My BOCS fix

[faral]

Well, I just got my F505V back today. Pretty much two weeks after I brought it in. My initial impression of my shots are that they are "warmer" or just have more red. But I also noticed they really tightened the screw that attaches the lense to the body. I mean it is harder to twist and stuff...and I can hear a slight squeak on part of the turn...maybe I should bring it back in and have them look at it AGAIN, so they can loosen it. Or I can just use it so much that it loosens itself...but then that means it is wearing out the parts...what to do what to do.

I'll post samples if anyone requests, although I think we've all seen plenty of samples and I don't have any same sit. before and after shots...just shots of walls

Faral

 

[ChiChi]

I got mine back about three days ago, and I agree with your observation about the pictures look "warmer" after BOCS fix. When I turned in my camera, I didn't specify BOCS problem. Instead, I reported incorrect white balance during auto mode with flash. Apperantely, shifting to more red is Sony's starndard way to fix the white balance problem.

I suspect Sony's technician even took any picture to verify the problem. I noticed my sequence number didn't increase during the time F505V was being serviced.

Well, I just got my F505V back today. Pretty much two weeks after
I brought it in. My initial impression of my shots are that they
are "warmer" or just have more red. But I also noticed they really
tightened the screw that attaches the lense to the body. I mean it
is harder to twist and stuff...and I can hear a slight squeak on
part of the turn...maybe I should bring it back in and have them
look at it AGAIN, so they can loosen it. Or I can just use it so
much that it loosens itself...but then that means it is wearing out
the parts...what to do what to do.

I'll post samples if anyone requests, although I think we've all
seen plenty of samples and I don't have any same sit. before and
after shots...just shots of walls

Faral

 

[faral]

The number sequence actually doesn't depend on the camera, but the memory stick. Well, maybe both...when I got my camera back, everything was reset, including the sequencing was changed from series to normal. I placed a memory stick that had some pictures already in it and it kept on counting "684, 685" etc...but then when i took the pictures off my MS, it reset to 00001...so i was like "OH #$# &!!!!!!" but then I just put the last picture back in, named it 686 and the rest came out following 686.

faral

I suspect Sony's technician even took any picture to verify the
problem. I noticed my sequence number didn't increase during the
time F505V was being serviced.

Well, I just got my F505V back today. Pretty much two weeks after
I brought it in. My initial impression of my shots are that they
are "warmer" or just have more red. But I also noticed they really
tightened the screw that attaches the lense to the body. I mean it
is harder to twist and stuff...and I can hear a slight squeak on
part of the turn...maybe I should bring it back in and have them
look at it AGAIN, so they can loosen it. Or I can just use it so
much that it loosens itself...but then that means it is wearing out
the parts...what to do what to do.

I'll post samples if anyone requests, although I think we've all
seen plenty of samples and I don't have any same sit. before and
after shots...just shots of walls

Faral

 

[Ulysses]

If the BOCS problem is definitely evident on your camera, then that's kind of the whole point of having the camera sent in --- to have the camera shifted more to red, making your images warmer instead of blue and pastey.

Otherwise, you would have to perform the same task in external software.

Apperantely, shifting to more red is Sony's starndard way to fix
the white balance problem.

 

[Travis]

If the BOCS problem is definitely evident on your camera, then
that's kind of the whole point of having the camera sent in --- to
have the camera shifted more to red, making your images warmer
instead of blue and pastey.

But does the camera shift more to red in modes other than AUTO with flash? Specifically, the colors were just right in AP or SP, so the correct fix would be to ONLY shift the color to red in AUTO mode with flash. From what I've seen reported by those who have had their camera's returned, it appears that Sony has performed an all-around red shift, which in effect corrects the problem in AUTO mode but then creates a super saturation in the other modes.... which is not good either IMO.

One would think they'd be able to do the correction on the one mode that is affected, not the whole spectrum.

Travis

 

[Ulysses]

I agree on some points. Ideally, a specific fix just for Auto would be best.

However, the main purpose of the fix for most of us is that we can now use the Auto mode with the flash. This allows us to:
a) get improved usage of the LCD when in dim conditions
b) use the flash with a proper white balance
c) get somewhat improved focus in all modes (as a side benefit, really)

Think about real-world operation. Chances are that when in situations requiring a flash indoors, you are also going to need to shoot quickly to capture special moments (such as at a wedding or anniversary party or other intimate event), without time to switch modes, etc. The Auto mode works best for this. For other more studio-like situations or circumstances where you can position everyone carefully, you're likely to have a totally different lighting situation.

So overall, I'd say that the BOCS fix is successful, regardless of the shotgun method which was used to implement the fix at present. The tradeoffs in total outweigh the inconveniences that we had to deal with in the past. But we still need to know how to utilize the camera to best advantage to get award-winning photos out of them.

Not that I'm advising this as a fix either, but for those of us that have the external flash, we're likely to get pretty good performance in any Program AE mode with flash. I'll post some samples of the fix with external flash as soon as the FedEx lady delivers it.

But does the camera shift more to red in modes other than AUTO with
flash? Specifically, the colors were just right in AP or SP, so
the correct fix would be to ONLY shift the color to red in AUTO
mode with flash. From what I've seen reported by those who have
had their camera's returned, it appears that Sony has performed an
all-around red shift, which in effect corrects the problem in AUTO
mode but then creates a super saturation in the other modes....
which is not good either IMO.

One would think they'd be able to do the correction on the one mode
that is affected, not the whole spectrum.

Travis

 

[Pondria]

Now, I seem to get the puzzle finally solved. So, is it like this ?
In Normal mode
if there is MS, then number continues from whatever in the MS.
else starts from 0.
In Serial mode
Number continues regardless of MS.

faral

I suspect Sony's technician even took any picture to verify the
problem. I noticed my sequence number didn't increase during the
time F505V was being serviced.

Well, I just got my F505V back today. Pretty much two weeks after
I brought it in. My initial impression of my shots are that they
are "warmer" or just have more red. But I also noticed they really
tightened the screw that attaches the lense to the body. I mean it
is harder to twist and stuff...and I can hear a slight squeak on
part of the turn...maybe I should bring it back in and have them
look at it AGAIN, so they can loosen it. Or I can just use it so
much that it loosens itself...but then that means it is wearing out
the parts...what to do what to do.

I'll post samples if anyone requests, although I think we've all
seen plenty of samples and I don't have any same sit. before and
after shots...just shots of walls

Faral

 

[dave clark28980]

Ulysses, I'll be waiting for your pictures and comments about the new flash unit. I am thinking about getting one and would, of course, like to get the best price. So here did you get your flash? I saw someone's picture not long ago, of a telescope that looked much better with the flash being bounced off the ceiling. Had less shiny blow-outs that way. I thought you posted a few flash pics already. Your kitchen comes to mind (with what looked like a carrot juicer machine. Yes.)

-Dave Clark

However, the main purpose of the fix for most of us is that we can
now use the Auto mode with the flash. This allows us to:
a) get improved usage of the LCD when in dim conditions
b) use the flash with a proper white balance
c) get somewhat improved focus in all modes (as a side benefit,
really)

Think about real-world operation. Chances are that when in
situations requiring a flash indoors, you are also going to need to
shoot quickly to capture special moments (such as at a wedding or
anniversary party or other intimate event), without time to switch
modes, etc. The Auto mode works best for this. For other more
studio-like situations or circumstances where you can position
everyone carefully, you're likely to have a totally different
lighting situation.

So overall, I'd say that the BOCS fix is successful, regardless of
the shotgun method which was used to implement the fix at present.
The tradeoffs in total outweigh the inconveniences that we had to
deal with in the past. But we still need to know how to utilize the
camera to best advantage to get award-winning photos out of them.

Not that I'm advising this as a fix either, but for those of us
that have the external flash, we're likely to get pretty good
performance in any Program AE mode with flash. I'll post some
samples of the fix with external flash as soon as the FedEx lady
delivers it.

But does the camera shift more to red in modes other than AUTO with
flash? Specifically, the colors were just right in AP or SP, so
the correct fix would be to ONLY shift the color to red in AUTO
mode with flash. From what I've seen reported by those who have
had their camera's returned, it appears that Sony has performed an
all-around red shift, which in effect corrects the problem in AUTO
mode but then creates a super saturation in the other modes....
which is not good either IMO.

One would think they'd be able to do the correction on the one mode
that is affected, not the whole spectrum.

Travis

 

[faral]

Yup...but if you change the number in the MS and put it in serial mode (from normal), then it will also follow what was last in the MS. like if at first you had #505, then you changed it to 1100, then it will begin to follow #1100 instead of #505.

faral

I suspect Sony's technician even took any picture to verify the
problem. I noticed my sequence number didn't increase during the
time F505V was being serviced.

Well, I just got my F505V back today. Pretty much two weeks after
I brought it in. My initial impression of my shots are that they
are "warmer" or just have more red. But I also noticed they really
tightened the screw that attaches the lense to the body. I mean it
is harder to twist and stuff...and I can hear a slight squeak on
part of the turn...maybe I should bring it back in and have them
look at it AGAIN, so they can loosen it. Or I can just use it so
much that it loosens itself...but then that means it is wearing out
the parts...what to do what to do.

I'll post samples if anyone requests, although I think we've all
seen plenty of samples and I don't have any same sit. before and
after shots...just shots of walls

Faral

 

[Ulysses]

Hi there Dave -

I purchased my HVL-F1000 from OnVia for about $89, no tax, free shipping.

I really like it a lot. Those pics of the kitchen were taken before I sent my camera out for the BOCS fix. As soon as I can, I'll post a couple of samples demonstrating after the fix images with internal flash as well as external flash.

My informal tests indicate that this flash does much more than simply monitor the ordinary low-normal-high settings. It can be quite workable for macro work if you use some sort of reflector to bounce the light down upon the subject. This avoids the "lens-shadow" effect of the internal flash.

Ulysses, I'll be waiting for your pictures and comments about the
new flash unit. I am thinking about getting one and would, of
course, like to get the best price. So here did you get your flash?
I saw someone's picture not long ago, of a telescope that looked
much better with the flash being bounced off the ceiling. Had less
shiny blow-outs that way. I thought you posted a few flash pics
already. Your kitchen comes to mind (with what looked like a
carrot juicer machine. Yes.)

-Dave Clark

 

[Pondria]

Ah-ha ! So, In Serial mode, camrea compares the last number it remembers and the highsest number on MS. And the next number continues from the higher. Right ?

faral

I suspect Sony's technician even took any picture to verify the
problem. I noticed my sequence number didn't increase during the
time F505V was being serviced.

Well, I just got my F505V back today. Pretty much two weeks after
I brought it in. My initial impression of my shots are that they
are "warmer" or just have more red. But I also noticed they really
tightened the screw that attaches the lense to the body. I mean it
is harder to twist and stuff...and I can hear a slight squeak on
part of the turn...maybe I should bring it back in and have them
look at it AGAIN, so they can loosen it. Or I can just use it so
much that it loosens itself...but then that means it is wearing out
the parts...what to do what to do.

I'll post samples if anyone requests, although I think we've all
seen plenty of samples and I don't have any same sit. before and
after shots...just shots of walls

Faral

 

[faral]

from what I saw, yup!

faral

I suspect Sony's technician even took any picture to verify the
problem. I noticed my sequence number didn't increase during the
time F505V was being serviced.

Well, I just got my F505V back today. Pretty much two weeks after
I brought it in. My initial impression of my shots are that they
are "warmer" or just have more red. But I also noticed they really
tightened the screw that attaches the lense to the body. I mean it
is harder to twist and stuff...and I can hear a slight squeak on
part of the turn...maybe I should bring it back in and have them
look at it AGAIN, so they can loosen it. Or I can just use it so
much that it loosens itself...but then that means it is wearing out
the parts...what to do what to do.

I'll post samples if anyone requests, although I think we've all
seen plenty of samples and I don't have any same sit. before and
after shots...just shots of walls

Faral

 

[dave clark28980]

Well Ulysses, I did a search on the f1000 and got quite a bit of info. I guess if I was hanging out on this forum back in June and July I would have read about it more. Still, I like the "live' sense I get from new postings. Also, I notice that though many names have come and gone (except yours!) , the topic still lives on. Names like "Teddy", "Dennis", "Antonio" were popping up while reading about the F1000. I guess most people have their say and then move on once they get their questions answered or buy a Nikon or Cannon. I got a laugh when I read about that guy who was trying to decide between the F505 and S70. His wife told him to just get one and get some sleep.)

I have been following digital cameras for well over 2 years, mostly on Steves Digicam and somehow the 505V missed my attention. Steve didn't seem to like it and I thought the body was too funky. (Now I like it. It has a solid feel.) I came over to this forum mainly to read about the Cannon D30 and happened to read Phils take on the 505V. I wasn't going to purchase a camera until I found one I really liked, and the 505V had been out for several months before I "found" it and was surprised that I missed it. (I got mine mid Oct.) I knew I wanted it when I saw how it had less noise in normal light than the others. (I was already impressed with the Canon D30 and didn't want chromatics or noise.) So now I am doing a bit of catch up.

(I remember someone once calling the pictures of the Nikon 900, "jaw-dropping," so that must make the Sony f505V, "jaw-breaking?")

-Dave Clark

I purchased my HVL-F1000 from OnVia for about $89, no tax, free
shipping.

I really like it a lot. Those pics of the kitchen were taken before
I sent my camera out for the BOCS fix. As soon as I can, I'll post
a couple of samples demonstrating after the fix images with
internal flash as well as external flash.

My informal tests indicate that this flash does much more than
simply monitor the ordinary low-normal-high settings. It can be
quite workable for macro work if you use some sort of reflector to
bounce the light down upon the subject. This avoids the
"lens-shadow" effect of the internal flash.

Ulysses, I'll be waiting for your pictures and comments about the
new flash unit. I am thinking about getting one and would, of
course, like to get the best price. So here did you get your flash?
I saw someone's picture not long ago, of a telescope that looked
much better with the flash being bounced off the ceiling. Had less
shiny blow-outs that way. I thought you posted a few flash pics
already. Your kitchen comes to mind (with what looked like a
carrot juicer machine. Yes.)

-Dave Clark

 

[Ulysses]

Hi there, Dave.

Well Ulysses, I did a search on the f1000 and got quite a bit of
info.

Yep, this is a much talked about little device. I'm sure that there are better and more expensive flashes out there, but this one really does get the job done. With the prices you can find on the Internet, it's not a bad value to boot.

Also, I notice that though many names have come and gone (except
yours!) , the topic still lives on.

This sort of gives you an idea of how popular the cameras are (F505, F505V and S70), as well. They continue to attract a large number of buyers because of unique styling and ideas incorporated in them. So we get the curious and the genuinely interested individuals here.

I have been following digital cameras for well over 2 years, mostly
on Steves Digicam and somehow the 505V missed my attention. Steve
didn't seem to like it and I thought the body was too funky.

I dunno. I got the impression from Steve's review that there were only a few things that he didn't really like, such as the lack of a viewfinder. But he did like the performance of the LCD. Steve seems to like a more conventional camera, in general. The F505V is not conventional. But he liked its lens and many other things about it. It's just not his ideal camera. But then, while it's not ideal for everyone, it is certainly well worth it for many others --- particularly for us here!

 

[Samba gajaga]

The number sequence actually doesn't depend on the camera, but the memory stick. Well, maybe both...when I got my camera back, everything was reset, including the sequencing was changed from series to normal. I placed a memory stick that had some pictures already in it and it kept on counting "684, 685" etc...but then when i took the pictures off my MS, it reset to 00001...so i was like "OH #$# &!!!!!!" but then I just put the last picture back in, named it 686 and the rest came out following 686.

faral

faral, post: 642840, member: 22443"]
Well, I just got my F505V back today. Pretty much two weeks after
I brought it in. My initial impression of my shots are that they
are "warmer" or just have more red. But I also noticed they really
tightened the screw that attaches the lense to the body. I mean it
is harder to twist and stuff...and I can hear a slight squeak on
part of the turn...maybe I should bring it back in and have them
look at it AGAIN, so they can loosen it. Or I can just use it so
much that it loosens itself...but then that means it is wearing out
the parts...what to do what to do.

I'll post samples if anyone requests, although I think we've all
seen plenty of samples and I don't have any same sit. before and
after shots...just shots of walls

Faral

[/QUOTE]