EX1 Firmware versions - what they change?
 

I have been reading all the posts relating to versions of firmware and backfocus problems but have not found one precise listing that
lays it all out.
SO far it seems to be my impression that cameras with version 1.02 the backfocus is not a problem.
What would be nice to know is what fixes or changes were done
in 1.03 and 1.05

From what I am gathering the newer versions brought on the backfocus problem and some that have sent cameras back for 1.05 fixed the backfocus and some did not.

Anyone have the whole scoop?
My camera has 1.02 and does not appear to have a backfocus problem so what am I missing by not having 1.05?

Well, I have 1.03 and mine does not seem to have the back focus issue but it would be nice to know what the new release actually fixes or adds.

Added
 

I believe one thing the new firmware adds support for is 16G SxS cards.

David Schmerin

Our EX-1 just returned from Sony repair/San Jose -- it is an early SN and had v1.02 SW. It had the mid-focal range vignette problem, and returned vignette-free updated to v.1.05 SW. I've barely used the camera, both as I've been waiting for Avid support for 35MB HQ modes which finally became available last week, and the fact that recent shoots have dictated the F350, as we needed to interface w/ another facility who also have an XDCAM HD studio deck.

Did not notice any back focus issues w/ the original v1.02 SW, but the camera doesn't appear to have acquired any in the RT repair process. The only change I've noticed is the extra MAINTENANCE menu which is now accessible, though I've only played for an hour or so since its return yesterday and could be missing The Big Changes. BTW the 16GBers worked fine on the v1.02 SW, or at least on my camera.

Yes, 16GB cards worked on the first release in November 2007.

I have 1.02 and definately have the backfocus problem with ND filters on.

Do the fix,it's easy.
Demo here

www.vimeo.com/paulkellett

Paul.

Hi Paul, yes I've done that (thanks to your video, and instructions of Gerard) but after it, I noticed that now it was a little bit soft if I shot WITHOUT ND filters, just a very little bit, but I noticed.

Then I performed the test again, and I thought under better condition then the first time, but then I got the same as in the beginning: sharp without ND filters, unsharp with ND filters. If I have time I'll try the test again next week.

Thanks again for your video, it really helped me though.

I think firmware 1.05 compensates for the ND filters.
My backfocus is almost fixed now, hardly noticeable so i'm not sending my cam off for that firmware just for a slight (maybe) improvement.
I'll stick with my 1.02 firmware and hopefully update myself if firmware becomes available via usb.

Paul.

Just got camera with firmware 1.05 and I can confirm:

No back focus, No vignetting, No red problems :-)

In "no back focus and no vignetting" I believe, but the IR contamination ?!! Somehow cannot imagine it being a fw - solvable problem...

Piotr, I forgot to clarify that my camera is brand new, it came with firmware 1.05.

Just got it 2 weeks ago and I have been doing extensive testing and already used it for a couple of paid jobs. Luckily, no sign of any of the issues I mentioned.

What I noticed is the same problem with the external mic. A weird low rumble that I can only get rid of in post with Audition.

I'll be curious to see if they can banish IR problems via firmware, too! I seriously doubt it. I just had to pack up my v1.03 EX1 and send it back because of paint wear and crud inside my lens. I'll be anxious to see if they can fix all the issues.

Jake,

If the 1.05 fw resolves the IR problem (or your new camera has it resolved in any other way), this is a very important information to all of us. I have already spent a fortune on the 486 filter, which I replaced with its double-threaded version, and am still being informed by Schneider's Ryan Avery that the version I should be using with my Letus setup is the 489...

Should all this confusion prove to be unnecessary, I'd really be p..d off by Sony not updating us on this. Please shoot a piece of black or dark blue clothes in warm (incandescent or tungsten) lighting, and check how the colours are reproduced - posting a pic or two would be nice, too!

I shot some test footage last weekend in the studio of a buddy of mine. It was mostly an audio test but I had a Lowel Rifa eXchange softbox to test as well. My friend's black cap came out as a very dark brown color which really surprised me. It was then that I remembered the IR problems that everybody was talking about! What is the preferred method of posting these problems.....via a still frame or putting footage online?