Sony Admits the A7 and A7r Have a Light Leak Problem, Here’s a Temporary Fix

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The relatively new Sony A7 and A7r are in the news again, only this time it’s not for a good reason. It seems a good number of users are experiencing light leak issues, so many that Sony has actually come out and officially admitted there is a problem and a fix is in the works.

The leaks, which become particularly apparent when shooting long exposures, seem to spring from the lens mount. The lenses aren’t sealing well enough, and as a result sample images posted to the Sony forums show an obvious ‘crescent leak’ that is particularly bad in the top right of the image.

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The interesting news is that, unlike some companies in the past, Sony has readily admitted there is a problem. According to SAR, Sony responded to a user complaint by saying it “is aware of and acknowledges this light leak problem with the A7 and A7r” and that its engineering department “is currently researching a solution.”

Sony will be sure to let you know just as soon as that solution comes up, but if you’re doing long exposure photography with the A7 or A7r, there are a few DIY fixes suggested by users that should tide you over.

The obvious fix is to put gaffer’s tape around the mount, but photographer Ferrell McCollough had something easier in mind. He used hair ties instead. Just pick yourself up some black hair ties at WalMart (preferably without the metal connector) and place them around the lens mount.

The sample before and after images on McCollough’s blog show this one working pretty well, and there’s no tape involved.

(via sonyalpharumors)

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