p.1 #1Sony 100-400mm f/4.5 GM and Drop In Polarizer Compatibility Issue
Hello,
I just received my Sony 100-400mm f/4.5 GM and VF-DCPL1 Drop in Circular Polarizer. The lens was new from Adorama and the filter was new but from Japan because it was out of stock in the US at the time I ordered. I inserted the polarizer but it does not rotate, even when I have made sure I locked it correctly. I made a video here to show the seller in Japan:
Does anyone have this lens and the polarizer and can they confirm if they are able to rotate the polarizer using the adjustment ring/gear? That way I could determine if this is an issue with the specific filter or lens or a broader compatibility issue.
p.1 #3Sony 100-400mm f/4.5 GM and Drop In Polarizer Compatibility Issue
Thanks, it doesn’t rotate whether in or outside of the lens. The seller at first told me it has to be locked in the lens but has accepted the return. I don’t see any physical connection between the lock and the filter gear. That said, I am hoping someone with the new 100-400 can confirm.
p.1 #4Sony 100-400mm f/4.5 GM and Drop In Polarizer Compatibility Issue
Yeah, the lock doesn’t look like it has anything to do with the gearing mechanism. I thought perhaps the 100-400mm lens specifically was interfering with the gear rotating. But since the CPL doesn’t rotate even when out of the lens, it definitely sounds defective.
Transit back to Japan can take a bit of time. But that sounds like your best option
p.1 #5Sony 100-400mm f/4.5 GM and Drop In Polarizer Compatibility Issue
You have to manually insert your fingers into the cutout to rotate the CPL, then put the filter back into the lens. Getting the correct polarization is a trial-and-error process of putting it in and taking it out.
p.1 #6Sony 100-400mm f/4.5 GM and Drop In Polarizer Compatibility Issue
Well, that's disappointing. Mine does not rotate, out of the lens or in.
I have used it before, pretty sure it rotated out of the lens, definitely rotated when inserted.
I only used it briefly, been sitting in it's case since.
p.1 #7Sony 100-400mm f/4.5 GM and Drop In Polarizer Compatibility Issue
User manual:
Attaching this filter
1 Insert the filter into the lens barrel with
the flat cut-off surface of the filter-holder
knob facing toward the lens front (1).
2 Push down and turn the filter-holder
knob clockwise by 90° to lock the filter
(2).
• When the filter-holder knob is locked, the index
bar on the flat cut-off surface of the filter-holder
knob is aligned with the index bar on this filter (3).
After replacement of the filter, make sure that the
filter-holder knob is properly locked.
Using this filter
1 Adjust the focus precisely while looking
through the viewfinder, etc.
2 Rotate the adjustment ring on this filter
while looking through the viewfinder,
etc., to adjust the polarization degree for
photographing.
No mention of needing to be 'locked' to enable adjustment.
Just details of the lock knob orientation.
Conveniently, I'll be close to a trusted repair shop tomorrow so I'll take it there rather than get my screw drivers out.
p.1 #8Sony 100-400mm f/4.5 GM and Drop In Polarizer Compatibility Issue
Choderboy wrote:
User manual:
Attaching this filter
1 Insert the filter into the lens barrel with
the flat cut-off surface of the filter-holder
knob facing toward the lens front (1).
2 Push down and turn the filter-holder
knob clockwise by 90° to lock the filter
(2).
• When the filter-holder knob is locked, the index
bar on the flat cut-off surface of the filter-holder
knob is aligned with the index bar on this filter (3).
After replacement of the filter, make sure that the
filter-holder knob is properly locked.
Using this filter
1 Adjust the focus precisely while looking
through the viewfinder, etc.
2 Rotate the adjustment ring on this filter
while looking through the viewfinder,
etc., to adjust the polarization degree for
photographing.
No mention of needing to be 'locked' to enable adjustment.
Just details of the lock knob orientation.
Conveniently, I'll be close to a trusted repair shop tomorrow so I'll take it there rather than get my screw drivers out....Show more →
Sounds similar to my issue, curious to hear what they tell you.
p.1 #10Sony 100-400mm f/4.5 GM and Drop In Polarizer Compatibility Issue
Correction to my previous post. I perceived nothing happening when rotating the wheel. I just took it out and shot morning sunlight reflecting off a car, and lo and behold, the CPL was working fine. Hope that helps.
p.1 #11Sony 100-400mm f/4.5 GM and Drop In Polarizer Compatibility Issue
Fixed, $40 (about US $30).
If you are not aware, Sony considers these as single parts. Same for Teleconverters.
My repair man has never worked on one, but suspecting it was a simple issue, I asked him to go ahead, I'd accept any risk. Unfortunately he did not try while I waited but a couple of hours later I got a message saying it's fixed, with cost. I agreed to estimate of AU $50-$60 but he advised just $40.
I won't bother him calling to find details, I'll wait till I pick it up. It might be a week before that happens.
The result means he did not need any parts and was easy enough to only charge such a small amount.
So for ketang, I'll leave it to you whether to wait a week or so or send for repair / replacement.
p.1 #12Sony 100-400mm f/4.5 GM and Drop In Polarizer Compatibility Issue
Well that was unexpected. Corrosion. ie it had got wet.
I don't remember anytime I thought it was at risk of water ingress, but I suppose there's almost no sealing.
Apparently 1 screw holds the wheel in.
Loosen that, bit of a clean and moving again.
It may have freed up if I used a bit more force, but might have also caused some damage.
I'll apply some tape around it in future to help keep water out.
I was advised to use it every so often rather than leave it sitting if not being used. (ie, turn the wheel a few times)