Re: Sharp center, soft everywhere else (Z280)
 

https://f.io/N2lmLodJ

That's how they described the camera.

Thanks!

Re: Sharp center, soft everywhere else (Z280)
 

Thanks for the info. Followup post is below.

Best,

David

Re: Sharp center, soft everywhere else (Z280)
 

Update:

Camera has been returned to Lensrentals. They told me it comes with a 90 day warranty and when speaking with their techs (they can repair onsite) they said they will take care of me either by fixing, refunding or replacing the camera.

They should get it Thursday June 16 and I hope to have an update by Friday.

So far, they seem to be understanding and cooperative. I hope that holds true. I've dealt with them in the past (only for rentals) and they have been great!

Best,

David

Re: Sharp center, soft everywhere else (Z280)
 

Buying used, you save money and it often works out, but sometimes it doesn't that's part of the trade off. It's good that you caught it before the 90 days.

Re: Sharp center, soft everywhere else (Z280)
 

I'd never buy used gear from a rental house because you don't know how badly customers have beaten it. Much better to buy gently used gear from an experienced owner/operator who takes care of his/her stuff.

Re: Sharp center, soft everywhere else (Z280)
 

Good point. I've never bought from a rental house. Even on ebay it's best to buy from the original owner when possible because any reseller doesn't know the history or how it was treated. But I've had to return even from individuals who were trying to unload gear that has issues without disclosing it.

Re: Sharp center, soft everywhere else (Z280)
 

Well if you have a line on any Z280's as you describe please let me know! Right now they are hard to come by. Lensrentals told me they will fix it and make it right or refund me. Fingers crossed.

Best,

David

Re: Sharp center, soft everywhere else (Z280)
 

From LensRentals:

Hi David,

I wanted to let you know that our tech has inspected the camera and has found that the optics are misaligned. He is sending it to our in-house repair department for further testing and inspection. I will reach out with an update once that is complete. Please let me know if you need anything in the meantime.

Thank you and have a wonderful weekend!

Kim
Lensrentals.com

Re: Sharp center, soft everywhere else (Z280)
 

Update:

Camera was shipped back to Sony and the lens was replaced. It is perfect!

Major props to Lensrentals for backing up their gear and they also provided me a loaner while mine was gone.

David

Re: Sharp center, soft everywhere else (Z280)
 

Happy outcome. That's really good to hear.

Chris Young

Re: Sharp center, soft everywhere else (Z280)
 

It seems like my EX1 is similarly fated. Wide-open it goes soft on the left side of the image. Looking back through some older footage, it seems that it has been happening for a while in low light situations but I did not spot it.

Re: Sharp center, soft everywhere else (Z280)
 

@Doug Jensen,

Can you tell me what utility you use to view metadata? Anyone else?

Thanks!

David

Re: Sharp center, soft everywhere else (Z280)
 

Sure, I use Sony's Catalyst Browse software. Not only is it free, none of the other camera manufacturers having anything like it.

Re: Sharp center, soft everywhere else (Z280)
 

Thanks @Doug Jensen! The software is amazing! I just purchased a 2nd Z280 and now I'm in the market for a PTZ camera for my production company. Looking at the Sony BRC-X1000 but also looking at the Panasonic UE150 as well. I'll see if anything new pops up at NAB.

Thanks!

David