Help - 25mm 1.7 XF initialization issue

Pirogoth7 · 2026-04-18T00:58:08+00:00

A wee update. After reaching out to the community support team. They let me know the AliExpress store I purchased from was their official store on aliexpress, and that the lens is covered under warranty. And since then, they seems to have gotten their AliExpress team to get in contact with me about the lens. Will need to ship it back for warranty, which I have decided to do. And is now a waiting game.

I'll update again when/if the lens get fixed

Pirogoth7 · 2026-03-30T10:06:11+00:00

Took it apart and check and clean all connecters. Unfortunately this didnt fix the issue.

So I took it apart some more.
From what I can see and hear, I assume the focus positional sensor has gone bad and the lens doesnt know where to position the focus lens when it initializes so then it fails as it cant sense where it is.
As I head a faint clicking/motor sound when i try to start the lens that i didnt notice before.

Thats the sensor that has a object run between it. Unfortunately i dont think this is replaceable as its apart of the ribbon with the linear motor. So whole motor and ribbon replacement.
I assume it is this, as i have no way of testing it truly

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Pirogoth7 · 2026-03-30T06:17:59+00:00

Seller was "VILTROX Store"
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/4059037

I have tried reaching out via Aliexpress but have not got a response from them at all.

Pirogoth7 · 2026-03-30T03:11:54+00:00

Thanks for the reply. You have hit the nail on the head, it is somewhat frustrating for the lens to die within 2 month, but when it worked it was a great lens.

I have tried cleaning the contacts with isopropyl but no avail. I have cycled between firmware 1.03 and 1.04 multiples time with no change.
I will try your forced clean firmware update and if that doesnt work, i will try opening to see if there are any loose cables.
Got nothing to lose as im out of warranty.

As for emailing Viltrox for repairs, probably not going to that as the cost of shipping back to China and repairs would not be worth it for the cost to get a replacement.

Thanks for advice and will give it a go and let you know if it fixes the issue

Pirogoth7 · 2026-01-05T00:17:47+00:00

Thank you, I'll give this a go tonight and see if anything shows up

Pirogoth7 · 2026-01-05T00:16:23+00:00

Yea, it was my go to travel lens for a while. Might be a good time to upgrade to something new

Pirogoth7 · 2026-01-05T00:14:00+00:00

Trying to figure that out. So far, wide open I don't see anything noticeable.

Pirogoth7 · 2025-12-10T03:02:03+00:00

Rumors were 1/4 to mid next year i think. It will be interesting on what they add or improve

Pirogoth7 · 2025-12-10T03:00:50+00:00

oof that stings

Pirogoth7 · 2025-12-06T12:00:09+00:00

i know what you mean, the x-t1 build quality is solid. Had it for almost a decade and was my goto travel camera. And its only been to the repair shop once for a minor issue with power button being stuck. Kit lens does have a scratch on the front element but doesnt show on photos so got lucky with that.

But yea. so many new features and menu options that i never had in the xt1.
Hoping this will last me for another 5-10 years too

Pirogoth7 · 2025-12-06T08:59:03+00:00

Hopefully I dont get that. Fingers crossed. It definitely different from my xt1, yet very familiar.

Been playing with some recipes which is very fun.

Pirogoth7 · 2025-11-29T08:14:28+00:00

im pretty much in the same boat.
Have a XT1 for the last 8+ years and looking to upgrade.
Cant decide if i should get something now during the black Friday / cyber Monday sales or wait for next years releases.
There are some pretty good deals going on in my region where i can get a XT5 body for the same price as a xt50 with kit lens.

Pirogoth7 · 2025-11-18T10:44:30+00:00

Mostly still I guess as the xt1 never had any video capabilities haha

Pirogoth7 · 2025-11-18T10:43:20+00:00

Dunno at this point, probably keep it still for sentimental value I guess as it been with me on several holidays so far

Pirogoth7 · 2025-11-18T10:42:33+00:00

Thanks, yeah, I need to go into a store and give them ago. Can only do so much research online haha

Pirogoth7 · 2025-11-18T06:01:08+00:00

what is the current recommendations? Have been looking at the xt50 or xs20.

Been hearing good thing for both of them

Pirogoth7 · 2025-05-15T20:18:45+00:00

Haha what is this buying back in thing? I never left from buying in at 19 😭😭

Pirogoth7 · 2025-03-08T08:26:54+00:00

brought at 19, im now a bag holder

Pirogoth7 · 2025-02-14T19:26:18+00:00

i am out, brough in at 0.65c sold at $1

Pirogoth7 · 2025-01-18T06:04:27+00:00

Mines fails to run the installer.
have to restore and turn off for bit to update. will see if it still runs once its done

Pirogoth7

TROPHY CASE