Sony SEL90M28G - User Manual

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Service Manual33 pages

Operating Instructions9 pages

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Summary

Troubleshooting Autofocus Issues

Maintain Minimum Focusing Distance

Ensure shooting distance is within the lens's minimum focusing distance.

Address Environmental Focusing Inhibitors

Ensure subjects have contrast and are not too far or close, or moving fast.

Utilize Focus Lock for Difficult Shots

Lock focus on a subject at the same distance to ensure focus stability.

Switch to Manual Focus (MF)

Manually adjust focus when autofocus is not performing optimally.

Adjust Aperture for Depth of Field

Narrowing aperture (increasing F-value) can help achieve overall focus.

Understanding Camera Mount Types

A-mount Camera Specifications

A-mounts are for cameras with mirrors or translucent mirrors.

E-mount Camera Specifications

E-mounts are for mirrorless camera models.

A-mount vs. E-mount Features

A-mounts offer phase-detection AF; E-mounts allow compact designs.

A-mount and E-mount Sensor Sizes

Both mount types offer full-frame and APS-C sensor options.

Identifying A-mount and E-mount Lenses

A-mount lenses start with 'SAL', E-mount lenses with 'SEL'.

Adapting A-mount Lenses to E-mount

A-mount lenses can be used on E-mount bodies with a mount adaptor.

Troubleshooting Lens Recognition Errors

Verify Lens Compatibility

Ensure the lens is compatible with your camera model.

Ensure Proper Lens Connection

Attach the lens clockwise until it clicks for secure connection.

Clean Lens and Camera Contacts

Remove dirt or debris from electronic contacts on lens and body.

Check Camera Body Pins

Inspect camera body contacts for damage or obstructions.

Test with an Alternative Lens

Use another lens to diagnose if the issue is with the lens or camera.

Resetting Camera to Factory Settings

Locate Model Number for Support

Find the model number to access specific operating instructions.

Perform Reset via Camera Menu

Navigate menu options 'Setup', 'Setting Reset', 'Initialize' to reset settings.

Utilize Physical RESET Button

Use a pointed object to press and hold the reset button for factory reset.

Understand Reset Notes and Limitations

Note that some apps may uninstall, and specific error codes may prevent reset.

Summary

Troubleshooting Autofocus Issues

Maintain Minimum Focusing Distance

Ensure shooting distance is within the lens's minimum focusing distance.

Address Environmental Focusing Inhibitors

Ensure subjects have contrast and are not too far or close, or moving fast.

Utilize Focus Lock for Difficult Shots

Lock focus on a subject at the same distance to ensure focus stability.

Switch to Manual Focus (MF)

Manually adjust focus when autofocus is not performing optimally.

Adjust Aperture for Depth of Field

Narrowing aperture (increasing F-value) can help achieve overall focus.

Understanding Camera Mount Types

A-mount Camera Specifications

A-mounts are for cameras with mirrors or translucent mirrors.

E-mount Camera Specifications

E-mounts are for mirrorless camera models.

A-mount vs. E-mount Features

A-mounts offer phase-detection AF; E-mounts allow compact designs.

A-mount and E-mount Sensor Sizes

Both mount types offer full-frame and APS-C sensor options.

Identifying A-mount and E-mount Lenses

A-mount lenses start with 'SAL', E-mount lenses with 'SEL'.

Adapting A-mount Lenses to E-mount

A-mount lenses can be used on E-mount bodies with a mount adaptor.

Troubleshooting Lens Recognition Errors

Verify Lens Compatibility

Ensure the lens is compatible with your camera model.

Ensure Proper Lens Connection

Attach the lens clockwise until it clicks for secure connection.

Clean Lens and Camera Contacts

Remove dirt or debris from electronic contacts on lens and body.

Check Camera Body Pins

Inspect camera body contacts for damage or obstructions.

Test with an Alternative Lens

Use another lens to diagnose if the issue is with the lens or camera.

Resetting Camera to Factory Settings

Locate Model Number for Support

Find the model number to access specific operating instructions.

Perform Reset via Camera Menu

Navigate menu options 'Setup', 'Setting Reset', 'Initialize' to reset settings.

Utilize Physical RESET Button

Use a pointed object to press and hold the reset button for factory reset.

Understand Reset Notes and Limitations

Note that some apps may uninstall, and specific error codes may prevent reset.

This document describes a camera, focusing on troubleshooting autofocus issues, lens compatibility, and general maintenance.

Function Description

The camera is designed for photography, featuring both autofocus (AF) and manual focus (MF) capabilities. It supports interchangeable lenses, with two primary mount standards: A-mount and E-mount. A-mount cameras utilize Sony Translucent Mirror Technology for full-time phase-detection autofocus, while E-mount cameras are mirrorless, allowing for compact, high-performance bodies and lenses. The camera also includes a SteadyShot feature for image stabilization, which helps in capturing sharp images, especially in macro photography or when shooting handheld. It supports various sensor sizes, including full-frame and APS-C, each offering distinct advantages for different photographic needs.

Usage Features

Autofocus (AF) Operation: The camera's autofocus system is designed to provide sharp images, but certain conditions can hinder its performance. To ensure proper focus, users should:

Maintain adequate distance from the subject: Each lens has a minimum focusing distance, and shooting closer than this distance will result in out-of-focus images. This distance is typically marked on the lens barrel.
Avoid challenging subjects/environments: Autofocus may struggle with subjects lacking contrast (e.g., blue sky, white walls), scenes with multiple subjects at varying distances, repeating patterns, bright or backlit subjects, shiny surfaces (e.g., water), or fast-moving subjects.
Utilize focus lock: For difficult subjects, users can compose the shot, lightly press the shutter button to lock focus on a subject at the desired distance, and then recompose.
Adjust AF Micro Adjustment: For specific lenses, the focusing position can be finely adjusted via the camera's menu (MENU - Setup menu - AF Micro Adj.). This allows for compensation if the focus consistently shifts slightly forward or backward from the intended point. It's recommended to perform these adjustments in the actual shooting environment and to be aware that adjustments for third-party lenses might affect Sony, Minolta, and Konica Minolta lens settings.

Manual Focus (MF) Operation: When autofocus is insufficient, the camera can be switched to manual focus (MF) mode. This allows the user to adjust focus manually, providing greater control in challenging situations. Some lenses feature a focus ring that slides back and forth to quickly switch between manual and auto focus, enhancing usability.

Aperture Control for Depth of Field: The camera allows for aperture control to manage depth of field.

Narrowing the aperture (higher F-value): This increases the depth of field, bringing more of the photograph into focus with less blurring in the background or foreground. This is particularly useful when multiple elements need to be sharp.
Aperture Priority mode ("A"): This mode automatically sets other exposure variables while allowing the user to control the aperture, ensuring optimal exposure. Increasing the F-value in dark conditions may require a tripod to prevent camera shake due to reduced light intake.

Lens Compatibility and Mounting: The camera supports interchangeable lenses with either A-mount or E-mount standards.

A-mount lenses: Start with "SAL" in their name.
E-mount lenses: Start with "SEL" in their name.
Mount Adaptors: A-mount lenses can be used on E-mount bodies with a Mount Adaptor, though some limitations (e.g., autofocus, SteadyShot functionality) may apply. E-mount lenses cannot be used on A-mount bodies.
Lens Recognition: If the camera displays a "Check the Lens attachment" or "No Lens Attached" error, users should:
- Ensure a compatible lens is used.
- Verify the lens is properly connected by turning it clockwise until it clicks.
- Check for dirt or obstructions on the lens and camera body contacts.
- Ensure the pins on the camera body are not bent.
- If the issue persists, try a different lens to determine if the problem lies with the lens or the camera body.

Special Lens Features (G Lens Example): Some lenses, like the G Lens, offer specific performance characteristics:

Background Bokeh: Designed for beautiful background blur (bokeh) with smooth rendering and minimal "nisen bokeh" (double-line blur), often achieved with a nine-blade circular aperture.
Image-wide Clarity: Macro lenses may incorporate a floating focus mechanism to suppress close-focus aberration, maintaining clarity across the image area from macro to infinity.
Precise, Quiet Focus: Advanced focus systems, such as DDSSM (Direct Drive Super Sonic wave Motor), provide smooth, precise, and quiet focusing, suitable for both stills and movies, especially for sensitive subjects like animals or insects.
Focus Hold Button: A conveniently located button on the lens barrel allows users to instantly lock focus at the current setting, even in continuous AF mode.
Focus Range Limiter: This selector allows users to limit the focusing range (e.g., near, far, or full), maximizing autofocus speed for specific subjects.
Inner Focus Design: Internal lens elements move during focusing, maintaining a constant lens length for easier handling, faster autofocus, and shorter minimum focusing distance. This design also prevents the front filter thread from rotating, which is beneficial when using polarizing filters.
Telephoto Focal Length: Medium telephoto macro lenses provide an ideal working distance, allowing users to capture close-up images without being too close to the subject.
Movie Performance: Lenses are designed to meet moviemaking requirements, offering minimal focus breathing and quiet operation.

Maintenance Features

General Camera Reset: If the camera experiences issues, a factory reset can often resolve them.

Menu-based Reset: Many models offer an "Initialize" or "Setting Reset" option within the camera's menu (e.g., MENU → Setup → Setting Reset → Initialize → OK). This process typically reboots the camera and requires re-setting the time and date. Users can also choose to reset only shooting settings (Camera Settings Reset or REC Settings) without full initialization.
RESET Button: Some camera models have a dedicated RESET button (often requiring a pointed object to press). Holding this button for 2-3 seconds will initiate a reset.
Battery Removal: For persistent issues, turning off the camera, removing the battery, waiting for 1 minute, and then reinserting it can sometimes resolve problems.
Important Considerations:
- Do not turn off the camera during a reset.
- Resetting may uninstall PlayMemories Camera Apps, which would need to be reinstalled.
- Movies and photos are generally retained during a reset.
- Error codes (C: or E:) may indicate issues not resolvable by a reset.

Lens and Body Contact Cleaning: If the camera fails to recognize a lens, dirt or obstructions on the electrical contacts can be a cause.

Cleaning Procedure: Use a cotton swab or a dry soft cloth to gently wipe dirt from the contacts on both the lens and the camera body.
Precautions:
- Be careful to prevent dust or debris from entering the camera body or lens during cleaning.
- Avoid touching the lens surface.
- Wipe lightly without applying excessive pressure to the contacts.
Bent Pins: If the pins on the camera body are bent, professional service will be required.

Dust and Moisture Resistance: Some lenses are designed with a dust and moisture-resistant construction, ensuring reliable operation in various environmental conditions.

Sony SEL90M28G Specifications

General

Lens type	Telephoto lens
Component for	SLR
Image stabilizer	Yes
Fixed focal length	90 mm
Lens mount interface	Sony E
Maximum aperture number	22
Minimum aperture number	2.8
Closest focusing distance	0.28 m
Number of diaphragm blades	9
Lens structure (elements/groups)	15/11
Maximum magnification	1 x
Camera brands compatibility	Sony
Product color	Black