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Calibration (Blackshading) Failure

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David Carstens

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In both v2.0.5 and v.2.0.8, I've consistently experienced Calibration Failure when attempting to blackshade my Scarlet. I've tried every configuration of resolution, frame rate, and shutter. The only setting I have had success in calibrating has been at 24fps + 1/48 shutter (even then it will frequently fail), but once I switch to 1/60 shutter for instance, Failure. Has anyone experienced similar issues, or should I look to send it into RED for service?

I'm aware of the Black Shading Nightmares thread in the COMPLAINT forum, but I wanted to keep this Scarlet specific.
 
David, also make sure you are in darkness when doing the calibration. I tried to blackshade outside with the sensor cap on but it failed, when I redid later that day inside with the lights off it worked fine. I've heard other people even suggest to throw a black shirt over it while doing it so it goes through successfully.
 
If there is any light leak then black shading will fail - I usually do throw something opaque over the mount as well - better than have a 20 min plus black shading fail!
 
So can someone explain where all the extra light is coming from and why that same extra light doesn't effect regular shooting? In the olden days, lens cap on meant NO light to the film. I don't get it, what am I missing?
 
I had no issues today with just lens cap on in room w/ ample daylight - i wasnt calibrating for results - just a test. the calibration was "successful" but I plan on redoing it when I actually need to...

I also warmed up camera, cranked the ISO with the lens cap on the all the noise was perfectly uniform.
 
For the users successfully Calibrating, can you test 2K 60fps 1/60 or 1/120 shutter?

I've sent off a camera log to RED, waiting to hear back.
 
This was mentioned in an earlier Scarlet thread, re-flashing the firmware fixes the problem. At least it has for me.
 
I had failure calibrating , so i moved to a pitch dark room, still failure. I then reflashed the firmware and it worked fine. Don't know why...these cameras are basically just computers now so guess it's like a good ol' reboot :wink5:
The next time after the firmware reinstall I was in a room with sunlight (lens cap on obviously) but the blackshade went fine
 
Good practices for Black Shading:
- Use the Red Cap
- Lock it "all the way"
- Cover the camera (not the vents, 5.0" LCD Touch cover works fine) or be in a dark room
- Wait for the camera to be up to running temperature before Black Shading
 
Ok I dont own a Scarlet yet so what is meant by "re-flashing" Is this re-installing the latest software or rebooting the camera ? Pardon my ignorance.
 
Mike Garrick said:
Ok I dont own a Scarlet yet so what is meant by "re-flashing" Is this re-installing the latest software or rebooting the camera ? Pardon my ignorance.
Click to expand...

Re-flashing is reinstalling the camera firmware in this case.
 
I've both ungraded firmware to v.2.0.8 as well as reinstalled, but same results. Log file was sent to RED support, but still awaiting response.
 
David Carstens said:
I've both ungraded firmware to v.2.0.8 as well as reinstalled, but same results. Log file was sent to RED support, but still awaiting response.
Click to expand...

Any news? I can't get mine to complete a blackshade successfully at all. RED body cap on + stuffed the front in a Fostex black bag made for me FR2Le.

Edit - Was able to get it to complete successfully at 24p and 1/48. But not anything else. Most of my shooting is 4kHD 1/60th .. Even so, it did seem to be a big reduction in noise from yesterday before I had blackshaded. Even at 2k and 4kHD.
 
Matt Johnston said:
Any news? I can't get mine to complete a blackshade successfully at all. RED body cap on + stuffed the front in a Fostex black bag made for me FR2Le.

Edit - Was able to get it to complete successfully at 24p and 1/48. But not anything else. Most of my shooting is 4kHD 1/60th .. Even so, it did seem to be a big reduction in noise from yesterday before I had blackshaded. Even at 2k and 4kHD.
Click to expand...

No news yet, but your results are just like mine. Only successful attempts have been at 24fps + 1/48 shutter.
 
I just blackshaded for the first time and it worked. I did it in a mostly dark room with my lens on.
 
Brennan Clark said:
I just blackshaded for the first time and it worked. I did it in a mostly dark room with my lens on.
Click to expand...

I recommend testing a variety of fps/shutter/resolution combinations. For starters, can you try (3K, 24fps, 1/60th shutter)?
 
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