18 105 software fix
 

Good news from sony at NAB.
There is a new firmware upgrade for the 18 105 stock lens that fixes it badly losing focus.
Go to the Sony consumer,put in the lens model,go to software upgrades,hook up camera to computer and follow instructions.
I talked to the Sony engineer about this

Re: 18 105 software fix
 

Re: 18 105 software fix
 

HD Warrior » Blog Archiv » New lens FW from Sony…Firmware update Ver.03 for SELP18105G (Mac)

I just installed it. I think it has well and truly solved the problem! I seem to be able to pull focus smoothly now, and it feels quite natural. Definitely not as good as a completely manual lens, but at least usable.

Re: 18 105 software fix
 

I just installed it too. Mine was version 01 until this. Off filming up in North Norfolk so will test it out. It can't be any worse than it was before!

Re: 18 105 software fix
 

Listen? Is that the sound of people who said a) Sony would never fix this and b) you can't expect consistent focussing from this lens having to eat humble pie? :-)

Re: 18 105 software fix
 

Is it me or is the focus ring less "laggy" now? Feels more precise.

Re: 18 105 software fix
 

It feels a lot more precise. I'll be using this lens a lot more now.

Re: 18 105 software fix
 

I concur. After the update the focus does seem more precise. The zoom seems to be improved if you use the zoom lever on the lens. The FS5 handle zoom not so much. Of course all of that about the zoom may be my imagination.

Re: 18 105 software fix
 

I'm curious: is pulling focus now repeatable?
Or does rotation speed still change the amount of rotation you need?

Re: 18 105 software fix
 

I need more time with it but I was able to repeat pulling focus last night. It seemed much more predictable and less laggy in the 5 minutes I had.

Taking the FS5 out for a gig tomorrow so that will be the best test.

Re: 18 105 software fix
 

I've only spent about 10 minutes playing with it, but pulling focus seems to be easily achievable now. I can pull focus back and forth, and hit the mark pretty closely every time.

Re: 18 105 software fix
 

The new firmware has transformed this lens...shot with it for several hours this morning (on the FS5) whilst filming in North Norfolk. Sure, it is still far from perfect but I feel a LOT more in control of it. It's SO MUCH BETTER....really pleased with this result.

Maybe they can implement a similar firmware improvement on some of their other lenses???

Nice job Sony :-)

Re: 18 105 software fix
 

I think anyone who said that speaks from experience that Sony never did this kind of thing before, no matter how many users complained, but apparently they have their mind set on making the fs5 a success and react much quicker on any legitimate complaint. The fs5 will probably be their biggest cashcow when it comes to sales and anything related to that camera, like the stocklens will be improved if needed. Not so sure though if this kind fo approach will be for all camera's in their range.

Re: 18 105 software fix
 

After the upgrade it's even better on the FS700 now. For the price of this lens it's a pretty reasonable performer in spite of its manual focusing issues. All the same I'm sure that feels improved somewhat.

In conjunction with a machined down Canon WD-H72 0.8 zoom thru wide angle its become a very useful crisp 14.4mm - 84mm zoom. A poor man's Cabrio we call it :))

Chris Young
CYV Productions
Sydney

Re: 18 105 software fix
 

hey chris,
so now, with the lens fix, on a long zoom, can u go in focus, and as u pull out, it stays in focus, like it should?
that was one of my main issues for not buying]