Sony 'striping' Issue with Backlight: Step by Step to Fix This Issue
- caliallstaring
- Jul 4, 2020
- 2 min read
Hi all, in this blog post, I want to document the step by step process to fix the Sony 'Striping" issue. DPReview reported this issue in 2018 with this article Sony "Striping": Here's the Fix. Below are some of my detailed steps that I followed to fix the issue.
The problem
When I shoot backlight using the Sony A7iii, sometimes I will see the strips like the screenshot below. This happens to me on multiple lenses: FE85mm F1.8, Zeiss 40mm F2, Zeiss 55mm F1.8 and Zeiss 35mm F1.4. Based on DPReview's article, it's because of the sensor design with Phase Detection auto-focus.
Step 1 - Open the actual raw file location and copy to a separate folder. In this way, it will be easier to upload to the browser. (Right click on the photo and select "Show in Finder".
Step 2 - Open this link: http://aggregate.org/DIT/KARWY-SR/karwy/test/karwy.html and Upload the Sony Raw file to that website.
Drag and drop the file to this webpage.
Step 3 - Once the website finishes the fix, click on "Link to Processed File" link in the bottom of the fixed image.
Step 4 - Download the file and rename with the extension of .ARW for Sony format.
Step 5 - Re-import this updated file into Lightroom.
Summary
I want to document these steps in case others have similar situation like mine. Hope these are helpful. If you don't shoot a lot of backlight shots, you won't notice this issue. And this issue came across with multiple Sony and Zeiss lenses in my experience. I hope Sony make a firmware update to fix we don't have to go through these steps for each image. Let me know in the comments below if you have encountered the similar issue.
Thanks for documenting this so clearly. I had the same striping symptom on my Sony A7 III when using backlight, and the way you traced it back to the phase-detection sensor design matches what I suspected. The step to work directly from the raw file location is especially helpful—copying first saves a lot of frustration. I also like that you reference the specific test page; pairing that with a simple full-screen black screen check on the monitor could make it easier to confirm whether the issue is showing consistently before you attempt fixes.
Your detailed workflow for troubleshooting backlight artifacts when shooting high-contrast scenes with Sony α7III and Zeiss Batis lenses is invaluable for portrait and product photographers. Because firmware quirks can leave images plagued by unwanted black frames, documenting resets and camera settings clarifies complex exposure and lens-rendering issues. It’s surprising how an iOS update can trigger a black screen on your iPhone, but a hard reset — volume up, volume down, then hold the side button — usually restores normal functionality. If stubborn black screens persist, leverage the black screen online tool at black screen onl to verify your monitor’s true contrast before editing your RAW files.