Modification of Amphibico lens hood

[wgt 0]

A have a problem with vignetting with my Sony HVR-Z7U when it is set to wide angle inside an Amphibico Phenom 7ZLE. I have not been able to fix the problem by repositioning the camera on the saddle (e.g., using coins and other bits or debris), although I can make the problem better or worse for a given corner of the frame.

 

The problem is clearly related to the hood of the lens port. I have placed white markers on the corners of the hood and have been able to change the vignettes from black to white. This raises the question of whether the material forming the hood will tolerate gentle grinding with a dremmel tool. Does anybody know whether this can be done safely?

[Drew 0]

Sure you can. Just make sure you protect the port. Which port are you using? I thought Amphibico didn't have vignetting on their ports, at least not with their newer products.

[wgt 0]

Thanks for the input, Drew.

 

The port is properly matched to the lens configuation in use. I reported the serial number on the port to Amphibico, and they responded that this ought not to be an issue for the port in question (a new release). How wrong they seem to be.

 

Sure you can. Just make sure you protect the port. Which port are you using? I thought Amphibico didn't have vignetting on their ports, at least not with their newer products.

[Drew 0]

Well I suggest you just take it back to the dealer or Amphibico and have them deal with it first. It's easier than self mods unless you don't care about resale.

[wgt 0]

I dealt with amphibico initially, Drew. With much prodding, I got a bit of "wiggle this and move that". After a series of unproductive and delayed e-mails and even the submission of a video clip (at the tech's request), the tech stopped responding. I went back to their support site to bypass the tech but still nothing.

 

I'm located internationally, and shipping costs are outrageous. I nevertheless might be inclined to send it to them were I guaranteed some sincere effort, but I am now not at all confident in their committment to the customer. Cost-benefit analysis seems to favor a home-remedy at present, if it is at all feasible.

 

Well I suggest you just take it back to the dealer or Amphibico and have them deal with it first. It's easier than self mods unless you don't care about resale.

[jonny shaw 16]

Get Wags the local Wetpixel Amphibico rep on the case

 

Does sound funny though as there a heap of V1 / Amphibico setups out there and it doesn't seam to be a problem with them.

[pmooney 6]

I dealt with amphibico initially, Drew. With much prodding, I got a bit of "wiggle this and move that". After a series of unproductive and delayed e-mails and even the submission of a video clip (at the tech's request), the tech stopped responding. I went back to their support site to bypass the tech but still nothing.

 

I'm located internationally, and shipping costs are outrageous. I nevertheless might be inclined to send it to them were I guaranteed some sincere effort, but I am now not at all confident in their committment to the customer. Cost-benefit analysis seems to favor a home-remedy at present, if it is at all feasible.

 

 

Sounds like the best action would be to contact the local dealer you purchased it from.

They would have the required push and expertise to get your issue resolved easily.

[Drew 0]

Get Wags the local Wetpixel Amphibico rep on the case

 

Does sound funny though as there a heap of V1 / Amphibico setups out there and it doesn't seam to be a problem with them.

 

Well, more interesting is that Amphibico allegedly stopped replying.

 

WGT, if I were you, I'd call Amphibico directly and insist on talking to someone high up enough to deal with this. One slip of the dremel tool and your entire port is gone. Why take the risk when Amphibico is there and can be asked stand behind their product.

[jonny shaw 16]

Oh just realised Z7 not V1.....

 

Haven't heard much about that. Would be a great cam underwater though. Fingers crossed you get the vignette problem sorted asap. I definitely wouldn't take a dremel to it. It would look pretty crappy afterwards too.

[wagsy 0]

Huh what, vignetting whats that

 

Yes I would contact the dealer you got if from, they should be able to take it from there.

Is it vignetting when underwater too or just on land?

How far in do you have to zoom before it goes away.

[wgt 0]

Hi, Wags.

 

The vignetting occurs both dry and wet. The zooming to get rid of the vignettes is perhaps about 15%, but I haven't measured that with precision. Maybe I can upload the dry vid that I sent to Amphibico.

 

In the interim, I'll go back through the dealer to see whether he can knock a bit louder than I seem to be able.

 

I am terrified at the prospects of shipping ($$$) this beast internationally a) if there is a home remedy available or b) if the problem won't get fixed despite sending it in. My confidence is rattled.

 

Huh what, vignetting whats that

 

Yes I would contact the dealer you got if from, they should be able to take it from there.

Is it vignetting when underwater too or just on land?

How far in do you have to zoom before it goes away.

[wagsy 0]

Gee 15% seems allot.

Where is your location and whom did you buy if from?