B&H says EX-1 was recalled? No new units till March?

[gbarrenger]

I was in B&H today, I had seen on the website that the EX-1 was backordered, but I was hoping there would be one there on display. When I asked someone, he told me that there were not going to be any new units until March because: Lens problems, Files not being able to be edited in Final Cut Pro, and other issues?

I've tried to find info about this online, is this true? I'm assuming not.

Can anyone recommend an alternate shop in NY that sells video cameras ( EX, HVX )?

[Kholi]

Files not being able to be edited in FCP is LOL

Lens Problems have been reported, however.

[gaffney film]

I've been editing 35Mb HQ files in FCP for the past week with no problems at all.

And why would that be a "LOL" if it were true?

vince

[DCSensui]

I've been editing 35Mb HQ files in FCP for the past week with no problems at all.

vince

Well, apparently you'll have to send those files to Sony to be replaced with new files now!
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/images/smilies/Drogar-BigGrin%28DBG%29.gif

[gaffney film]

Well, apparently you'll have to send those files to Sony to be replaced with new files now!
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/images/smilies/Drogar-BigGrin%28DBG%29.gif

I guess I better.
:grin:

There is more disinformation regarding this camera. If the stuff didn't cut in FCP wouldn't that be an FCP problem? oh well, onward and upward.

v

[gbarrenger]

Thanks, that's what I thought; that they were just trying to push an HVX while theyre out of stock on the EX-1.

Hopefully I'll be able to find a store with them in stock soon.

[ullanta]

There are a number of reports around the web (e.g., http://www.sonyhdvinfo.com/printthread.php?t=11721&page=4&pp=10) where people report that Sony is fixing people's cameras that have lens alignment/vignetting problems. So, if the incidence is high enough (which it seems it may be, there are even a number of posts about vignetting here on DVXuser), and Sony is actually doing a lot of repairs, then I think it's likely that they might recall all the unsold cameras and work the problem out...

[lawriejaffa]

You give little credit to B&H, i dont think they'd need to push any cam, especially the hvx. That said, id wait until the Ex's come back checked than perhaps trying to find one presently (if there is some recall taking place)

[gaffney film]

I was told by my dealer that Sony held all cameras when they discovered the problem. The cameras that were ready to ship to dealers were held and rechecked, repaired if necessary, or shipped to dealers. Mine came in a batch of 28 cameras that were held for extra QC and it was part of the dealers second shipment from Sony.

The owners of problem cameras were provided with prepaid shipping labels to get the cameras sent in and repaired.

That's what I know for a fact. All else is speculation.

v

[Stevet]

Well, I guess I'm bad luck since I sent mine in for repair and it now appears worse than it was before.
I'm going to have Sony replace it. Also, maybe it's just me, but the barrel distortion appears to be worse after the work. Now I see quite a bit of barrel even zoomed up to 15mm. This was not like this before. I'm not sure why this happened. Very strange.

[lawriejaffa]

Hrmph thats bad luck steve hope u get that resolved quickly, its infuriating when these things happen. I will never forget, that in 1988 I got an Amstrad computer, and the monitor didnt work, and then they sent a replacement with which the keyboard(and cassette player attached) didn't work!!

However by sticking the working keyboard with the working monitor it did and i sent the full non working computer back!

Ok a bit off topic!

[Kholi]

I've been editing 35Mb HQ files in FCP for the past week with no problems at all.

And why would that be a "LOL" if it were true?

vince

It's LOL because it does'nt sound like a reason to recall anything. Not the REAL one.

Hope you weren't taking that personal.

[Stevet]

Actually I thought you wrote LOL knowing that many have already been using FCP for a while with the EX1. LOL!

[ESTEBEVERDE]

Stevet...

Have you tried the EX1 with 16Gig card yet?

If so, were there any beeps or weirdness?

[gaffney film]

It's LOL because it does'nt sound like a reason to recall anything. Not the REAL one.

Hope you weren't taking that personal.

Nope, just didn't get it.

v

[Barry_Green]

Yeah, I don't know why someone would say it doesn't work with FCP. I've seen someone do it. They had to go online to get a program from the Sony website, and after that they were able to use Log & Transfer to convert the footage to Quicktime files and then edit them.

[Kholi]

It's hilarious that someone at the Camera store would even state that post workflow constitutes as a reason for recall. Since when?

FCP isn't even Sony related. Maybe if they said something about Vegas.

[matthew77]

The EX1 works wonderfully with FCP - I've been doing it for a month.

(Barry - it doesn't technically use "Log and Transfer" but the Sony XDCAM Transfer program linked through an FCP menu item - "File/Import/Sony XDCAM..." - same idea)

The lens alignment is certainly an issue. I have vignetting and also noticed that my zoom doesn't track straight. In other words my lens is off-center on the chip. I can see Sony wanting to correct all of the Stateside cameras that have this issue. And it might be more than an adjustment in the end - it could be a design flaw that lets the lens get out of whack to begin with.

[sinai]

ohh man i think all that together gt me ready to not order the ex
. just feels strange buying the hvx now
when panny may come up with some improvements on the 200 soon ?!?!
If my situation would allow I would wait at least until the nab is over see what the market scenarios gonna be .
what the big ones bring out in this segment in the near future but unfortunately i can t wait .

[matthew77]

Sinai,

The EX1 is still an awesome camera and I would recommend it despite all of the nitpicking here.

I don't mean to fan any flames, but it really is ten steps ahead of the HVX. I've owned and shot a lot with both and really believe this.

The HVX is a great camera but I would feel really depressed buying one this far into the product cycle, with the EX1 out there and with so many advances expected this year, including the as yet unknown EX1 response from Panny.

[Stevet]

Unless you plan on making some quick cash, you might want to just wait it out.
Things are getting interesting. The only problem is you probably won't have your hands on something new for over a year.

[henryp]

I was in B&H today, I had seen on the website that the EX-1 was backordered, but I was hoping there would be one there on display. When I asked someone, he told me that there were not going to be any new units until March because: Lens problems, Files not being able to be edited in Final Cut Pro, and other issues?

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. According to our buyer there was an issue, now corrected, regarding the lens, but the unit is NOT recalled and we expect to have in-stock inventory within a week.

I'd like to know which store sales associate spoke with you so we can speak with him. TIA.

[Luis Caffesse]

... the unit is NOT recalled and we expect to have in-stock inventory within a week.

Thanks for setting the record straight Henry.

[Insecto!]

I just spoke w/ B&H as I have already placed an order. I was told camera MIGHT ship as is and problems be addressed on a camera by camera basis.

UPDATE: Apparently problem has been fixed by SONY. New shipment to arrive at B&H this week.

[ESTEBEVERDE]

Well... sooner or later the bugs will get worked out.

Hopefully it is all taken care of in short order.

[BobDiaz]

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. According to our buyer there was an issue, now corrected, regarding the lens, but the unit is NOT recalled and we expect to have in-stock inventory within a week.

I'd like to know which store sales associate spoke with you so we can speak with him. TIA.

First of all, a thanks to henryp from B & H for clearing up the confusion.


An off the wall remark or misunderstood comment can generate a lot of problems. By coming on the forum and giving a direct answer, this shows us that B & H does not want to BS their customers and maintains a Professional standard for a business.

Thanks,

Bob Diaz

[RichardVClark]

B&h +1

[Ryan Harrell]

So back to the topic of discussion, when are they having this issue fixed? I cannot find anywhere in South Florida with the camera. I am going to do a side by side comparison with the HVX-EX1 maybe the HPX-500 vs the EX1 to see if the quality diff is worth the money...but I cannot find anyone who has the EX1...no rental house an noone is selling it either

[Bucknfl]

Try Midtown Video in Miami.

[gbarrenger]

in the end i put a reserve on one at abelcine whenever they get one in, they had 8 on back order, so it could be anywhere from 1-2 weeks. they have been receiving them in batches of 5-10, but not in a predictable schedule. there have been a few with quality issues, but overall nothing too bad he was saying. i find these reports very difficult to judge because most people who post anything about the problem, are generally the people who do have the problems

it was actually quite a few people in the video department at B+H who told me no new cameras until march.

[myCharlie]

I think my EX1 is having the vignetting problem with the lens. Take a look at these two pictures. Let me know if this is the vignetting problem that has kept Sony from shipping out.

Here are the pictures with just the EX1 camera lens.
Pic1 (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x233/ljCharlie/EX1_camera_lens_problem2.jpg)
Pic2 (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x233/ljCharlie/EX1_camera_lens_problem.jpg)

[ESTEBEVERDE]

Looks like slight vignetting to me but I would get a few more opinions.

Is it possible to post a larger image and a clip?

Thanks.

[TheMusician]

MyCharlie, yours looks a little more like portholing than vignetting to me. You may get more opinions, but all of the vignetting that I have seen has been a little more sharply displayed just in the corners. Yours looks a little more faint and spread out which makes me think it is portholing and normal for a lot of cameras.

[matthew77]

No - that's not the vignetting problem that people are getting repaired. The vignetting issue shows itself as black corners - usually the two top ones.

Open the lens to 1.9 and go to about 10mm - that's when the vignetting appears.

Also, try the zoom track test - zoom in and center an object (camera locked on tripod).

Zoom out to full wide and see if the object stays exactly centered. If it drifts significantly, your lens may be misaligned.

[myCharlie]

Thanks. I'll give it more tests tonight again, Matthew77.

So according to just those pictures I showed, is that normal for the EX1? Does anyone with the EX1 showed this black corners?

[myCharlie]

Here are the larger pictures of the vignetting problems with my EX1.

Pic1 (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x233/ljCharlie/EX1_camera_lens_problem2_HD.jpg)
Pic2 (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x233/ljCharlie/EX1_camera_lens_problem_HD.jpg)

And this is with the Letus35 adapter and Nikkor 180mm f2.8 lens.

Pic3 (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x233/ljCharlie/GG_180mm_lens_vignetting_HD.jpg)
Pic4 (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x233/ljCharlie/GG_180mm_lens_vignetting_trees_HD.jpg)
Pic5 (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x233/ljCharlie/GG_180mm_lens_vignetting_trees2_HD.jpg)

[matthew77]

Mine does just what yours does - some darkening in the corners (looks like less than 1/3 stop though I haven't measured it).

I consider it perfectly acceptable.

[wartez]

hey mycharlie what letus adapter are you on? is it tough to get edge to edge sharpness with the ex1?

[Stevet]

Here are the larger pictures of the vignetting problems with my EX1.

Pic1 (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x233/ljCharlie/EX1_camera_lens_problem2_HD.jpg)
Pic2 (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x233/ljCharlie/EX1_camera_lens_problem_HD.jpg)

And this is with the Letus35 adapter and Nikkor 180mm f2.8 lens.

Pic3 (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x233/ljCharlie/GG_180mm_lens_vignetting_HD.jpg)
Pic4 (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x233/ljCharlie/GG_180mm_lens_vignetting_trees_HD.jpg)
Pic5 (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x233/ljCharlie/GG_180mm_lens_vignetting_trees2_HD.jpg)


That's at FULL TELLE, looks normal to me. Take any camera with a large zoom lens and zoom ALL the way in. Center to edge unifomity will change.
Although based on those images, it probably might have the vignette issue. The light fall off is not symetrical. It's been noted that when the EX1 has the vignette issue that the optical access is off axis from the sensor. This was determined by setting up a target and noticing the target shifts during focal length changes.


The vignetting problem is on the EX1 between 8-25mm.
Here's mine.
http://dvinfo.net/conf/showpost.php?p=803142&postcount=434

[myCharlie]

I don't think your vignetting problem is the same as mine. The vignetting in yors occurs on four corners lightly. However, on mine camera, there are huge shades of shadow and out of focus around four sides of the frame especially the left and right side of the frame. It is not just the small corners. I can highlight the problem for you if want but it's clearly there on both pic1 and pic2.

[Kholi]

In the second pic labeled PIC 2, is the EX-1 Zoomed into Z99 or is it zoomed out to about 50 or so? It's not the same zoom distance ,though.

[Stevet]

Yes, but that's at full zoom. All camera's at full zoom exhibit some center to edge uniformity. How is yours between 8-25mm. Make sure the aperture in wide open and intentionally way under expose the shot. This will allow you to see it easier.

BTW, I'm not saying your camera does not have a problem. I'm just wondering if it's the current vingnetting issue that's been reported between 8-25mm focal length range?

[myCharlie]

I did another test and it does not seem to matter which focal length it is at, it always gives the left and right side of the frame some dark shadow with focus decreasing towards the edge.

[Stevet]

So, would you label it worse than mine?
Call Sony and they will send you a prepaid shipping label.

[myCharlie]

I already called Sony. And yes, they told me they'll send me a pre-parid label. They don't send me a box, do they? I need a box too...well, forgot to mentioned that to them...I guess I'll have to buy one and wrapped it properly then.

By the way, I'll try to post the stills of the test I did tonight to show that it does not matter which focal length it is. It seems to show the side to side shadow regardless.

[Juan Martinez]

I was in B&H today, I had seen on the website that the EX-1 was backordered, but I was hoping there would be one there on display. When I asked someone, he told me that there were not going to be any new units until March because: Lens problems, Files not being able to be edited in Final Cut Pro, and other issues?

I've tried to find info about this online, is this true? I'm assuming not.

Can anyone recommend an alternate shop in NY that sells video cameras ( EX, HVX )?
Hello,

I work for Sony Electronics. I can assure you that the person who said that "there were not going to be any new units until March because: Lens problems, Files not being able to be edited in Final Cut Pro, and other issues" was not saying the truth. Perhaps the person spreading this rumor has an ulterior motive?

In any case, only Sony can speak for any of its products. Here is the truth:


1- The reason for the product shortage is that the initial demand exceeded the the Ex production line output capacity.

2- The Ex1 is working at capacity, and never was stopped. We continue to ship Ex camcorders to authorized dealers in the same order that they placed their purchasing orders (fifo). Therefore, some dealers may have shorter delivery times.

3- The lens issue affected a very small percentage of cameras.

4- Sony implemented a rapid response system where the few camcorders with lenses affected are being serviced overnight. By the way, the lens in your existing cameras or camcorders may have more issues that are going unnoticed.

5- Final Cut 6.02 edits all Ex1.

Lastly, I would like to put the Ex lens into perspective.

1- The Ex lens is the only hand held camera lens that has full manual control with hard absolute markings for iris zoom and focus. The ergonomics, control locations, feel and adjustment range for iris zoom and focus matches high end ENG/ Production lenses.

2- The Ex lens is also capable of full, partial and automatic operation. Through the auto transitions it is possible to program all kinds of lens moves. Check this function out.

3- Optically, the Ex lens performance is above other lenses in its price range and exhibits characteristics found in high end lenses. It exhibits no ramping (no f stop loss at full tele), no breathing (image does not change size when the focus is readjusted, very high MTF (sharpness over the entire focal length (zoom) range and more....

I hope this information helps.

Juan Martinez
Senior Manager, Sony Electronics.

[Stevet]

Juan, thank you for dropping by this forum. Your presence on this site is greatly appreciated!
Sony was extremely quick in responding to this unique vignetting issue.

[mico]

Juan, thanks for the post. Glad to have you here and glad to know you are reading and listening.

[matthew77]

Juan,

Thanks for the response on this forum.

Three technical questions about the camera (which I own and like very much):

1. How does the backfocus adjust? When you activate the function in the Maintenance Menu, is the autofocus building a LUT to program the movement of the elements, or is there actually something else motivating the adjustment? I assume that even in full manual, the lens focus is servo coupled rather than a direct mechanical link?

2. How would you respond to the concerns raised in this forum about the "resolution loss" in images while panning. Some have found that, even from SDI out, there seems to be a softening of the image in some sort of pre-codec image processing stage. This would be beyond normal motion blur and has been described as an agressive detail coring or agressive noise reduction or a purposeful reduction in resolution designed to help keep the codec from breaking. Is there anything to this?

3. Is there a way, using the currently available settings, or with a future upgrade, to reduce or eliminate "partial exposure" of fast camera flashes on the CMOS sensor? Is this something Sony have considered addressing?

Thank you again.

[ESTEBEVERDE]

Hello,

...

4- Sony implemented a rapid response system where the few camcorders with lenses affected are being serviced overnight. By the way, the lens in your existing cameras or camcorders may have more issues that are going unnoticed.

...

I hope this information helps.

Juan Martinez
Senior Manager, Sony Electronics.


O.K. What are those issues and what is Sony's plan to fix them?

[matthew77]

I think he was referring the lens in your existing camcorders - the ones you already own and not the EX1.

[Stevet]

Again, I OWN the EX1 and I'm not buying there's an image softening while panning. If it did, you all know how vocal I was about all other issues (LOL), this would of been one of them, that's for sure. When Barry first mentioned this, I respected his thoughts, and even inquired on it. That night I confirmed it was fine when trying it under studio lights at high shutter speeds.

If it really was a problem, please explain why the image looks sharp during the same movement at higher shutter speeds. Everyone knows why, motion blur based on exposure time.

Again, look at the HVX vs EX1 1080 full mov. of the skateboarder. If anything, the EX1 at the same speed was holding more motion detail.

[ESTEBEVERDE]

I think he was referring the lens in your existing camcorders - the ones you already own and not the EX1.

Yeah maybe... but the way it is written it doesn't say other camcorders.

It makes it sound like the EX1.

I hope Juan responds.

[ESTEBEVERDE]

Again, I OWN the EX1 and I'm not buying there's an image softening while panning. If it did, you all know how vocal I was about all other issues (LOL), this would of been one of them, that's for sure. When Barry first mentioned this, I respected his thoughts, and even inquired on it. That night I confirmed it was fine when trying it under studio lights at high shutter speeds.

If it really was a problem, please explain why the image looks sharp during the same movement at higher shutter speeds. Everyone knows why, motion blur based on exposure time.

Again, look at the HVX vs EX1 1080 full mov. of the skateboarder. If anything, the EX1 at the same speed was holding more motion detail.

Hey Stevet...

Can you post some footage of various pans under various conditions?

I really want a camera the caliber of the EX1 but just want to know it's limitations.

[matthew77]

ESTEBEVERDE,

The camera may not have certain limitations. There is no rule that says that every good feature of a camera has to mtached with a bad one. Not everything is a tradeoff, thought that is often said here.

If we must have tradeoffs in this camera, look to the price, the "rolling shutter" artifacts and perhaps the ergonomics.

I also own the camera, and like SteveT, feel there is nothing to this "resolution loss." Even Barry Green, who first noticed it, is not sure if it's happening. Let's wait for his tests. I asked Mr. Martinez about it because I wanted to see if there was anything that could be causing it based on his very deep knowledge of how the camera works. I hope he answers.

In any case, if it is happening, it's invisible in any footage I have shot. The camera looks amazing and let's accept the fact that we might have a really good camera here, without "dealbreaking" warts.

[ESTEBEVERDE]

Hey Matthew...

Those are very good points.

I will actually need to shoot with one to see.


One of the applications that I would like to use it for is filming the US Judo Olympic trials and the regional competitions leading up to them.

I will have to shoot in available light and my footage will have to withstand flashes on the players.

Also, I am wondering how the footage will stand up to very fast motion?

I doubt I will pan fast so that is of minor concern but it would be nice to know if I want to say pan as players run past during warm ups etc...


But, even our practice footage is played back on a 20' screen (Just for fun a lot of the times to see who got thrown exceptionally hard and made "big boom".)

During competitions we will most likely have a highlight reel playback at the end.

[Stevet]

You might (probably will) have an issues with flashes.

I doubt there will be much issue with pans unless they are real fast and those type of pans are really not watchable for me, and are usually avoided. Well, unless you're doing it for effect and chances are, based on the fast pan, motion blur will overcome most of the artifacts. The fast pans on my soccer footage I could see some skew, but it was not much and I had to shoot in 60P and slo-mo to really see it.

[ESTEBEVERDE]

Cool...

I would love to see more flash photography footage.

[Stevet]

I believe we've already seen a handfull here already. It's well known that you can see partial exposures.

Fortunately the lights I use for shows strobe function works without partial exposure. It's probably due to the mechanical shutter on the MSD lights.

[ESTEBEVERDE]

I believe we've already seen a handfull here already. It's well known that you can see partial exposures.

Fortunately the lights I use for shows strobe function works without partial exposure. It's probably due to the mechanical shutter on the MSD lights.


The wedding footage was slowed down but when played back at normal or real time speed it wasn't a big deal.

The cop car footage did indeed have prominent partial exposure.

But, what other camera can show such detail in so little light for $6700?

[matthew77]

ESTEBEVERDE,

It's a great camera - buy! There is nothing like it for the money. In some ways, at any price.

If you read these boards you've pretty much been bombarded with its faults. If you still think it's for you despite that, then I hardily recommend it.

It takes beautiful pictures - better than any handicam - ever. That's my opinion (please don't freak out on me, friends), and I've used most of them.

[ESTEBEVERDE]

I think I just might!

I will look around town here and see if I can get a hold of one to do some shooting with.

I guess if worse comes to worse I can take to Ireland or the UK with me on my next trip and sell it there so some of the lads can get a better deal!

[matthew77]

I've always looked at these purchases not as some grand, lifelong, ego involving commitment, but as an annual user fee.

Every year I buy and sell lots of my gear - stills cameras, video cameras, computers etc., so that I can have the latest and greatest. In the end, the difference between buying and selling prices is the fee I pay to have use of the gear. In terms of HD handicams, the EX1 is the latest and greatest.

eBay is a wonderful thing for those of us who have adopted this attitude - you can get surprisingly good prices for what you are selling. The EX1 is unlikely to be replaced soon, so if you buy it now you'll have a good few months to sell it before its price drops like a stone.

[AEMIKEA]

They are in stock now at B&H.

Mike

[BobDiaz]

See: B&H has shipped my EX-1!

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=112122



Several people either just received their EX-1 or it's currently in shipping.


Bob

[myCharlie]

Okay, here are the stills of the tests shoot I did.

5mm zoom (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x233/ljCharlie/Zoom_to_5mm.jpg)
10mm zoom (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x233/ljCharlie/Zoom_to_10mm.jpg)
15mm zoom (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x233/ljCharlie/Zoom_to_15mm.jpg)
25mm zoom (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x233/ljCharlie/Zoom_to_25mm.jpg)
40mm zoom (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x233/ljCharlie/Zoom_to_40mm.jpg)
81.2mm zoom (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x233/ljCharlie/Zoom_to_81_2mm.jpg)

I just received Sony's label to send the camera back to repair. However, before I do so, I want to really make sure that my camera is in fact has a problem with creating shadows or vignetting. Every help is appreciated. If anyone has a EX1 camera, will you please try to do similar shots like mine so I can compare them?

Thank you so much for any kind of help.

[matthew77]

Sorry, Charlie.

There's nothing wrong with your camera.

[Ted Ramasola]

is this stock lens only? no adapter?
Im almost tempted to say nothins wrong with it. but its very subtle but its there. the times i experience this is when i was tweaking my setup WITH an adapter. and how i minimized it or eliminated it was either of the following. 1. zooming in, 2. achromat and other elements, distance adjustments. 3. overall x,y alignments on the relay, adapter etc.

With that experience and looking at those stills i figure its highly caused by those things i mentioned but only this case inside the fixed lens to ccd block of the ex1.

Post those stills WITHOUT your red square so our eyes wont be 'distrupted' in analyzing them.

Take those same settings at small aperture and full open. post the pics with indication of apertures and we'll have a look see.

And oh, make sure you have an even light source and place it very close to or above your cam.

[Ted Ramasola]

ok, heres your grabs. the "defect" becomes obvious once the contrast are boosted. On optimally calibrated lenses, assuming your lighting is not at fault, is suppose to render these images evenly.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6699/1200207758.jpg

I experienced these falloff 'effects' during my tests in setting up lenses with my lens adapter. usually appearing with lenses having small apertures and glass elements. So assuming these "defects" are rampant, one wild guess, since i'm no optical engineer, is that the fujinon to ccd configuration is off. These things could be fractions of a milimmeter off but has big difference in the aquired image.

[Stevet]

There's nothing wrong with your camera.
The 10mm and 15mm shots from your camera look great. I could of only wished mine looked like this good.
Your example with contrast boosted is amplifying and center to edge uniformity differences. All lenses will exhibit some percentage of uniformity. Grab a different camera and I'm sure you will find similar results.

Here's an example of the vignetting issue. This was my camera before the adjustment (Actually, after the adjustemtment it's a tad worse, that's another story). This shot is probably close to the conditions of your 10 to 15mm images.

It's quite obvious.
http://members.cox.net/proaudio4/vignetting_before.jpg

I'm not having to force mine to see it. It's clearly in all shots between 8-25mm focal length.

By the way, I work for a major lens manufacture as a project owner.
You can send your camera in, they "may" be able to balance your center-to-edge uniformity, but
I'm betting it will come back the same.

[myCharlie]

Steve, that is why I hesitated to send mine in for repair. I've heard stories that after a repair, the camera (equipment) gets worse. Your still does show the same problem as mine. I do respect your opinions; however, it's hard to believed that this kind of defects are normal. Perhaps, I'm not used to see or look at those small defects. I have until March to send mine in. I want to do more tests and also waiting for those who have their EX1 do some test of their owns to see if they have similar problems with their camera.

Many thanks for those who post their suggestions/opinions. I'm greatly appreciated.

[ESTEBEVERDE]

Why is this thread still titled as it is.

Hasn't it been established it is not the case?

[ichichich]

I would think so, as B&H says they are in stock. However, I am in Denmark, waiting for a German company to fulfill my order, and they claim that Sony has delayed their shipments once again. Shipments that were supposed to be fulfilled by early November last year.

Does anyone know of ANY german stores with the item in stock?

thanks.

[kubalsky]

Okay, here are the stills of the tests shoot I did.

5mm zoom (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x233/ljCharlie/Zoom_to_5mm.jpg)
10mm zoom (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x233/ljCharlie/Zoom_to_10mm.jpg)
15mm zoom (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x233/ljCharlie/Zoom_to_15mm.jpg)
25mm zoom (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x233/ljCharlie/Zoom_to_25mm.jpg)
40mm zoom (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x233/ljCharlie/Zoom_to_40mm.jpg)
81.2mm zoom (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x233/ljCharlie/Zoom_to_81_2mm.jpg)

I just received Sony's label to send the camera back to repair. However, before I do so, I want to really make sure that my camera is in fact has a problem with creating shadows or vignetting. Every help is appreciated. If anyone has a EX1 camera, will you please try to do similar shots like mine so I can compare them?

Thank you so much for any kind of help.

Mycharlie, I understand you're concerns about the vignetting and will attempt to test my EX in the next few days and post the results. Meanwhile clean that wall. It filthy! LOL

[Ian Smith]

I ordered my camera last Wednesday in the UK and was told it would definitely be here in about 2 weeks time. Another dealer gave the same answer of "in 2 weeks".

Yesterday I got an email saying it should be here on Monday.

This morning I was told the camera was now in stock and is being delivered tomorrow.

So I think it will be in plentiful supply by the time of the UK Broadcast and Vision Show at Earl's Court at the end of the month.

[kubalsky]

Aaaaaaaghhhh....
Just tested my EX lens and found I gots the vignetting.
Mycharlie, Stevet, if you have a minute can you confirm this by checking my shots? Would be greatful if ou could. Screen grabs at the marked intervals like you said.
I stuck a game watch on the wall for all but the last 81.2 shot to show scale. The shots are 5, 10, 25, 40 and 81.2 respectively.
The camera was on a tripod at about 3 feet from the wall. Sorry such dingy images. low light. I dont think it has what mycharlie has going on though. Just the corners I think.
Man, thats a real bummer, gotta send it in. Thanks for making me aware of it.
kubalsky

[myCharlie]

kubalsky, thanks for testing your EX1 and post it back. You're right, many of the shots don't have the same problem that I have. However, your camera may have the lens problem...but again, I'm no expert in this. Hope someone will shine some light in this.

[matthew77]

Kubalsky,

Looks like you have a very slight case of the vignetting issue, as visible in the upper and lower right corners of the 10mm shot.

That's exactly where the problem happens.

It's much less severe than most that I have seen, including mine.

Try the zoom track test: Put a marker on the wall (smal piece of tape or something) in exact frame center (use the center marker for precision) with the lens zoomed in. Now zoom in and out. Does the marker stay centered? If it doesn't it indicates a lens out of alignment.

[Stevet]

You most definately have the vignetting issue. The 10mm shot right corners tell the story. The problem area is between 8-25mm and yours can still be slightly viewed at 40mm.

Was this camera from the latest batch?

[kubalsky]

Ill try the zoom test as you say Matthew77.

The serial no. is 300036. I bought this camera in Tokyo literally the day the first batch hit the shelves there in late November. I called all around town and thought I was lucky that I found a store that had one extra. Turns out I wasn't so lucky after all.

Luckily Ill be back there in February to take it in to the shop or even hand deliver it to Sony myself. Maybe Ill kick up a fuss till they cough up a free 8gig card to say their sorry. Hehe. Hopefully this can be adjusted.

But STEVET, didnt you say stevet that yours came back worse? Whats the status on that?
kubalsky