15 replies to this topic

[xmmh]

I took several 180s exposures and I noticed about half of them had a blue glow coming from one side of the frame. I think this is probably amp glow, but why would it only show up in some exposures? Has this been seen on other Z cameras?

 

I've attached an example taken with the 180-600mm, and one with the lens cap on and the exposure increased by two stops in lightroom. I've also included a screenshot of a sequence of exposures nx studio, showing the random occurrence of the glow. I can also attach the raw photos if that would help.

 

Some more details about the test (last image):

- taken with the 40mm f2 with the lens cap on in a dark room (so I don't think it's a light leak issue)

- 180s long exposures with the interval set to 3 minutes and 1 second.

- electronic shutter only

- high efficiency * raw

 

also asked on the nikon z reddit forum https://www.reddit.c..._in_z6iii_long/

Attached Thumbnails

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Edited by xmmh, 08 December 2024 - 03:36 PM.

[astrowhat?]

Can’t answer your question yet, but I do have a Z6III and am interested about what you find out.

[rj144]

I bet that's a refection due to Alnitak.  Do you see it on any other targets?

[xmmh]

I bet that's a refection due to Alnitak.  Do you see it on any other targets?

I also see the glow with the lens cap on, so not related to any optics I think.

[idclimber]

I have had artifacts across my image caused by the autofocus and image stabilization sensors in my Nikkor lens. Try turning all that off if you can. 

[RichA]

I took several 180s exposures and I noticed about half of them had a blue glow coming from one side of the frame. I think this is probably amp glow, but why would it only show up in some exposures? Has this been seen on other Z cameras?

 

I've attached an example taken with the 180-600mm, and one with the lens cap on and the exposure increased by two stops in lightroom. I've also included a screenshot of a sequence of exposures nx studio, showing the random occurrence of the glow. I can also attach the raw photos if that would help.

 

Some more details about the test (last image):

- taken with the 40mm f2 with the lens cap on in a dark room (so I don't think it's a light leak issue)

- 180s long exposures with the interval set to 3 minutes and 1 second.

- electronic shutter only

- high efficiency * raw

 

also asked on the nikon z reddit forum https://www.reddit.c..._in_z6iii_long/

Stick the camera in a plastic bag in the freezer for 30 minutes then try it with the lens cap on.

[xmmh]

 I’m pretty sure I disabled the IBIS but I’ll do another test to be sure

I have had artifacts across my image caused by the autofocus and image stabilization sensors in my Nikkor lens. Try turning all that off if you can.

Edited by xmmh, 08 December 2024 - 07:15 PM.

[sharkmelley]

Take a set of darks (in a dark place) with just the body cap, instead of a lens.  Does the blue patch still appear?

[xmmh]

Stick the camera in a plastic bag in the freezer for 30 minutes then try it with the lens cap on.

What should I expect after putting it in the freezer?

[const]

I also see the glow with the lens cap on, so not related to any optics I think.

You underestimate power of Alnitak!

[idclimber]

What should I expect after putting it in the freezer?

Other than the camera being very cold I can only guess. First, I do not think this is a great idea and would not do it to my Nikon.  I am not afraid of using my camera in the cold, I do it all the time. I just don't like doing so unless I am taking photos and doing something productive with it. I like above as if it is there then I would take the issue up with Nikon and their warranty / service department. 

 

My guess is he is thinking amp glow would be less if colder. I had amp glow on my old ZWO camera even if it was cooled to -20c. 

 

The other idea I might try if you had it, would be to see if this artifact is there with the F-lens adaptor. If it is gone, consider switching to an old Nikkor AIS lens instead. They are easier to focus and stay that way and are dirt cheap used, especially if you pick one up at one of the many eBay sellers in Japan. 

Edited by idclimber, 08 December 2024 - 11:42 PM.

[xmmh]

Ok did another test with the lens removed and the body cap on. I took 46 3 minute exposures and 4 of them have the glow. I've attached a screenshot of the thumbnails. I've also attached the exif data for DSC_0008.NEF

Attached Thumbnails

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Attached Files

•  DSC_0008exif.txt   12.57KB   2 downloads

[idclimber]

That sure looks like you have an issue with the camera. I hope you are able to get it addressed under warranty. 

[xmmh]

I've also emailed Nikon support, I'll report back here.

[sharkmelley]

I've also emailed Nikon support, I'll report back here.

Definitely the right thing to do.  The pattern has distinct rays which indicate it's caused by a light source within the camera.  But it appears blue so it's not an IR LED nor amp-glow because they would appear pink or magenta.  Is there a blue indicator LED somewhere?  Or could it be the electronic viewfinder (but why would that be blue)?  The other big question is why it appears randomly.  

[xmmh]

Definitely the right thing to do.  The pattern has distinct rays which indicate it's caused by a light source within the camera.  But it appears blue so it's not an IR LED nor amp-glow because they would appear pink or magenta.  Is there a blue indicator LED somewhere?  Or could it be the electronic viewfinder (but why would that be blue)?  The other big question is why it appears randomly.  

Yes I figured it out! Not a blue indicator LED exactly, but the top LCD display. I think it's supposed to turn off during exposures, but I guess the behavior is inconsistent.

 

I did another test, same settings as last but with LCD Illumination (custom setting d13) turned off. I took 60 exposures and there wasn't any glow at all. Not only that, but the exposures without the characteristic glow pattern seemed slightly less noisy.

 

There's no mention of the issue in Nikon's documentation, https://onlinemanual...nation_248.html. I'll ask if they can update it.

 

Thanks everybody for their help!

Edited by xmmh, 09 December 2024 - 10:26 AM.