Goody hair tie around lens bayonet (Courtesy: Ferrell McCollough)

The following is an official Sony answer to Bart (in NJ) request regarding the Sony A7-A7r light leak issue:

Sony is aware of and acknowledges this light leak problem with the A7 and A7r and our engineering department is currently researching a solution. We will release a notice to the owners once a resolution is found.

And if you want to get rid of the problem now follow SAR reader Ferrell McCollough (blog here) advice:

I started with black electrical tape and recently discovered a hair tie (elastics) to be an easy, non-sticky alternative. It’s easy to carry in any camera bag too. Get the Goody variety because it does not have the metal connector and “it will give you the hold you need and the comfort you crave.” They are available at drug stores or online. They are the perfect diameter to stretch around the lens and fit snugly at the joint between the lens and body. Even if you catch them with your fingers while handling the camera they snap back into the groove. Also, it’s easy enough to leave on to cut down on moisture and dust and the possibility that “normal” exposures might be effected by a light leak. The biggest bonus is that it’s NOT unattractive!
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Goody-Ouchless-No-Metal-Hair-Elastics-Little-Black-Dress-27255-36-count

On his blog you can see a simple test that proves how this completely fixes the issue.

Thanks Ferrell McCollough!

It’s quite frustrating to get delays over delays on the new Sigma A-mount zoom lens release. Today Sigma Germany informed one of our readers that they will release the 24-105/f4 Art and 18-35/f1.8 DC A-mount zooms in mid May.

You cannot preorder the 24-105mm zoom yet but the Sigma 18-35mm can be preordered at Amazon, BHphoto and Wex UK.

Here is the original Sigma Germany mail:

Guten Tag Herr XXX,

wir danken Ihnen für Ihr Interesse an unseren Produkten. Leider ist uns nicht bekannt, warum man mit der Lieferung der Sony Anschlüsse so lange wartet, oder zögert.
Lt. Aktuellem Lieferplan sind die Sony Anschlüsse ca. für Mitte Mai geplant.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen

You can now download the a6000 PDF manual at http://support.sony-asia.com.edgesuite.net/consumer/IM/4532055111.pdf.

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Sony A6000 preorder list with US and Europe links:
Sony A6000 at Amazon (Click here), Adorama, BHphoto (Click here), SonyStore (Click here). In Europe at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, AT, NL, BE, CH, FI, SE, PT, WexUK.
Silver A6000 at WexUK (Click here).
Sony A6000 with lens at Amazon (Click here), Adorama, BHphoto (Click here), SonyStore (Click here), Sony Canada (Click here), WexUK (Click here).
Silver A6000 with lens at WexUK (Click here).
Sony 70-200mm FE at Amazon (CLick here), BHphoto (Click here), SonyStore (Click here). In Europe at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, AT, NL, BE, CH, FI, SE, PT

We finally know how much the Hasselblad H5D-50c will cost. The camera featuring Sony’s first 44x33mm medium format CMOS sensor is available for preorder at BHphoto (Click here) for $27,500.00 only! With 80mm kit lens you pay exactly $30,000 (Click here to see the BH page).

Today Hasselblad officially launched the full specs. The PDF file can be downloaded here: http://www.hasselblad.com/media/4728475/uk_h5d-50c_datasheet_en.pdf.

These are the characteristics of the Sony sensor:

The Hasselblad H5D-50c features a brand new CMOS sensor measuring 43.8 × 32.9mm – much larger than the largest 35mm DSLR sensors. The basic ISO rating is from ISO 100 to ISO 6400 and the high sensitivity of the new sensor enables completely new application areas for all professional medium format photographers. It is now totally possible to capture superb quality images even at high ISO settings making low light photography easy. This high sensitivity and fast capture speed together with the high dynamic range of 14 stops makes this a true all-round camera that can be used for almost any type of photography.
The H5D-50c is built around a high speed architecture that can capture full resolution images at the rate of 1.5 captures per second, working either mobile or tethered to a computer. The combination of these features makes the H5D-50c the natural choice for the professional photographer wanting to work with the ultimate in image quality whether working in the studio with controlled lighting or on location.

These are the camera specs:

A couple of SAR readers noticed that Sony and online stores selling the A7 and A7r cameras completely removed the part of the product description that said the cameras are weather sealed. Just check these links in USA and Europe: at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, SonystoreUS and Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT, WexUK, WexDE.

This is just pure speculation but it’s possible that the light leak issue discovered on the A7-A7r cameras also affects the dust and moisture protection. And that could be the reason why they “quietly” removed any reference about the A7-A7r having a weather sealed body. But as I said, there is nothing official yet. And if there is really a problem with the weather sealing it would be better for Sony to admit the issue and work on a solution instead of trying to hide it.

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Joe sent us this:

Sad to say that I can confirm that the a7R does exhibit light leak around the lens mount. This was reported on Sony’s Community site. To test it, put the body cap on, use either ISO25,6000 or ISO16,000 and take a 20-30″ exposure. Shine a flashlight/phone LED light around the lens mount. The image will show the leak at the 9 o’ clock position.
Here’s how mine look like at ISO16,000 and 30″ exposure:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/–exlz648TZ8/Uv3-kqaopuI/AAAAAAAAXzI/0ERlfxv_u74/w888-h593-no/a7R+Light+Leak+ISO16%252C000+at+30sec.jpg
Original thread:
http://community.sony.com/t5/Alpha-NEX-Cameras/A7-A7R-Light-leaks/td-p/254835

Night shot of the Aurora Borealis from last week. It was an amazing display and lasted for several hours. Shot with my NEX-6, Sigma 19mm@2.8, ISO 1600, 13 sec exposure, Manual mode. Trond Kristiansen http://flickr.com/trondk

These are some of the most liked SAR readers picture of the week at SonyAlphaRumos Facebook wall (Click here). Share your best work and vote other pictures too!

Image source: Wikimedia

Engagdet reports that Sony is now selling their own Tokyo Headquarter too! Sony estimates it will earn 15 billion yen ($146.5 million) though the sale of the historical building. Engadget also writes:

Locals have blasted the potential move, however, arguing that the company’s “birthplace,” where founders Akio Morita and Masaru Ibuka worked on the Walkman and Trinitron TV, should be exempt from its restructuring efforts

This is all part of a world wide restructuring program. And as I told you before the Digital Imaging business is one of the Sony’s key businesses they want to focus on. So, at least we don’t have to worry about the A and E-mount system future. What has to be seen is how long it will take for Sony to get rid off all other unprofitable businesses to get back to financial growth.