Sensor Glitching While "Free Lensing"

[Daniel Soderberg]

I get artifacts for a single frame at random while "free lensing" (Unmounting the lens and remounting to create an out of focus look with light leak).
Anyone else experience this?

Tried to upload R3D screen shots but it says invalid file...

 

[Nick Morrison]

We did some lens whacking this summer, and lucky for us...no problems at all with the footage...though we were worried...

 

[Harry Lipnick]

Daniel-
I haven't tried any lens whacking on my Scarlet, but based on the small images you posted, they definitely don't look like optical artifacts. What lenses/mount are you using? Is there any chance there's some electrical glitch from the "smart" lens mount, whether it's Nikon or Canon briefly getting spiked and corrupting a frame? I'm totally guessing here, but maybe try again with a bit of electrical tape over the contacts? (At your own risk, of course, but you already knew that if you're trying this technique I guess.)
Good luck...I'm interested to hear what you find. Please let us know.

-Harry

 

[Daniel Soderberg]

PL Mount Zeiss Super Speeds is what I was using. Definitely coming from sensor. Wish I could upload the R3D files...

 

[Shane Kelly]

I'd definitely cover the contacts. A long time ago they used to cause the image to turn purple when you changed a lens.

 

[Bob Gundu]

try taping the contacts. Is the glitch repeatable?

 

[Daniel Soderberg]

I'll try covering the contacts. Haven't tried that yet.
What is recommended to be used to cover the contacts?
Thanks.

 

[Daniel Soderberg]

Anyone...?

I'll try covering the contacts. Haven't tried that yet.
What is recommended to be used to cover the contacts?
Thanks.

 

[Bob Gundu]

Gaffers tape should do it.

Anyone...?

 

[Robert Hart]

I am not sure I would want to do this as an effect or for improvised macro. There may be differing electrical potentials develop between the lens and the mount, especially if you are in outdoors dry cool wind wearing a nylon parka or in indoors heated environments scurrying around on carpet. Potentials may also build when connected to mains power. If something goes across, it will jump to or from the mount. The sensor is buried deep below the IR/OLPF so unlikely to be hit directly but its supporting circuits may be sensitive and "in tune" enough to detect an induced current from the spark and cause your observed recording defect.

A decent discharge across the gap whilst not directly threatening the sensor, might choose the lens control circuit pins. Then I imagine, there is a potential for actual damage or a recording defect like you have observed with a munted frame or corrupted file. The control electronics in the lens itself if there are any, will not appreciate a zap either.

My recommendation. - Don't do it. If you must, then when offering the lens up or easing it away from the camera body, ground yourself to the camera body as you do this trick. Be mindful to touch a metallic part on the lens body.

You may class me as an eccentric. Grounding is something I routinely do with the SI2K P+S body when connecting monitors, offering up lenses and fitting digital mags. That is despite knowing the chosen core hardware system is robust and meets stringent fail-resistant industrial requirements where human life is at stake. I also assemble the camera cold, then power up. Your cameras are essentially custom builds and may deserve more tender care. Hot lens swaps should be avoided, minimised, not prolonged, especially when electronic lenses are involved. Just because you can, does not mean you should, as the "hotswappable" firewire debacle amply demonstrated.