Zeiss 450/Merge Issue

Thu, 24 Aug 2017 19:24:28 GMT

We have 5 or 6 Zeiss 450's with Merge capture software throughout our service line. There is one particular system that is giving us issues and I am hoping someone recognizes the problem and may have a solution to it.

The light seems to bleed out beyond the image mask and into the (normally) black area during both color and FA imaging. The image looks a bit 'washed out' as well. I have attached examples. I recall seeing something similar many, many years ago, but do not recall the cause.

Anyone recognize this issue?

Gary

Thu, 24 Aug 2017 21:18:32 GMT

I've seen mine do something similar but not all around like that, usually just on one side. It seems to have that washed out look and the overlap when the field filter is misaligned. Usually happens when we change from one degree to another. Not sure if it'll help but I would also check to make sure the camera back is attached completely to the machine to make sure there isn't any extra light getting in. Good luck

Fri, 25 Aug 2017 06:28:28 GMT

It definitely looks like an alignment issue of some kind from my experiences

Tue, 12 Jun 2018 16:55:36 GMT

Gary, did you find a resolution to this issue?

From the Topcon TRC 50X that we have in our office and how it operates, I would think that the light bleed is from a gap between the camera body and the zeiss (presuming you're using a DSLR attached to the rear). The other thing it might be is a light leak internally from a missing gasket (partially damaged?) or possibly even some debris build up near the edge of a rear lens. For example, if the offending lens was cleaned and things were pushed to the edges the light hitting that debris could flare out where it wouldn't normally otherwise.

Tue, 12 Jun 2018 17:08:19 GMT

This could Maybe (maybe maybe) happen if you had an accessory conversion ring. For example if your Zeiss was fitted for Nikon cameras and there was an adapter ring thrown in to allow for it to use a Canon camera body instead (a conversion ring from one camera brand to any other form really).

Tue, 12 Jun 2018 21:23:38 GMT

Gary

Is it present 100% of the time, at all mags, w & w/o astigmatic correction? On a plane or on a train?

Is it possible to swap backs with another system and see if it follows the sensor and mounts?

It's so symmetrical, could excess light be getting into the system from an exposed accessory port?

We would see a similar reflex to this on our Topcon EX occasionally with the Astig correction when we had to crank the flash up (small pupil etc). I assumed it was flare coming back thru the system and being scattered by the astig. Rare enuf to not be a real issue for us.

One other thought: could it possibly be flare within the system where, as Paul eluded, an extension ring etc might have poor QC and be missing antiflare coatings, or even a haze on an internal lens element (IR cut filter on sensor?)

j-