Screen flickering on autofocus with Leica SL

[sanadsaad]

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I’ve been playing around with an SL and I’ve noticed the EVF flickers every time I autofocus. Is this normal? I used an SL2 in store and don’t remember this being an issue. I’m not sure if it’s a setting I need to tinker with or it’s just normal behaviour of the camera so I thought I’d check with you guys. Any thoughts?

[Einst_Stein]

Do you mean the flicking of the focus peaking? the white or colored edge around the focused objects? If so, you can disable the focus peaking. 

Edited August 17, 2020 by Einst_Stein

[sanadsaad]

No it’s not the focus peaking. That’s another issue I’m trying to sort as with it turned on, I don’t get any red focus peaking highlights with sensitivity low or high. I’ve turned it off and auto-focused but the issue persists. The screen flickers. I’ve tried artificial vs natural light. No difference. 

[Einst_Stein]

Then I would check if it is due to the EVF/LVD switching. Not that I had the same experience though.

By the way, on focus peaking, you choose the color under "capture assistant", but to turn it on/off under "live view" . 

Edited August 17, 2020 by Einst_Stein

[sanadsaad]

Thanks for the Focus peaking tip. I realised even though it’s turned on, I need to select it by pressing the “i” button (upper right button) to toggle between histogram, focus peaking and horizon. Don’t think they all come on at the same time. Learning the ins and outs as I go along. Flickering still an issue though. Camera is still under 14-day return and has a one year warranty so might check with Leica store and see what they think. 

[FlashGordonPhotography]

When you're in AF are you in SAF or CAF. Continuous focus modes on the SL/SL2 cause the image in the viewfinder to *flutter* as it tries to track a subject. This goes away in SAF. The SL2 (I know you have a SL) also has iAF which flutters.

Gordon

[sanadsaad]

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I’m in SAF. It’s very distracting. I’ll reset everything in the morning and see if the problem persists.

[la1402]

I just wonder wether there is a solution here? I have the same issue on iAF and CAF with the SL2S and it is super annoying. 

[FlashGordonPhotography]

2 minutes ago, la1402 said:

I just wonder wether there is a solution here? I have the same issue on iAF and CAF with the SL2S and it is super annoying. 

This is normal behaviour for the SL cameras and the Panasonics. CAF is based on a Panasonic developed DFD focus system. The quirks of DFD are well documanted.

It doesn't do this in AFS but does in iAF and AFC.

Gordon

[LocalHero1953]

I have seen EVF screen flickering on the SL2-S. It happens in artificial lighting. Although I haven't investigated fully, I suspect it is down to interference between the EVF refresh rate and the mains frequency of the lighting. 

[scott kirkpatrick]

Panasonic just pushed out a firmware upgrade to manage flickering in LED or flourescent lighting for the S1 cameras.  Could this be the same problem?

[la1402]

On 12/25/2020 at 1:49 PM, scott kirkpatrick said:

Panasonic just pushed out a firmware upgrade to manage flickering in LED or flourescent lighting for the S1 cameras.  Could this be the same problem?

I would assume not,  as it does not seem to be the same issue per dpreview's SL2 video above. I also did not see that on other DFD cameras from panasonic. But it would be interesting to hear from people who have both a S1/5 and and SL2(S).

[David Pullum]

Was this for the video only aspect?

I have 2 x SL2S's and am finding the banding with Flourescent and LED lights quite annoying. The Leica SL2S seems exceptionally sensitive to these type of lights.

Normally I use electronic shutter and from what I understand if I go to 60th second intervals up to 120th it should stop this happening, but it doesnt

Mechanical also does not stop it entirely. Am hoping that Leica release some sort of firmware update to alleviate this

[jaapv]

On 12/25/2020 at 12:01 PM, LocalHero1953 said:

I have seen EVF screen flickering on the SL2-S. It happens in artificial lighting. Although I haven't investigated fully, I suspect it is down to interference between the EVF refresh rate and the mains frequency of the lighting. 

This.

[Photoworks]

6 hours ago, David Pullum said:

Was this for the video only aspect?

I have 2 x SL2S's and am finding the banding with Flourescent and LED lights quite annoying. The Leica SL2S seems exceptionally sensitive to these type of lights.

Normally I use electronic shutter and from what I understand if I go to 60th second intervals up to 120th it should stop this happening, but it doesnt

Mechanical also does not stop it entirely. Am hoping that Leica release some sort of firmware update to alleviate this

some camera have flicker free options, but even that doesn't do it.

It is not a problem of the camera, but of the lights. Most LED lights will do that, you just don't see it with your eyes.

Even worse is LED with dimmers, all non photo video LED lights cut the frequency  to dim the power. not the intensity , the led emits a strobe illumination that matches often 60's. when you dim to half power the month of strobes is reduces to 30.

My technical explanation is probably inaccurate , but the principle is there.

I make product shots of designer lamps, and run into this problem all the time..  don't use electronic shutter.

[BernardC]

On 7/4/2021 at 9:20 AM, Photoworks said:

It is not a problem of the camera, but of the lights. Most LED lights will do that, you just don't see it with your eyes.

Exactly. Just to add my bit: it's worse with cheap LEDs than it ever was with compact fluorescents. Manufacturers can get around the issue by increasing the frequency and smoothing-out the voltage, but that costs money.