Yes. A google using "EX1R IR contamination" yields several articles...here's a few...

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-xdc...-hardware.html

ProVideo Coalition.com: Stunning Good Looks by Art Adams


YouTube - EX1 and EX1R and Tiffen T1 filter test.wmv

+1 for going with the EX1-R.

I have an EX1 and an EX1-R - the latter is the main camera now. The USB has speeded up on the EX1-R which means you'll get less problems with (good) SDHC cards.

Audio: you can now switch the limiter off. Deep sub-bass at high volume (or wind noise) no longer 'tinkles' (though the latter was fixed on my EX1 when it was 'away').

Another thing, which may not seem exactly 'positive' is that there are changes to the way the camera's built that improve 'crashability'. The side door, for example, used to require a lot of expensive disassembly if it was damaged in any way. On the EX1-R, it's got a simpler system that I'm assured is cheap to repair.

I can also attest to the 'tough old boot' nature of the EX1-R. My EX1 had to go back for a new power board, a lens assembly, bits and bobs. Recently, it's needed a trip to redo the lens alignment as it wouldn't do an auto backfocus.

The EX1-R is thoroughly sorted. If you buy a S/H EX1, who knows if the power board has been done, or the backfocus anomaly with NDs has been fixed? Just a thought.

Re: EX1 vs EX1R
 

Thanks everyone, I truly appreciate your help. I actually decided not to go with either the EX1 or the R, and to get a Panasonic AF100.

What made me go in this direction was the conversation here about the imperfect auto-focus of the EX1 series. If I have to go manually than I figured I may as well get a lighter, and cheaper camera, which also create great footage. I experimented with it using manual focus and realized I can do it :)

Thanks again!