card adapters but also note that you'll loose a little recording time on your media with this latest firmware (about a minute on a 8GB SXS card from memory). All the info you need should be in this thread. Read it carefully, then follow Sony's instructions to the letter (print them off and have them handy during the update process is my advice) and let us know if you need more help! http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-xdc...available.html __________________ Andy K Wilkinson - https://www.shootingimage.co.uk Cambridge (UK) Corporate Video Production

January 6th, 2011, 03:03 PM	#7
Alister Chapman Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bracknell, Berkshire, UK Posts: 4,957	The Macro issue only effects fairly early firmware EX3's and happens when you use Macro and then zoom in beyond a certain point. This then causes focus control to be lost until you restart the camera. __________________ Alister Chapman, Film-Maker/Stormchaser http://www.xdcam-user.com/alisters-blog/ My XDCAM site and blog. http://www.hurricane-rig.com

January 4th, 2011, 08:17 AM	#3
Daniel Epstein Trustee Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New York, NY Posts: 1,267	Here are a couple of places other people have had with similar issues http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-xdc...-ex-3-a-2.html EX3 Focus Glitch : Sony EX Series XDCAM

January 5th, 2011, 05:27 AM	#5
Arbel Rom Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Kibbutz Ein-Hashofet, Israel Posts: 130	thanks for the help. How do I know what firmwere ver. my camera has, and what's the latest version?