SL2-S video focus chatter/noise

[jackbaty]

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I apologize in advance for the novice question(s). I don't shoot video but thought I'd try with my newly-arrived SL2-S.

Right out of the box, with the APO-Summicron-SL 35,  I recorded a few seconds of my dog as a test. The only setting I changed was ISO.

There's a loud focusing "chatter" during the video. You can hear it here: https://youtu.be/hxXu5rgaFRg

I don't yet understand anything shooting video but I'm guessing there's something I'm missing, because this doesn't seem right. I noticed a similar noise in photo mode when Pre-focus was enabled, but I don't think there's the same Pre-focus option for video.

Thanks for any advice.

Jack

[frame-it]

12 hours ago, jackbaty said:

I apologize in advance for the novice question(s). I don't shoot video but thought I'd try with my newly-arrived SL2-S.

Right out of the box, with the APO-Summicron-SL 35,  I recorded a few seconds of my dog as a test. The only setting I changed was ISO.

There's a loud focusing "chatter" during the video. You can hear it here: https://youtu.be/hxXu5rgaFRg

I don't yet understand anything shooting video but I'm guessing there's something I'm missing, because this doesn't seem right. I noticed a similar noise in photo mode when Pre-focus was enabled, but I don't think there's the same Pre-focus option for video.

Thanks for any advice.

Jack

sounds like something is broken

[frame-it]

22 minutes ago, Steven said:

Unfortunately not. It’s just the reality of the Sl motor noise. 

oh Really ? interesting..a forum member sent me a video to analyse..it was quieter than a morgue.

[frame-it]

Just now, Steven said:

Same lens, AF on ? 

ask @LocalHero1953

[Slender]

Some users report AF noises with the 35 f2... others dont....?

[frame-it]

1 hour ago, Steven said:

Unfortunately not. It’s just the reality of the Sl motor noise. 

 

12 minutes ago, Slender said:

Some users report AF noises with the 35 f2... others dont....?

he said its the reality of the SL motor noise

[jackbaty]

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Thanks for helping. I've tried all the same settings with the Sigma 24-70 attached and it's completely silent with that lens. I would find it hard to believe that the noise level I'm hearing in the Summicron is acceptable to anyone, especially considering the way Leica positions the SL2-S camera system as a hybrid. I'll keep testing to see if I can pin it down.

Edited January 1, 2021 by jackbaty

[frame-it]

Just now, jackbaty said:

Thanks for helping. I've tried all the same settings with the Sigma 24-70 attached and it's completely silent with that lens. I would find it hard to believe that the noise level I'm hearing in the Summicron is acceptable to anyone, especially considering the way Leica positions the SL2-S camera system as a hybrid. I'll keep testing to see if I can pin it down.

sigh..its simple.. go to a shop try out other L lenses, and return the lens you have.

[BernardC]

Have you applied the latest lens firmware updates? Some here have reported that it cures lens chatter.

You should also try different focusing modes. There's a separate thread here that covers the different modes and how they work. It sounds (literally) like you are in the mode where it continuously micro-adjusts focus, which isn't ideal for video.

If neither of these two options helps, your dealer can swap the lens.

[LocalHero1953]

1 hour ago, frame-it said:

ask @LocalHero1953

Just seen this - no, it was set to MF. I can't remember the lens. When I have used AF, though, there has been no audible focus noise at the time, but I haven't listened to the recordings for it. 

[Slender]

The AF in my SL 24-90 is totaly silent for example, but in video and continuous, the internal mic or external shotgun mounted on top will pick the sound of the (one, single) moving lens nonetheless, in a quiet setting. Not gonna be an issue in a normal, busy soundscape, interview, streetscene...etc, or with a mic further away from body, or in MF.

[jackbaty]

18 hours ago, Slender said:

The AF in my SL 24-90 is totaly silent for example, but in video and continuous, the internal mic or external shotgun mounted on top will pick the sound of the (one, single) moving lens nonetheless, in a quiet setting. Not gonna be an issue in a normal, busy soundscape, interview, streetscene...etc, or with a mic further away from body, or in MF.

You may be right. I'm finding that the noise is more prominent when the lens is hunting for focus on, say, flat, low-contrast surfaces. It's a little discouraging that I hear _nothing_ while using the Sigma zoom, though. I will keep testing and see if it's a problem in the real world. I'm surprised that the lens makes such a racket shooting videos but also concerned by the noise it makes in stills mode when "Pre-focus" is enabled. I can actually feel it vibrate as well as hear it. I didn't expect to mount such a beautiful (and expensive) lens and have my first thought be, "Eww, what's that clunking noise?"

The "simple" suggestion to go try another lens at a shop is a good one, but I'm 3 hours away from anywhere I could do that so I'm trying to work out whether it's expected behavior or an actual problem here at home first.

My first impressions of the actual images from the 35 are that they are amazing.

[frame-it]

1 hour ago, jackbaty said:

You may be right. I'm finding that the noise is more prominent when the lens is hunting for focus on, say, flat, low-contrast surfaces. It's a little discouraging that I hear _nothing_ while using the Sigma zoom, though. I will keep testing and see if it's a problem in the real world. I'm surprised that the lens makes such a racket shooting videos but also concerned by the noise it makes in stills mode when "Pre-focus" is enabled. I can actually feel it vibrate as well as hear it. I didn't expect to mount such a beautiful (and expensive) lens and have my first thought be, "Eww, what's that clunking noise?"

The "simple" suggestion to go try another lens at a shop is a good one, but I'm 3 hours away from anywhere I could do that so I'm trying to work out whether it's expected behavior or an actual problem here at home first.

My first impressions of the actual images from the 35 are that they are amazing.

the sound in the video you posted does Not seem to be expected behavior

[Fgcm]

On 1/1/2021 at 12:38 AM, jackbaty said:

I apologize in advance for the novice question(s). I don't shoot video but thought I'd try with my newly-arrived SL2-S.

Right out of the box, with the APO-Summicron-SL 35,  I recorded a few seconds of my dog as a test. The only setting I changed was ISO.

There's a loud focusing "chatter" during the video. You can hear it here: https://youtu.be/hxXu5rgaFRg

I don't yet understand anything shooting video but I'm guessing there's something I'm missing, because this doesn't seem right. I noticed a similar noise in photo mode when Pre-focus was enabled, but I don't think there's the same Pre-focus option for video.

Thanks for any advice.

Jack

Jack,

mine is 100% silent. In video mode, the autofocus is slow and silent. The only noise comes from the ibis, which is pretty silent as well. 

I think something is wrong with your camera or your lens.

[jackbaty]

1 hour ago, frame-it said:

the sound in the video you posted does Not seem to be expected behavior

Thank you. That is what I was expecting to hear, even though it's not want I wanted to hear. I think it's time to contact Leica.

[jackbaty]

Following up, here is Leica's response...

Quote

The noise behavior of your SL lens is normal and varies depending on the model, focal length, camera used and exposure conditions. This can not be improved.

So I'll just have to live with it, I guess. (I did replace my copy of the lens, but it makes the same racket).

[Anakronox]

Try turning off pre-focus as that can cause noise in stills mode.

[jackbaty]

4 minutes ago, Anakronox said:

Try turning off pre-focus as that can cause noise in stills mode.

Yes, thanks. I did that first thing (once I learned there was such a thing :)) and it really helped with stills.