Canon 1Ds Mark II huge banding

[Ferenc]

Hi everyone,

recently I noticed huge bandings on my 1Ds Mk II images. Local canon specialists advised this is definetely sensor malfunction so I replaced the complete CMOS module but nothing changed. Colored stripes/blotches are clearly visible across the frame especially in shadows. I've also made tests on different shutter speeds to determine if there is interference with diying shutter, but no correlation at all. Also tried different lenses, batteris, ISO-s, exposure pairs, bright and low-light scenes but the issue persists. There was a thread  by "Ukieboy" user last year here with the same problem like mine but the outcome of his case unknown. I'm attaching crops demonstrating the issue. Thank you in advance!

Best Regards,

Frank

 

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[Ferenc]

Hi everyone,

recently I noticed huge bandings on my 1Ds Mk II images. Local canon specialists advised this is definetely sensor malfunction so I replaced the complete CMOS module but nothing changed. Colored stripes/blotches are clearly visible across the frame especially in shadows. I've also made tests on different shutter speeds to determine if there is interference with diying shutter, but no correlation at all. Also tried different lenses, batteris, ISO-s, exposure pairs, bright and low-light scenes but the issue persists. There was a thread  by "Ukieboy" user last year here with the same problem like mine but the outcome of his case unknown. I'm attaching crops demonstrating the issue. Thank you in advance!

Best Regards,

Frank

 

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[Ray-uk]

Well I have found that on the first and third images I can now see it quite clearly in Firefox if I magnify up to 150%.

Haven't got a clue as to what is causing though. I would also be interested to know if it shows up in raw files.

[ebiggs1]

Frank,

As an owner of the 1Ds Mk II and a 1D Mk IIn, I can say it isn't happening to either of mine.  I might suggest it is your post editor and not the camera at all.  It sounds like you have already eliminated the camera anyway.  Look elsewhere.

[Ferenc]

Many thanks to all of you trying to help! Please view attached images at native sizes as they are shrinked by default. As I mentioned the sensor module was completely replaced. I tried different raw converters and memory cards with no luck. What I'd like to hear if there is probability that dying shutter causing some sort of interference. I mean faulty parts of the shutter generate some kind of high frequency which is picked up by electronics. Another possibility is BGA soldering issue of either of PCB-s. We know these bodies are quite old and solderings can fail. I know that finding out the solution is not easy and as always replacing particular components step-by-step can be the only way. Just hoping someone who had the same issue may give guidelines. By the way, shutter actuations approx 180k (I know this is irrelevant).

Best Regards,

Frank

[RobertTheFat]

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@Ferenc wrote:

Many thanks to all of you trying to help! Please view attached images at native sizes as they are shrinked by default. As I mentioned the sensor module was completely replaced. I tried different raw converters and memory cards with no luck. What I'd like to hear if there is probability that dying shutter causing some sort of interference. I mean faulty parts of the shutter generate some kind of high frequency which is picked up by electronics. Another possibility is BGA soldering issue of either of PCB-s. We know these bodies are quite old and solderings can fail. I know that finding out the solution is not easy and as always replacing particular components step-by-step can be the only way. Just hoping someone who had the same issue may give guidelines. By the way, shutter actuations approx 180k (I know this is irrelevant).

Best Regards,

Frank

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The fact that you tried different RAW converters isn't exactly the point. Do you see the artifacts in the RAW mode display (in DPP, Lightroom, or some other editor) BEFORE the conversion to JPEG? If not, then the artifacts must be a consequence of the conversion, whatever editor was used for that purpose. And just for completeness: Are you doing the conversion at the highest level (usually 10) of JPEG quality?

At least from what we've seen in this forum, a failing shutter produces a radically different result.

[ebiggs1]

"... faulty parts of the shutter generate some kind of high frequency which is picked up by electronics."

No. 

"... possibility is BGA soldering issue of either of PCB-s."

Also, no.  Or at least I have never seen that in my 5 decades of photography.  Which when it comes right down to it, means as little as 180K on the shutter.

My first guess is the CF card or associated parts and secondly the post editor.  If it were me that is where I would concentrate my effort.

Good luck!

[Ferenc]

Thank you for your tips. I tried tethered mode to exclude card writing part but stripes are still there. Also imported files to different RAW converters, no changes. By the way, the banding is visible even in the camera JPG-s.  Different shutter speeds and ISOs have also no influence. I have no more ideas. 

[Waddizzle]

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@Ferenc wrote:

Thank you for your tips. I tried tethered mode to exclude card writing part but stripes are still there. Also imported files to different RAW converters, no changes. By the way, the banding is visible even in the camera JPG-s.  Different shutter speeds and ISOs have also no influence. I have no more ideas. 

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I forget if you have tried a different lens, but doubt if a lens, or lens filter, is the issue.

If the problem persists without a memory card, then the problem is almost certainly the electronics in the camera.  If Canon still does a checkup on that camera body, then let them go over it.  It could be a loose connection, but I suspect an issue associated with the sensor.

[Ferenc]

Thanks Waddizzle. Yes, you're right, lens was my first thought, so this is also already excluded. As I wrote in my first post, I  replaced the sensor module (now I have 2 of them) because I got tips from canon technician that this can be the culprit. Not helped. I think I have to talk to local Canon service if they can investigate the source of the issue. I also totall agree wit you, that some loose connection (PCB to PCB or Flex cable etc.) may couse such behavior.

[RobertTheFat]

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@Ferenc wrote:

Thank you for your tips. I tried tethered mode to exclude card writing part but stripes are still there. Also imported files to different RAW converters, no changes. By the way, the banding is visible even in the camera JPG-s.  Different shutter speeds and ISOs have also no influence. I have no more ideas. 

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But the question you seem to keep avoiding is whether the artifacts can be seen in the display of the RAW file before the conversion to JPEG. Unless the answer to that question is yes, the artifacts almost have to be a consequence of the JPEG conversion, no matter what RAW converter was used - even if it's the one in the camera. The elephant in the room is still what it was: you tried changing out the sensor (almost the only other plausible culprit), and that didn't help.

[Peter]

I guess interference wouldn't give you straight lines.