I have not ever noticed any "iris pumping" with the VPL-95. Post calibration CR results were right about 20,000/1 with the iris disabled as well. Significantly lower native CR than the JVC RS20 it replaced, but in all honesty, I couldn't tell any difference in that regard. Actually, the Sony with iris enabled has better shadow detail. The Sony has higher ANSI C/R than the JVC too.