Optical Block Sealant Remedy

A

Andrew Stone

Veteran
Wondering if anyone has heard of a prescribed fix for the dust contamination of the optical block.

I have held off asking about it in order to avoid an internet fixation on the issue but for some of us, our warranty will be expiring soon, and I wonder if Sony has determined a simple fix for this, like a rubber seal around the ND switch.

Mine appears to be fine although I haven't gone looking for a problem but I am concerned.

Can anyone offer up any knowledge on this, in other words, answers that have come directly from Sony reps or service technicians?
 
Hello, Andrew. My F3 is currently in for service to be cleaned of dust! It's been happening since the first day I bought the camera. I waited almost a year before biting the bullet. I expected this to come under warranty, but it doesn't! In order to clean the optical unit, it is being dismantled with the 'celluloid thin' glass ND filters the most delicate part. No parts inside the unit are replaceable. If it can't be cleaned, the whole thing (sensor, ND filters) has to be replaced. That I won't be paying for!

On the contrary, a good dose of internet fixation is needed, because some people in these forums maintain that dust comes about through user neglect. Sony in Sydney, Australia told me that the problem is recognized and they are now sealing the units that come in for service. However the (Sony accredited) service centre in Melbourne doesn't know about it but they are in constant correspondence with Sony Sydney. I will get my camera back in around four days and everything will become very clear.

The F3 is a great camera but the optical unit is poorly conceived ****! Just wait until the dust problem happens to someone noteworthy in the video industry.

I wouldn't have concerned myself with this issue if I had limitless finances; just would've gone out and bought a RED or Arri. Instead I expected a top camera for the absolute most that I could afford and I'm fuming.
 
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Well, I am sorry for all people having dusty sensors... I am lucky not to have this issue since I got the camera last April. But all of this "dusty problem" reminds me at the start of DSLR craze and issues we all had with dust in our new digital cameras. All kinds of remedies were invented and used, many people ruined their cameras with different liquids and "snake oils"... After all this time, camera manufacturers found a (partial) solution of having "dust cleaning" option. Eventually, Sony and all others will find the cure for HD cameras as well. Until then we have to be more than anal when switching lenses in the field, as I am one of those who thinks that majority of dust is coming from the lens side...
In any case, Sony should man up and find a way to accommodate all F3 owners having issue with dust, with out paying arm and a leg.... It just good business...
 
Here's some interesting news. The PMW-F3 optical port is set for a modification, but only on new units. It will 'apparently' be better sealed. I found this out from a Sony technician who serviced my camera. Even those who work with the inner mechanisms of these devices are given limited information, but this is likely to happen in the next month. Like the sudden drop in price of s-log, this will only benefit those who haven't bought in yet.
 
That's very interesting, Stephen.

But being able to see even more dust would just raise my blood pressure through the proverbial roof. I got my camera back after having the optical port cleaned. It was fine for a couple of days but then more appeared. Cleaning just isn't enough. It needs to be sealed; full stop! The new and 'improved F3' will have a 'better sealed' optical port. It comes as one unit (sensor, ND filters and the whole chamber itself.)

I have been advised by a Sony technician that the replacement comes under warranty, however I'll be asking for that in writing, as that part of the camera is the most expensive. Honestly, what were they thinking when they built this camera; a fancy DSLR that records high quality video, yet is highly unserviceable. Whenever dust appears behind the optical port you've got not choice but to take it for a service and the full front of the camera has to be dismantled. Can you imagine how much that will cost once the warranty runs out?

Oh, and Sony, while I'm at it, don't insult me with a 'rebate' on s-log. 20% off a lens or external recorder that already costs over AU$10,000? This and the recognition of dust in the camera is just a reaction to Canon's C300. What motivates Sony more; producing a quality product or just money?
 
Peter G. Johnson said:
That's very interesting, Stephen.

But being able to see even more dust would just raise my blood pressure through the proverbial roof. I got my camera back after having the optical port cleaned. It was fine for a couple of days but then more appeared. Cleaning just isn't enough. It needs to be sealed; full stop! The new and 'improved F3' will have a 'better sealed' optical port. It comes as one unit (sensor, ND filters and the whole chamber itself.)

I have been advised by a Sony technician that the replacement comes under warranty, however I'll be asking for that in writing, as that part of the camera is the most expensive. Honestly, what were they thinking when they built this camera; a fancy DSLR that records high quality video, yet is highly unserviceable. Whenever dust appears behind the optical port you've got not choice but to take it for a service and the full front of the camera has to be dismantled. Can you imagine how much that will cost once the warranty runs out?

Oh, and Sony, while I'm at it, don't insult me with a 'rebate' on s-log. 20% off a lens or external recorder that already costs over AU$10,000? This and the recognition of dust in the camera is just a reaction to Canon's C300. What motivates Sony more; producing a quality product or just money?
Click to expand...

Sorry Peter I should have quoted Lenilenapi, he was asking how to notice the dust on the sensor. I didn't mean it as a wise remark to those with the current dust problem. As for Sony, my F3 was purchased in March of last year, not sure they will cover the repair if or when I need it done.
 
No, I'm not having a go at you, mate. Sorry if it sounded that way. I've just reached the limit of my patience with Sony. I planned and researched for many months before buying the F3. This was to be an investment, a device I could use for many years. No one anticipated dust in the camera. I think it was badly designed by Sony and then to add insult to injury they duped a whole lot of people into buying the s-log, only to suddenly reduce the price by thousands when the Canon C300 came along. A person in business would think it was a masterful marketing campaign, while the customer is left high and dry in the after math.
 
No problem Peter, as for Sony, I've been buying their equipment since the early 80's when I went from staff to freelance, sometimes the equipment turns out to be sort of a lemon, it works as advertised but has some problems. The fact is they do get it right eventually and they have a very good track record in this respect. A few years ago those with 5D's were hoping for something better and Sony was the first to deliver with the F3 which despise all of the imperfections is still an incredible camera. The unfortunate part for us is the second generation F series camera will most likely be much better and hopefully not cheaper. This whole debacle with the S-Log was a Marketing problem that Sony is notorious for but that is the way business is done these days.
 
Recently examined my sensor and noticed shooting any lens above F/ 4 yields dust issues. Brought the camera in to Sony and they confirmed this. I hope replacing the block (not including sensor) is a permanent, and not too expensive, fix for an otherwise exceptional camera.
 
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As good as new!

As good as new!

bill totolo said:
Recently examined my sensor and noticed shooting any lens above F/ 4 yields dust issues. Brought the camera in to Sony and they confirmed this. I hope replacing the block (not including sensor) is a permanent, and not too expensive, fix for an otherwise exceptional camera.
Click to expand...

You'll find that the entire thing will be replaced; sensor, ND filter wheel (etc). Mine works perfectly now after having all this replaced, and under warranty quite rightly. Then, just for the ultimate test I plugged the camera into the television to examine a live feed. The picture is spotless and the quality of the ND slides is even better. On my original camera there were sloppy glue marks between each grade of filter and the odd bubbling on the glass, which in addition to the build up of dust, just infuriated me further, and possibly the worst thing was trying to seek advise in these camera forums. There are some 'experts' out there who surmised it must be user error. Funny then how Sony made the offer of free optical block replacements.
 
So far, to this very day, hour, minute, second there's no dust ingress. The one thing I forgot to mention is that the ND filter slider is more firm than before, so perhaps this is where the dust was getting in. Some people suspected that. I'm quite satisfied that the problem has been solved, but it certainly soured my interest for movie making for a long time.

My advice to those looking to purchase a $20-$30,000 camera kit; don't accept any flaws. Be prepared to take it back (within days?) if there is something remotely wrong.
 
Way to go Sony...they continue to give no love to those that buy-in early: SLOG debacle, dust issue resolution only for new cameras, etc.
I'm not a Red fanboy, but sure appreciate their response and customer service (DO YOU HEAR ME SONY?) I'm happy be adding a Red to the mix!
 
I just want to go on the record and thank Sony for providing a solution to the dust related issue I was experiencing.
My F3 is back, better than ever, and booked up for June/July.
 
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