Archive 2021 · Sony A1 and Zeiss Loxia Malfunctions
p.7 #1Sony A1 and Zeiss Loxia Malfunctions
Just received my new A7RV today, and I'm happy to report (after a minute or two of testing only) everything seems fine with my old Loxia 25mm f2.4 lens and the new A7RV body. On camera default settings, turning the focus ring goes into focus assist - magnify mode, and all seems good. Works fine as it did on my A7RIV, no weird behaviour to report.
Dec 06, 2022 at 12:38 PM
p.7 #2Sony A1 and Zeiss Loxia Malfunctions
My Loxia 21 seemed to be working fine on my a7R V, but I don't use it regularly. So I picked up a Loxia 25 thinking it was safe, and the copy had the issue on my a7R V. It was sporadic, but not sporadic enough to keep. I went back and tried my Loxia 21 more extensively...and it happened with that lens too, but much more infrequently. None of my CVs (15, 35 APO, 50 APO, 65 APO, 110 APO) are currently showing the issue, although I know some people are having the problem with CVs as well.
It really does seem to be maybe mechanical/electrical tolerances and some lenses have the issue more than others. Unfortunately those that don't have the problem, may have the problem some point down the road due to wear. Just a guess....and I'm hoping that's not the case.
chrisd999 wrote:
Just received my new A7RV today, and I'm happy to report (after a minute or two of testing only) everything seems fine with my old Loxia 25mm f2.4 lens and the new A7RV body. On camera default settings, turning the focus ring goes into focus assist - magnify mode, and all seems good. Works fine as it did on my A7RIV, no weird behaviour to report.
Mar 08, 2023 at 02:51 PM
p.7 #3Sony A1 and Zeiss Loxia Malfunctions
Thanks for the update!
My Lox35 works flawless on the R5, it was unusable on the S3.
My Lox35 works flawless on the R5, it was unusable on the S3.
Mar 08, 2023 at 03:17 PM
p.7 #4Sony A1 and Zeiss Loxia Malfunctions
So far my Lox 21 is ok on my A7RV and so are my CV15 and CV50 APO. However the CV 65 APO (which has always worked flawlessly on my A7RIV and A9) now has the problem quite severely on the A7RV. It's a shame as it's probably my favourite lens of all time 
Mar 08, 2023 at 03:49 PM
p.7 #5Sony A1 and Zeiss Loxia Malfunctions
degner wrote:
I messaged Zeiss about this issue and received a response:
Dear David,
The issue is addressed and our developer team and supplier are currently working on a solution. We will start the testings when lenses with new firmware implemented are available.
Our website is always the best source for latest information because now it is hard to say when a solution will be ready for the market.
Thanks again for your request.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen - With best regards
So now that it has become clear that also Voigtländer lenses can suffer from the issue at hand, a Zeiss firmware update cannot be the only solution. Kudos to Zeiss, but Sony and/or Cosina/Voigtländer have to do something too, and I'm not very optimistic about the chance that Sony will address the issue.
I messaged Zeiss about this issue and received a response:
Dear David,
The issue is addressed and our developer team and supplier are currently working on a solution. We will start the testings when lenses with new firmware implemented are available.
Our website is always the best source for latest information because now it is hard to say when a solution will be ready for the market.
Thanks again for your request.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen - With best regards
So now that it has become clear that also Voigtländer lenses can suffer from the issue at hand, a Zeiss firmware update cannot be the only solution. Kudos to Zeiss, but Sony and/or Cosina/Voigtländer have to do something too, and I'm not very optimistic about the chance that Sony will address the issue.
Mar 09, 2023 at 04:56 AM
p.7 #6Sony A1 and Zeiss Loxia Malfunctions
I am not optimistic either.
In terms of business strategy, that would be rather un-wise, though.
One of THE reasons Sony was able to capture the market of mirrorless, next to being bold and drive innovation where others where not, is the ecosystem of interoperable lens manufacturers supporting them.
That was no coincidence but a strategy. Open up the proper amount of protocols and specifications as standards for other to build on.
The lens ecosystem is a success because of that and the one mount vision.
Continuously fine tuning standards and/or making sure tightening the precision of allowed tolerances in standards is NEEDED for this to thrive without hickups.
If they are sloppy here, that is lacking forsight.
My 2 cents
addieleman wrote:
Dear David,
The issue is addressed and our developer team and supplier are currently working on a solution. We will start the testings when lenses with new firmware implemented are available.
Our website is always the best source for latest information because now it is hard to say when a solution will be ready for the market.
Thanks again for your request.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen - With best regardsSo now that it has become clear that also Voigtländer lenses can suffer from the issue at hand, a Zeiss firmware update cannot be the only solution. Kudos to Zeiss, but Sony and/or Cosina/Voigtländer have to do something too, and I'm not very optimistic about the chance that Sony will address the issue.
In terms of business strategy, that would be rather un-wise, though.
One of THE reasons Sony was able to capture the market of mirrorless, next to being bold and drive innovation where others where not, is the ecosystem of interoperable lens manufacturers supporting them.
That was no coincidence but a strategy. Open up the proper amount of protocols and specifications as standards for other to build on.
The lens ecosystem is a success because of that and the one mount vision.
Continuously fine tuning standards and/or making sure tightening the precision of allowed tolerances in standards is NEEDED for this to thrive without hickups.
If they are sloppy here, that is lacking forsight.
My 2 cents
addieleman wrote:
degner wrote
I messaged Zeiss about this issue and received a response:Dear David,
The issue is addressed and our developer team and supplier are currently working on a solution. We will start the testings when lenses with new firmware implemented are available.
Our website is always the best source for latest information because now it is hard to say when a solution will be ready for the market.
Thanks again for your request.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen - With best regards
Mar 09, 2023 at 05:06 AM
p.7 #7Sony A1 and Zeiss Loxia Malfunctions
So I've now experienced this with my CV 15 on my a7R V.
tsdevine wrote:
My Loxia 21 seemed to be working fine on my a7R V, but I don't use it regularly. So I picked up a Loxia 25 thinking it was safe, and the copy had the issue on my a7R V. It was sporadic, but not sporadic enough to keep. I went back and tried my Loxia 21 more extensively...and it happened with that lens too, but much more infrequently. None of my CVs (15, 35 APO, 50 APO, 65 APO, 110 APO) are currently showing the issue, although I know some people are having the problem with CVs as well.
It really...Show more →
chrisd999 wrote
Just received my new A7RV today, and I'm happy to report (after a minute or two of testing only) everything seems fine with my old Loxia 25mm f2.4 lens and the new A7RV body. On camera default settings, turning the focus ring goes into focus assist - magnify mode, and all seems good. Works fine as it did on my A7RIV, no weird behaviour to report.Mar 16, 2023 at 07:49 AM
p.7 #8Sony A1 and Zeiss Loxia Malfunctions
This is really getting ridiculous, as at this point anyone intersted in using EXIF-enabled MF lenses, shouldn't buy any of the latest Sony cams...
Mar 16, 2023 at 08:25 AM
p.7 #9Sony A1 and Zeiss Loxia Malfunctions
I for one won't upgrade from my A7R4 until this is resolved by Sony.
Mar 16, 2023 at 08:33 AM
p.7 #10Sony A1 and Zeiss Loxia Malfunctions
Note to self: Pass on the a7R5. No real resolution or dynamic range improvements over a7R4 for my needs. 
Sony will need to issue a fix -- it is obviously a bug introduced in this new a7R5 model. No issues with Loxia or CV E lenses previously on earlier models.
Sony will need to issue a fix -- it is obviously a bug introduced in this new a7R5 model. No issues with Loxia or CV E lenses previously on earlier models.
Mar 16, 2023 at 08:34 AM
p.7 #11Sony A1 and Zeiss Loxia Malfunctions
The a1 has similar issues...... Basically avoid current Sony models, and possibly future models, if this is a show stopper.
I'm very happy with the a7R V coming from the a7R III, I didn't feel the a7R IV was enough of an upgrade. It's a decision that everyone has to make for themselves, and at least there is money to be saved for not upgrading.
Gunzorro wrote:
Note to self: Pass on the a7R5. No real resolution or dynamic range improvements over a7R4 for my needs.
Sony will need to issue a fix -- it is obviously a bug introduced in this new a7R5 model. No issues with Loxia or CV E lenses previously on earlier models.
Edited on Mar 16, 2023 at 08:54 AM · View previous versions
I'm very happy with the a7R V coming from the a7R III, I didn't feel the a7R IV was enough of an upgrade. It's a decision that everyone has to make for themselves, and at least there is money to be saved for not upgrading.
Gunzorro wrote:
Note to self: Pass on the a7R5. No real resolution or dynamic range improvements over a7R4 for my needs.
Sony will need to issue a fix -- it is obviously a bug introduced in this new a7R5 model. No issues with Loxia or CV E lenses previously on earlier models.
Edited on Mar 16, 2023 at 08:54 AM · View previous versions
Mar 16, 2023 at 08:45 AM
p.7 #12Sony A1 and Zeiss Loxia Malfunctions
Gunzorro wrote:
Note to self: Pass on the a7R5. No real resolution or dynamic range improvements over a7R4 for my needs.
Sony will need to issue a fix -- it is obviously a bug introduced in this new a7R5 model. No issues with Loxia or CV E lenses previously on earlier models.
The Sony A1 suffers from it!
My guess is that it is the new Sony processor that is much faster than previous processors, and that does not appear to play nice with the Loxia aperture ring and the signal it sends to the camera. My Loxia 25 suffers from the issue, but my newer Loxia 50 does not, which is lucky, because shooting at 50mm f2 without being able to use the magnification feature is troublesome. I stop down the Loxia 25 to f6.3-f8 most of the time, so it's less critical.
Still a nuisance, and Zeiss never bothered to give me much info other than that they are not aware of the issue....
Note to self: Pass on the a7R5. No real resolution or dynamic range improvements over a7R4 for my needs.
Sony will need to issue a fix -- it is obviously a bug introduced in this new a7R5 model. No issues with Loxia or CV E lenses previously on earlier models.
The Sony A1 suffers from it!
My guess is that it is the new Sony processor that is much faster than previous processors, and that does not appear to play nice with the Loxia aperture ring and the signal it sends to the camera. My Loxia 25 suffers from the issue, but my newer Loxia 50 does not, which is lucky, because shooting at 50mm f2 without being able to use the magnification feature is troublesome. I stop down the Loxia 25 to f6.3-f8 most of the time, so it's less critical.
Still a nuisance, and Zeiss never bothered to give me much info other than that they are not aware of the issue....
Mar 16, 2023 at 08:45 AM
p.7 #13Sony A1 and Zeiss Loxia Malfunctions
A7SIII as well.
Being a Sony user is becoming increasingly frustrating recently, as there's only minimal customer support.
I guess I should be thanktful now we got that viewfinder fix in A1's early days...
Being a Sony user is becoming increasingly frustrating recently, as there's only minimal customer support.
I guess I should be thanktful now we got that viewfinder fix in A1's early days...
Mar 16, 2023 at 09:32 AM
p.7 #14Sony A1 and Zeiss Loxia Malfunctions
Gunzorro wrote:
Note to self: Pass on the a7R5. No real resolution or dynamic range improvements over a7R4 for my needs.
Sony will need to issue a fix -- it is obviously a bug introduced in this new a7R5 model. No issues with Loxia or CV E lenses previously on earlier models.
I'm the OP and had the problem reliably with my Loxia 21, 25, and 85 lenses. I've since sold the Loxia 85. I recently side-graded to the A7RV and, am happy to say, that the Loxia 21 and the Loxia 25 work perfectly. I also have a full set of Voigtlanders and all of them work perfectly on the A7RV. I never had a Voigtlander malfunction on my A1.
Very happy to have regained what seems to be dependable full function with my Loxias. The A7RV is a gem...
Note to self: Pass on the a7R5. No real resolution or dynamic range improvements over a7R4 for my needs.
Sony will need to issue a fix -- it is obviously a bug introduced in this new a7R5 model. No issues with Loxia or CV E lenses previously on earlier models.
I'm the OP and had the problem reliably with my Loxia 21, 25, and 85 lenses. I've since sold the Loxia 85. I recently side-graded to the A7RV and, am happy to say, that the Loxia 21 and the Loxia 25 work perfectly. I also have a full set of Voigtlanders and all of them work perfectly on the A7RV. I never had a Voigtlander malfunction on my A1.
Very happy to have regained what seems to be dependable full function with my Loxias. The A7RV is a gem...
Mar 16, 2023 at 10:03 AM
p.7 #15Sony A1 and Zeiss Loxia Malfunctions
I've seen the issue with the CV 15 and Loxia 21, but not to the extent I saw it on a used Loxia 25 (which I returned). I use my CV 35 and 50 a lot, and I've never had it happen. I use my CV 65 and 110 much less, but haven't seen it.
My newest CVs are the 35 & 50 for what it's worth.
Funy thing is when I first got the a7R V, I quickly tried all these lenses and didn't notice it. It wasn't until I picked up the Loxia 25 that I really really tested the lenses again. (Although I use the CV 35 & 50 a lot....so in essence I was constantly testing them.)
Wouldn't even consider going back to my a7R III to resolve this. My Sigma 14-24 has replaced the CV 15 and Loxia 21 almost exclusively. My 35 and 50 don't seem to exhibit the issue at this point. And I use the CV 65 and 110 sparingly.
Definitely would be nice for Sony, Zeiss and Cosina to work together to resolve this. Or just Sony if they can resolve it solely on the camera side.
smpetty wrote:
Gunzorro wrote
Note to self: Pass on the a7R5. No real resolution or dynamic range improvements over a7R4 for my needs.Sony will need to issue a fix -- it is obviously a bug introduced in this new a7R5 model. No issues with Loxia or CV E lenses previously on earlier models.
Very happy to have regained what seems to be dependable full function with my Loxias. The A7RV is a gem...
Mar 16, 2023 at 10:16 AM
p.7 #16Sony A1 and Zeiss Loxia Malfunctions
Well, the thing is that it's a lottery when you buy CV / Loxias now or when you switch bodies 
.
This is simply unacceptable as a market practice... and we got 0 support from Sony, CV or Zeiss.
.This is simply unacceptable as a market practice... and we got 0 support from Sony, CV or Zeiss.
Mar 16, 2023 at 10:20 AM
p.7 #17Sony A1 and Zeiss Loxia Malfunctions
j4nu wrote:
Well, the thing is that it's a lottery when you buy CV / Loxias now or when you switch bodies.
This is simply unacceptable as a market practice... and we got 0 support from Sony, CV or Zeiss.
The bad firmware support for the A1 does not make Sony look pretty either.
Sony makes great products and drove the mirrorless innovations, but customer support is not part of their DNA I guess.
Zeiss has given up on camera lenses it seems, and they feel no need to offer support for the Loxia lenses.
Quite a mess alltogether...
Well, the thing is that it's a lottery when you buy CV / Loxias now or when you switch bodies
.This is simply unacceptable as a market practice... and we got 0 support from Sony, CV or Zeiss.
The bad firmware support for the A1 does not make Sony look pretty either.
Sony makes great products and drove the mirrorless innovations, but customer support is not part of their DNA I guess.
Zeiss has given up on camera lenses it seems, and they feel no need to offer support for the Loxia lenses.
Quite a mess alltogether...
Mar 16, 2023 at 12:42 PM
p.7 #18Sony A1 and Zeiss Loxia Malfunctions
Bokehddicted wrote:
They could even implement a customizable function. In Sony nomenclature this would likely be called:
ANALDAC_TOLER_VALUTRIG_FYOU=42
I know it's an old post but I have to say this is probably the funniest comment I've ever read on FM. Thanks for the laugh.
They could even implement a customizable function. In Sony nomenclature this would likely be called:
ANALDAC_TOLER_VALUTRIG_FYOU=42
I know it's an old post but I have to say this is probably the funniest comment I've ever read on FM. Thanks for the laugh.
Mar 16, 2023 at 01:27 PM
p.7 #19Sony A1 and Zeiss Loxia Malfunctions
Probably going to jinx myself here, but I put my CV 15 and Loxia 21 through the paces a little after upgrading to the a7R V version 2.0 firmware that was released this week. So far I have not seen the problem....I'll report back if it happens again.
tsdevine wrote:
I've seen the issue with the CV 15 and Loxia 21, but not to the extent I saw it on a used Loxia 25 (which I returned). I use my CV 35 and 50 a lot, and I've never had it happen. I use my CV 65 and 110 much less, but haven't seen it.
My newest CVs are the 35 & 50 for what it's worth.
Funy thing is when I first got the a7R V, I quickly tried all these lenses and didn't notice it. It wasn't until I picked up the Loxia 25 that I really really tested...Show more →
smpetty wrote
Gunzorro wrote
Note to self: Pass on the a7R5. No real resolution or dynamic range improvements over a7R4 for my needs.Sony will need to issue a fix -- it is obviously a bug introduced in this new a7R5 model. No issues with Loxia or CV E lenses previously on earlier models.
Very happy to have regained what seems to be dependable full function with my Loxias. The A7RV is a gem...
Apr 01, 2023 at 04:24 PM
p.7 #20Sony A1 and Zeiss Loxia Malfunctions
Glad I found this thread. I was about to pull the trigger on a couple of Loxia lenses, but I am not so sure anymore. I don't own an A1, but this basically means that there is no guarantee that Loxia lenses will work 100% with future Sony bodies.
May 28, 2023 at 11:32 PM