Sinar eMotion firmware 5.0

[David WM]

I see that Sinar have posted new firmware this month and one of the features is a change in iso speed ratings so that 25 iso will no longer be available. I use an eMotion 22 and 95% at 25 iso.
The  notes state that the backs do not have an increased sensitivity, so does that mean that 25 iso is simply not available with the new FW or does it mean that the old 25 iso = new 50 iso? Is there more information about the effect of the FW change? Is it simply to accomadate the HY6 and are e22 users better off with FW 4.45?
regards
David

[John_Black]

I recall reading posts saying that the Sinar backs are really 1-stop more sensitive than their displayed ISO's.  So maybe they just decided to bring the displayed ISO more in line with the actual performance?  Just a guess.

[rethmeier]

I recall reading posts saying that the Sinar backs are really 1-stop more sensitive than their displayed ISO's.  So maybe they just decided to bring the displayed ISO more in line with the actual performance?  Just a guess.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=169636\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

I would have to agree with that as well!
However Thierry would know best.
Happy Australia Day!

[BJNY]

Please provide a link to this new firmware you're talking about.

[David WM]

Hi, it is in the downloads section on the Sinar web site. You need to log in (register if you aren't already registered).  

http://www.sinar.ch/

regards David

Please provide a link to this new firmware you're talking about.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=169643\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

[thsinar]

Dear All,

The new firmware for eMotion backs (22, 54 LV, 75 and 75 LV) has been uploaded to our homepage ("Downloads" section) 2 days ago.

As mentioned by David, you need to be a SOG (Sinar Owners' Group) registered member. You can register in a few steps and for free directly on our homepage. A "User Name" and "Password" will be sent to you automatically.

here what is new with this 5.0 eMotion firmware:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• The Sinarback eMotion Firmware 5.0 includes the support of the Sinar Hy6 medium format camera system, including direct communication between the camera body and the capturing software (requires Sinar CaptureShop™ 5.5.2 and later or Sinar eXposure™ 6.0 and later)

• The nominal ISO speed ratings of the Sinarback eMotion backs have been increased. The nominal ISO speed ratings are now as follows:

Sinarback eMotion 22 and eMotion 54 LV: ISO 50 … ISO 400
Sinarback eMotion 75 and eMotion 75 LV: ISO 100 … ISO 800

Please note that this does not indicate that the Sinarback eMotion backs have a higher sensitivity with firmware 5.0. The change of the ISO speed ratings does merely ensure correct exposures and prevent overexposed highlights when working with built-in exposure metering systems of medium format cameras.

• The display quality of Sinarback eMotion 75 and eMotion 75 LV with a new display controller (serial number e75-07-1122 through 07-1216 and e75-07-1226 and higher) has been improved. This change does not affect Sinarback eMotion 22 and eMotion 54 LV.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Concerning ISOs: as I had already mentioned many times on this forum and in many treads (and which was also noticed by many users), the Sinar ISO ratings were quite conservative, when compared with other brands. In clear, any ISO setting on an eMotion needed at least 1 full f-stop more light on comparable backs set to the same ISO to get the same density.

This is now "corrected" by setting our NOMINAL ISO 1 f-stop higher for the eMotion backs and does effectively mean that the effective sensitivity has not been affected by this at all.

Best regards,
Thierry

[rainer_v]

is there a way to go backward to the actual version after installing the new one, in case the new fw will show things someone might not like ?

[thsinar]

hi Rainer,

No, there is no way to go back to a previous firmware version, once version 5.0 is installed.

Kind regards,
Thierry

is there a way to go backward to the actual version after installing the new one, in case the new fw will show things someone might not like ?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=169680\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

[David WM]

This is now "corrected" by setting our NOMINAL ISO 1 f-stop higher for the eMotion backs and does effectively mean that the effective sensitivity has not been affected by this at all.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=169658\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Thanks for the response Thiery.

So that means that 25 iso in FW 4.45 gives identical exposures to 50 iso in FW 5.0 without any other side effects?
Do you know if there are any other changes which give improvements in image quality, or if I am using the e22 on a H1 &  a view camera is there no advantage in installing FW 5.0?
Would I need FW 5.0 if I install Captureshop 5.2, or is there no point considering CS 5.2 if using the system that I have?
cheers, David.

ps Happy Australia Day to you too Willem

[thsinar]

Thanks for the response Thiery.

So that means that 25 iso in FW 4.45 gives identical exposures to 50 iso in FW 5.0 without any other side effects?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=169700\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Yes, that's right

Do you know if there are any other changes which give improvements in image quality, or if I am using the e22 on a H1 &  a view camera is there no advantage in installing FW 5.0?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=169700\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

No, except those listed in my previous post:

- Support of and communication with Sinar Hy6 body (all functions can be adjusted from the computer in slave mode)
- Increased nominal ISO
- Display quality of e75 and e75 LV improved

Would I need FW 5.0 if I install Captureshop 5.2, or is there no point considering CS 5.2 if using the system that I have?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=169700\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

CS 5.2 is an old CS version: I guess you mean CS 5.5.2?
CS 5.5.2 is needed for the communication between CS and the Sinar Hy6 (control of the functions via CS), as much as it needs the 5.0 firmware version for this.

Best regards,
Thierry

[David WM]

Thanks for the clarifications Thiery.
regards, David

[BJNY]

I don't see CaptureShop 5.5.2 in Downloads>Software.
VERY frustrating, also that the software is not in date order....OOPS....Thanks Thierry for the instruction below.

[thsinar]

Billy,

5.5.2 has not YET been uploaded for download: it exists as a beta and can be sent to you if you need it. However, it should be on our homepage in a few days from now.

Software not in date order: you have the possibility in the settings (upper right corner over the download window) to set "Alphabetically" (ascending/descending) or "by date" (ascending/descending), thus it should not be a problem.

Best regards,
Thierry

I don't see CaptureShop 5.5.2 in Downloads>Software.
VERY frustrating, also that the software is not in date order.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=169715\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

[Tomas Johanson]

I got this message when trying to upgrade: "The firmware update failed", and a short red flash on the display. My digital back is eMotion75lv FW 4.79.
No other programs running, I have on long and one short firewire cable, same results with both.


Tomas

[thsinar]

hi Tomas,

Did you make sure to connect and switch first the eMotion on and THEN opened the installer? Also, Captureshop must NOT be opened or run at the same time. I suppose you did so.

One cause of the failure could be a corrupted file during download. Could you try to download the FW again?

If this does not help, please contact our tech dpt. and send them a system profiler of your Mac.

Thanks and best regards,
Thierry

I got this message when trying to upgrade: "The firmware update failed", and a short red flash on the display. My digital back is eMotion75lv FW 4.79.
No other programs running, I have on long and one short firewire cable, same results with both.
Tomas
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=169977\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

[Tomas Johanson]

Hi Thierry,

Thanks for your answer, you´re always there!

The problem is in my computer, it worked fine when I used my Powerbook instead of the G5.

There must be something strange with the firewire on the G5. eMotion Reader previews looks strange on the G5, just colored stripes,  but ok on the Powerbook. No problems with the real files.

Tomas

[thsinar]

Alright Thomas, good news.

Don't hesitate if needed.

Best regards,
Thierry

Hi Thierry,

Thanks for your answer, you´re always there!

The problem is in my computer, it worked fine when I used my Powerbook instead of the G5.

There must be something strange with the firewire on the G5. eMotion Reader previews looks strange on the G5, just colored stripes,  but ok on the Powerbook. No problems with the real files.

Tomas
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=170181\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

[thsinar]

BTW Tomas,

I was thinking that it might be your FW port: are you by chance using the front port on your G5? In this case, you might want to try the FW port(s) in the back. Sometimes power voltage is not strong enough on the front port.

Best regards,
Thierry

There must be something strange with the firewire on the G5. eMotion Reader previews looks strange on the G5, just colored stripes,  but ok on the Powerbook. No problems with the real files.

Tomas
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=170181\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]