(Updated March 23, 2011) Similar to Canon, Sony at one time promised to REPAIR FOR FREE its cameras experiencing symptoms of a defective CCD under their recall advisory. THIS INCLUDED FREE SHIPPING. Some symptoms of a defective CCD include distorted images or abnormal colors, scratchy purple lines, blank or black pictures, and/or black videos with good sound being recorded on the camera's flash card. You may suspect that the camera's shutter is not opening, but this is not the case. Digital still camera models that are affected by this problem are extensive, and include:
Cyber-shot DSC-F717, F88, P10, M1, P12, P2, P31, P32, P51, P52, P7, P71, P72, P8, P92, T1, T11, T3, T33, U10, U20, U30, U40, U50, U60, V1
CD Mavica MVC-CD250, CD400, CD500,
FD Mavica MVC-FD100, FD200
Cyber-shot DSC-F717, F88, P10, M1, P12, P2, P31, P32, P51, P52, P7, P71, P72, P8, P92, T1, T11, T3, T33, U10, U20, U30, U40, U50, U60, V1
CD Mavica MVC-CD250, CD400, CD500,
FD Mavica MVC-FD100, FD200
The following was the verbage of the original Service Advisory:
"Based on the information provided, your product may be affected by the CCD image sensor issue and needs to be sent in for evaluation and possible repair. Sony will repair your product, free of charge, where the issue is caused by the image sensor device provided the failure is not due to abuse, misuse or neglect. Sony will also cover the cost of shipping and handling from and to addresses within the United States and US Territories for service to correct this issue."
(UPDATE June 2010): Sony has abandoned the free repair of all cameras, with the exception of T3 and the T33. For these two specific cameras, Sony will offer the free repair until May 31, 2011, at that point the free repair offer expires. Shipping is not free for this repair. Please see this Sony link for the details.
By the way, If you have a Konica Minolta digital camera experiencing these issues, Sony at one time would have also fixed this for your for free. However this offer was for a very short duration:
"Based on the information provided, your product may be affected by the CCD image sensor issue and needs to be sent in for evaluation and possible repair. Sony will repair your product, free of charge, where the issue is caused by the image sensor device provided the failure is not due to abuse, misuse or neglect. Sony will also cover the cost of shipping and handling from and to addresses within the United States and US Territories for service to correct this issue."
(UPDATE June 2010): Sony has abandoned the free repair of all cameras, with the exception of T3 and the T33. For these two specific cameras, Sony will offer the free repair until May 31, 2011, at that point the free repair offer expires. Shipping is not free for this repair. Please see this Sony link for the details.
By the way, If you have a Konica Minolta digital camera experiencing these issues, Sony at one time would have also fixed this for your for free. However this offer was for a very short duration:
(UPDATE September 6, 2008: A reader has reported that the following link no longer works, and that Sony has abandoned their free repair of the Konica Minolta cameras with the defective Sony imager. The reader also stated that as a result that he will no longer consider Sony products. Given the quality assurance problems Sony has been encountering lately, I don't blame him. Just my opinion. Also IMO, ALL of these cameras should have been recalled and repaired in the first place as inevitable failure of the defective imager is HIGHLY likely. To have repaired them on a case by case basis, with a program limited duration, has inevitably led to the above consumer's experience and response. Shouldn't a camera that originally cost a few hundred dollars really be expected to last more than just a few years? ):
The Dimage models that Sony was accepting for the recall repair were: Dimage 7HI, 7I, A1, Xi, F300, XT, X20, S414.
And finally, this is a WORLDWIDE advisory recall. You may need to do some google searching to find the advisory notice for your country. Google the words "Sony", "advisory", your camera's model number, and your country. Look for the official Sony website for your country with its related advisory in the Google results that come up.
Hope this helps some of you out there. Please remember to come back and leave a comment below on how things went. We're all curious, and your feedback may help others!
Thanks so much! I've sent my Sony DSC-P92 back due to a CCD defect free of charge. I never would have known it to be a problem except for you guys. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteNo problem. Your thanks made my day too :-)
ReplyDeleteCamera Repair
Just wanted to let you know that I am glad i found this blog as my camera was giving me the problems described above. First weird colors and now it's completely black.
ReplyDeleteIf it wasn't for this site I would have had to buy a new one. Now I can save a lot of money. Thanx a million.
Thanks, I had the same problem. I have a DSC-F717 and had the wierd colors in the viewfinder and ultimately a red blurish final picture. I appreciate your findings and posting on your blog!
ReplyDeleteMy Camera (Minolta Dimage 7i) has been suspected broken and in its box for over a year. I have just come across your blog and the symptoms sound exactly the same, first weird colours and now it's completely black. My issue relates to location... i am in the UK, are Sony offering the same service for me?
ReplyDeleteThank you in advance for your help and happy New Year.
Anonymous, It's a worldwide recall. Go to www.sony.com and find their support section, and look for a selection that says "news & alerts". I can't find you the specific link for the UK because the site knows I'm in the US, and only gives me selections for the America's region (Latin America, Canada, & US).
ReplyDeleteI finally found the UK advisory and put it in the main post. Again, this is a worldwide advisory. But you may need to do some Google searching to find the advisory procedures for your country. Just google the word "Sony", your camera's model number, your country, and the word "advisory".
ReplyDeleteI sent my dsc f717 back for repair and Sony recieved on 1/4/08 and I get an email saying that my camera was being returned already on 1/7/08. Oh no, either they are very fast or it was being denied. I called and they confirmed that it was repaired and in transit back to me. Pretty fast! Thanks again for the heads up on the recall!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this. My Sony DSC-T1's CCD failed tonight and I thought for sure that I was going to need to buy a new camera.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot, we noticed like colored scratches in our DSC-T1 pictures like at http://img207.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=96532_sensor_122_199lo.jpg
ReplyDeleteand ended up buying a DSC-W55 just a month ago. Like it but was going to ebay the DSC T1. Looked at the reciept in the box and itw as $500 in august of 2004!
Now it could be a present or backup camera if fixed, good thing I came to your site!
i bought my sony DSC-T1 in japan many years ago, is this repair still cover for the free repair and shipping?
ReplyDeleteIt this repair is good even if limited warranty is expired?
Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteYes, and Yes, if it's experiencing these symptoms. Now click on the first link in the above section, and get your camera fixed.
CR
I had given up on my dsc-p10. bought another camera, but was bugged by this one failing. Was about to buy a diy manual to see if I could fix it. Better for Sony to fix it free.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this great service.
Thanks a lot! I was experiencing this issue, and came across this site. I bought my T1 in Japan 4 years ago, so hopefully they won't be like, "This serial number is from a Japanese model, you'll have to contact Sony Japan".
ReplyDeleteI'll be sure to leave a message for others if I do encounter that problem though. If so, I'll probably have to send it to family in Japan to take care of it.
LiKe They said MY SONY T_1 was sent to SONY for a FREE repair, THAKs Many Thanks
ReplyDeleteThank You very much, I bought a Sony DSC-F717 at Goodwill here in Florida for $14.99. I charged the battery and had the black screen, I came across your post and went to the sony site in your link and they sent my UPS label today and a reciept for repair, cost me nothing Thanks to your site. Now I will have a great camera for my 15 dollars.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I was about to sell the camera as a broken unit on ebay. Thanks again for the great info on the Sony recall!
ReplyDeleteJust an update, I am the one who got the camera at goodwill for $14.99. Sony sent me a return label on the 28th of Feb. and I mailed the Camera on the 4th of March. Today only 6 business days later I have it back fixed and inspected for FREE. It cost me nothing, From Florida to Texas, repaired and returned back to me in Florida in that short of time and at no cost is awesome...., but you are the one to Thank,, Thanks again,, Steve
ReplyDeleteThanx mucho for the info!! I was about to give up and get another camera, and now Sony will fix my Minolta Dimage free. It's a good camera and I didn't want to spend the money on another decent, "everyday" digital camera.
ReplyDeleteI went to the page as suggested and put my information in the data bank. I also called Sony to verify. An actual person answered the phone after prompts to camera were made. The person verified my information and told me the turn around time would be 6-10 days and the repair and shipping would be at no cost. This information on this page was great help!
ReplyDeleteDSC-717 I'm extremely pleased! My camera has been broken for probably 1.5 years. I decided to go online and shop for a new camera and stumbled across this web page. Seven days later have my camera back and in working order!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I too thought my DSC-T1 camera just died..It feels so good to know it can/will be fixed..Certainly did not need to dole out another $500.00 plus ?right now at tax time!
ReplyDeleteMy world is a better place!
This blog is amazing it really helps. I was thinking about to get a new camera, but since it should be a factory damage I will ask Sony to repair my camera.
ReplyDeleteThe problem that I have is that I fill the form and everything but when click on submit it saya: "page temporarily unavailable". Do you know if there is a phone number?
Thanks a lot
This is so good to hear. I do, however have a somewhat unique situation. I have a camera exhibiting the same problems as described, however, I also seem to have a non working backlight. I can still see everything from the on-screen display, but there is obviously no working backlight. On top of this, when I try to take pictures, they all come out completely black (yes I tested them on my pc as well) and if I record a video I can hear the audio clearly, but no image is present. So I'm assuming that it's a mixture of the CCD problem with a bum backlight. Should I get the backlight repaired/replaced before sending it to Sony??? Does anyone think that sony will try to deny my repair because of the backlight problem???
ReplyDeleteThe backlight problem is unrelated to the CCD, and the technicians should realize that. Recommend contacting Sony to have your camera's CCD repaired. Upon receipt, they may ask you if also want the backlight repaired since the camera will be opened anyways (possibly for an extra fee). Just tell them yes or no depending on the quoted fee.
ReplyDeletegood advice, thanks alot for your reply.
ReplyDelete-LoneWaffle
This blog is wonderful. I have experienced the malfunction and was about to discard the camera. I have purchased a Nikon D50 and was really getting into it. I happen to come upon this blog searching for a fix for the A75 before I threw it away. I contacted Canon and the rep. walked me through the process and a mailing label is on it's way. Thanks for the initial blog and all the responses. It seems to be working just as it has been explained. I will write back as this process develops. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!!! I just submitted my service request for my DSC T1 for its black screen! I stopped using it in December after I experienced this problem but am sooo glad to have stumbled upon your blog! I refused to buy a new camera after having paid $500 for it a few years ago. Now I really don't have to buy a new one and the repairs are FREE! THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteDoes a White screen sound like a CCD defect? I have a Konica Minolta Dimage X1. It is practically new I received it two years ago and only used it for about a year when I was changing the date display option, then it went white on me. I can't take any pictures but I can see the menu icons. Any comments would help.
ReplyDeleteTake a picture and download it to your computer. If this picture is also white or distorted, then yes, it's the CCD. Contact Sony as listed above to get it repaired for free.
ReplyDeleteCR
Very glad to have found your site....I sent my DSCT1 to sony repair depot in UK (details on sony site ,how to get repairs done etc )They emailed a Job number 3 days later then returned my "well worn"camera with FOC repair to CCD within 8 days ..Brilliant ,thanks guys and thanks Sony UK....
ReplyDeleteThought I would jump in here and send you my Kudo's...was ready to throw my MVC FD-200 into the trash when I came across your blog. Promptly contact the web site for Sony and was given an "Event ID" and am feeling very grateful to the service you are providing. Just a reminder to those out there, Sony is only accepting recalls until Sept. 08.
ReplyDeleteGreat site and information, congratulations. By the way I have the same problem with my DSC-T3 (black photos). But I was purshased this camera from Japan and living in Brazil. The Brazil Sony don´t recognize this model. Have I a chance to send my T3 for repair in other country with a free shipping? Thank´s a lot !
ReplyDeleteCaio
Just stumbled on this site, and am SOOOOO happy! cant wait to shoot pix with my DSC-F717 again!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm disappointed as I bought my camera in Japan and i was told in a chat with someone from the Sony crew that I have to contact Sony in Japan and they may not have the same policy as The States-great!The same fault all around the world, yet I have to send my camera (if at all) to Japan -so much for keeping down the carbon footprint!
ReplyDeleteUnbelievable. I love my Sony DSC-F717. It just stopped working and I put it away. I just pulled it out tonight to lament it's demise and decided to do a web search regarding the lcd display problem. I found this post on this wonderful blog and not a moment to soon. The offer expires in Sept 2008. I just bought a new camera but I would love to get my sony working again. (night shots and infrared are rare on digital cameras). Thanks a bunch for this post. The internet is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI have a dimage A1 UK version and the problem is that it takes 'green' photos - before the shot is taken the screen has a green hue on it and once the photo is taken and downloaded that too is green. Is this a CCD issue or does it sound like something else? Any feedback much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
ReplyDeleteYes discolored, tinted, or distorted images also can be CCD failure. Green photos is thus potential CCD failure. Please see the links to get it fixed for free as per the Sony advisory.
CR
Ok, just to clarify the repairs process for all readers in the UK who have a Konica Minolta Dimage series camera with a suspected CCD fault.
ReplyDelete1> goto this address: http://www.konicaminoltasupport.com/
english/importantnotice_en.0.html
2> Read the appropriate guide for your model of camera (all the Dimage versions are here)
3> If your particular symptoms dont match the ones in the photos exactly, the fault you are experiencing may still be due to the faulty CCD unit.
4> Now ring this UK number 01782 753366. This is the number of Konica Minoltas approved repairs agent in the UK, namely J.P Service Solutions, Hempstalls Lane, Newcastle ST5 0SW. Explain to the helpful chap just what the problem is and he will probably say something like 'just send in your camera with a note saying suspected CCD fault, please inspect and replace free of charge.' If your camera turns out to have a faulty CCD unit, konica minolta will pay these people to replace it free of charge to you the owner. They will also return the camera free of charge. The crucial bit here is that, unlike the U.S where KM (via sony) pay for the collection and return, us Brits have to pay for the camera to be sent to them. Another downside here is that once the camera is inspected, if the CCD unit is not at fault, you will have to decide whether to pay to have the fault rectified or ask them to return it or bin it.
The chap on the phone said turn-around time is typically 3 - 4 weeks, well mines been in its box now for a year so 3-4 weeks more wont hurt. I'll update here when its been returned - or maybe binned!
Looks like Sony has had this problem for a long time... I like so many others have experienced this same problem with my DSC-F717
ReplyDeleteI took it out of the closet to snap a few pics and whalla black screen with red horizontal lines... I messed with everything I could think of and after moving the night shot selector back and forth, the camera starting working.... except the flash. It is inop no matter what setting it is on. The flash pops up but will not illuminate.. I am guessing that I have 2 problems.. I stumbled accross this blog which will take care of my one problem but not sure what to do about the flash issue. Also not sure if Sony will cover the CCD problem as the camera is working again. The only proof I have that the camera acted up are the couple of pictures I snapped to see what would happen.... Any suggestions...
Thanks RM
Hi, I have just dropped my sony DCS T200 and have broken the touch screen. Every thing else is working well but when I asked sony for a quote it seems very expensive to fix - more tham £100 plus VAT. If I could get a touch screen do you think I could have a go at replacing it myself?
ReplyDeleteThanks
Anonymous with F717,
ReplyDeleteThe CCD problem seems to occur after long stretches of inactivity. For many it can be corrected, or kept from becoming permanent, by simply using the camera at least once a month, especially in well lit scenes. Your CCD problem may only have been temporary, and your use of the camera has jogged it back into working order, thus not needing repair from Sony. The flash is another issue and could be any number of things. As a first try, inspect all screws around the perimeter of the camera (make sure they're snug and tight). Some cameras use these screws as safety switches to turn off the flash if the case is opened, thus preventing shock.
Anonymous with the touch screen. Have never changed a touch screen, but would imagine it to be very similar to changing a standard LCD screen. Take a look at the post in this blog covering LCD screen repair.
CR
UPDATE to my original post above on 25th July 2008 3:12pm:
ReplyDeleteIve just got my Dimage A1 back from the UK repair center and im amazed - not only has it been fixed, but its also been professionally cleaned and looks like new. It was well worth the £4.20 postage to send it in. The guy on the phone said turn around time is typically 3 - 4 weeks, but its been just 12 days. The camera is now taking shots just like the day it came out the box.
Thankyou to all those here who contribute to this forum, without it I might have just thrown the camera in the bin.
What a wonderful service you're providing! Thanks because I had bought a T1 and love it and then started experiencing the problem and was about to NOT buy another Sony, but now with the great service I will not ever think of another camera brand. Sony should thank you, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info!
ReplyDeleteHEADS UP! I just sent my camer back for the recall on Sep. 6, 2008. Here's the web link with the info from Sony. http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/news-item.pl?mdl=DSCF717&news_id=161 . The recall on the bad CCD chips EXPIRES SEP. 30, 2008. If it goes past this date you still might be able to get the repair for free by filing a complaint with your states Bureau Of Consumer Protection (Pa.) or Division Of Consumer Affairs (Fl.). These offices are usually located under your states Attorney General's Office & jurisdiction. Sony didn't send any recall notices to anybody, even the registered owners of these camera's. Took court action to force them to pay for the repairs Boy are they going to pay for their deception.
ReplyDeleteGood thing i found this blog early in this year 2008. I put it off until the last minute to send my Sony DSCT1 to US sony repair center.Even though i bought the camera in Japan and sent to the US center for repair. Sent camera on Sept 15 I just got my camera back today!Sept 29 2008 so happy...and they replace the CCD and extend the warranty for 90 days. So i am going to use it and sent back if there more problem comes back.I hope this site keeps up with the good work and more info on defects.
ReplyDeleteMy Konica Minolta Diamge started acting up in Sept. I phoned Sony support and they said there was nothing they could do. I was told I was past the "July 17th" cutoff for the 'recall'. I was advised to write a letter to the Sony Review Board and explain the situation. A rep. from Sony called me a week later only to tell me there was nothing they could or would do. I was informed that I could send the camera to them for repair and it would cost me $180.00 US. Very disappointed in Sony. They knew a problem existed, offered to repair affected cameras at no charge but only for so long. My bad luck my camera waited to fail in September rather than in July. Doesn't seem fair. I'll definitly think twice before buying Sony.
ReplyDeleteI put in an inquiry about the free repair on sept. 1 and never got a label to send it in the mail or via e-mail. They told me they would repair it for free if I paid the $15.00 shipping fee. The $15.00 shipping is on until March 31, 2009 to get the actual camera repaired for free-http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/news-item.pl?mdl=DSCF717&news_id=161#
ReplyDeleteHowever you have to use a credit card to pay the shipping.
Unfortunately my Sony Cybershot DSCP92 decided to die on me today (CCD sensor that is). I came across this website and the information was very useful ... but the deadline for free repairs from Sony is expired :-(
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know of online manuals to fix the CCD sensor yourself? I have a background in Electrical Engineering so I feel right at home with fixing things like these.
Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteThe deadline for free repairs for the Sony cameras has been extended until March 31, 2009. See the comment just above yours.
CR
How come when i go to the page to fill out my credit card and stuff, the credit card expiration year can't scroll down to anything....
ReplyDeleteis this just me?????
Try to use IE. I had the same problem (credit card year field) on Firefox.
ReplyDeleteBTW, i tried to expose my camera to direct sunlight and it started to work normal! But, unfortunately, only for a few minutes... :(
Now it is bad again and the sun won't fix it.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! I just want to say thank you and a BIG hug for saving me lot of money. I'm about to buy a new camera, but thanks to your blog, Sony now prepare my camera for free. All I have to pay is $15 shipping & handling charge. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for writing this blog post. Sent my camera back via the UK link, it came back just over a week later all fixed and better yet free of charge.
ReplyDeleteDelighted to have my camera back and working - without this post I would have been saving up for a new one :-) Thanks!
UNITED KINGDOM i have a minolta 5d which was working when i put it away several months ago, on getting it back out the screen was white when pic was taken, i messed about with the settings for about an hour and the screen went black, not just on the first pic, but all taken. Gutted! Anyway i came across this blog and contacted j p s service solutions on 01782753366 the date i rang and sent the camara was the 30th march 2009, the nice man on the phone never mentioned a cut off date, he just said mark as ' suspect black frame problem, fix for free' cheers to this blog site. I hope that my problem is the 'fix for free problem' hope this helps. Andy griff.
ReplyDeletefollow up to above blog. Although the problems with my camera seem very much like other problems people are having with the CCD on there cameras i have just got a letter from j p service solutions stating that it will cost me £339.25 to replace the pcb and replace the mainboard. Andy griff.
ReplyDeleteI thought I was going to have to buy a new camera, and came across this post. Thanks! DSC T1 is going back to Sony for repair. FYI, it said repairs were going to be honored through Sept. 09, and that I would have to pay $20 shipping. Not as good as free, but better than buying a new one.
ReplyDeleteMy Dimage A1 camera died with the CCD problem just a few days back. Now when I call them they say they will not do it for free and charge me $200. That's not fair....if there is a recall and a known issue on a product then should it not be always true.
ReplyDeleteI have a Minolta Dimage A1 with a dead CCD too. It seems there is no choice but to recycle it :(
ReplyDeleteMy camera Sony DSC-H1 has developed the same problem. I bought it in India and I live in India. Do the Sony people still have the offer of replacing CCD free of cost at this point of time? Please help me.
ReplyDeleteI thought of sharing some development with you about Sony India. I sent the request regarding faulty CCD of my DSC H1 to Sony India but as usual they didn't reply. Seems customers of Sony India are second grade customers for Sony. :)
ReplyDeleteI wrote to Sony Asia Pacific twice and then got a call ffrrom Sony India but the man sounded suspicious of my claim about faulty CCD! So now the camera is with a service center for inspection and thet say it could be a faulty Lense whereas I have checked all steps for a faulty CCD. The video shows no picture but sound but who listens to a novice! I feel that for customers in the US it is "check your camera for possible CCD fault and send for replacement" and for customers in INdia, we have to make them see all that the camera is suffering from but still they would have their own way. Why such double standards Sony??
Incidently while I was personally handing my camera to the Sony Services, I recorded some video and took some pictures to show thme what the fault is but who listens. Is someone at Sony listening?
Dear Camera Repair,
ReplyDeleteJust thought of keeping you updated. I am the one whose camera DSC H1 has CCD (?) problem.
The Sony India on inspection of my camera say "the lense is stuck" the "Optical Unit" is not working and asking me for a huge amount. Please clarify some of my doubts:
Would the camera take pictures and videos if the "Lense is stuck" as when I took pictures the lense was working fine, clicking right though on downloading there would be just distorted colors on the screen and in case of videos, all sound and no picture. I am just curious as somehow am not convinced by the "stuck lense" assessment by Sony.
Saroj,
ReplyDeleteSymptoms of s stuck "shutter" (not lens) can be very similar to CCD failure. Please see this other article on this blog for more info. Recommend not paying for the repair. As seen, there are simple procedures that you can do that may correct this problem. Also, you can simply confirm a stuck shutter by looking down the lens and taking a picture. You should see a little flicker of movement as the shutter opens and closes. If no movement is seen, the shutter is the problem.
CR
I have a Sony DSC-T33 camera that had a CCD failure. I have not seen it posted here so I would like to say that sony has ENDED its free CCD replacement service on all cameras except the T1. I was told by sony that as of Nov 09 the program has ended and there are no more free CCD replacements. Yes, this pissed me off big time, so I decided to fix the CCD myself. I'd like to post my experience if it is ok with the moderator. I did end up replacing the CCD and my camera does take pictures again. However the camera lens cover does not operate and I now have to troubleshoot that. I have a copy of the level 2 service manual (anyone have level 3?). I'll post in detail how to replace the CCD and my experience with sony in the next few days or so. thanks and good luck with your repairs.
ReplyDeleteSony DSC-T33 CCD Replacement
ReplyDeleteI would like to share my experience replacing the CCD sensor on my sony DSC-T33 camera. A few months ago my camera began taking black pictures. I could review old pictures and the menu and options worked, so I knew the LCD screen worked, but no matter where I pointed the camera the picture would be completely black. Unfortunately I did not address this issue right away, I just used another camera for the time being. Then in January of 2010, I did some research and found that my camera most likely was experiencing a CCD failure. I also found the advisories posted by sony about the free repair services they were offering. After spending an hour on the phone with sony I was told they no longer offered the repair service, because the program had expired. I protested, was transferred to customer relations, but my best of arguments would not convince them to honor the repair services due to their faulty sensors. Because of this I will never purchase another sony product and would caution anyone else considering a sony purchase.
Instead of giving sony more money to repair my camera, I decided to do the repair myself. I found a camera repair store who sold me a new CCD sensor for $45.00. I downloaded the T33 level 2 service manual which can be found here;
http://www.go-gddq.com/upload/2009_07/09072215518645.pdf
This manual is essentially only a disassembly manual and it is really lacking in many areas, but better than nothing. I am still looking for the level 3 service manual so if anyone has it or knows where to get it please post! I also referenced this great video from Youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6UJpwdOkHk
The guy works very fast and is a little careless at times, but it gives a great look inside the camera. The procedure the video is slightly different than the one I used, but I will detail that below.
con't
I opened the camera by removing the 5 external screws from the case. I removed the right side frame and front cover to reveal the lens assembly and CCD sensor. I then unclipped the two snaps that hold in place the FP-025 board and CCD sensor. The entire lens assembly will now be able to be taken out of the camera. Set aside the camera case and focus on the lens assembly. In the video the guy simply rips off the ccd sensor and then hot glues another one on top of the rectangular piece with a window that I will call the CCD base. The CCD base has two screws that holds it in place to the lens assembly. Unscrew these two screws and remove the entire CCD assembly. You will notice that the CCD sensor is actually part of the base and is simply folded over itself. You may need to peel off the copper leaf protection sheet and radiation sheet. If you have new sheets to use discard the old sheets, otherwise peel them carefully and you will be able to reuse them. Position your new CCD assembly and screw it into the lens assembly. Apply the radiation sheets and bend back the CCD sensor into position. You will not need to solder the sensor into place as long as you are replacing both the sensor and the base (they come as one part). Set the assembly back into the camera case, attach the cables and snap them back into place. Replace the cover and screw into place. At this point if all is well your camera will be working again and back to taking decent pictures.
ReplyDeleteWell, it didn’t go perfect for me. For some reason now the lens cover that opens and closes automatically, will not operate at all. Once open the camera will take pictures but somehow that feature was disrupted. I have been searching endlessly for a solution, which is part of the reason I would LOVE to get my hands on the level 3 manual, but have been unable to find it. If anyone has experienced this problem or has the level 3 manual please post, because I am still troubleshooting this particular issue.
All in all I feel like it was a success. I can still take pictures as long as I have the lens cover open, and may have salvaged a few years out of this thing. I also feel good that I didn’t have to give sony any more money. I hope this helps anyone who has the same problem. Good Luck!
Well isn't that just ducky. Camera dies in June, discover following January that recall expired in March.
ReplyDeleteWhy should a recall expire?
My A1 was my best friend... :(
Aiming the CCD into direct sunlight buys me maybe five quick pictures, otherwise it's a great camera for taking psychedelic pictures... wow man...
Canon told me the service notice for my powershot s200 was expired as well... I complained that a recall shouldn't expire. They quickly relented and sent me a replacement camera (elph 780IS). Amazing customer service. My inital camera was 8 years old!
ReplyDeleteJust got off the phone with Sony Customer Support. First, they said the camera (DSC-T1) "does not have a CCD issue". That's not what I am reading here. Next, I made an attempt to get a supervisor to authorize a repair under an extension to the repair offer. Strike two. Thought the camera had a humidity problem back in September and figured it may be my fault, but found out otherwise after some research (which came about two months too late). So much for being honest and not pursuing it prior to March. You can bet my next computer, camera, and video camera will NOT be a Sony!!! Screw me? Screw them!.
ReplyDeleteMy DSC-T1 just went dark screen for the first time yesterday. I found info on several sites about the recall. I called SONY and they said too late. I asked how I was supposed to know about the recall and they said there were ads and info on their website - that I should have been constantly checking their website for info. When my camera was not having any problems I was supposed to be looking for info about problems on their website? Why didn't they contact me, the had my e-mail and snail mail addresses? Now they want $91 to fix my camera!
ReplyDeleteI have two Sony DSC-T3's. one I bought in Hong Kong and the other in Japan because I left my other at home and had to have for work. I contacted Sony Hong Kong last month and after 3 weeks, they had me send to the Laredo , TX repair facility, which they are now at being repaired at no charge. Seems Sony is a standup company. The warranty in Asia was extended until Nov 2010 for all effected models and until May 2011 for the T3 and T33.you can find this on sony's asian website
ReplyDeletehello everybody! i have a minolta dimage a1! the free reapair service has finished. now i am thinking about repairing it by myself. where can i find a replacement sensor for my camera? do you know any site selling used or new ccd sensors??
ReplyDeleteJust got off the phone with the Sony representative in the Phillipines and found that Sony was successful in the stealth recall of the DSC-T1, which was never extended to the individual registered purchaser by any written notice, except on Sony's website, which I don't monitor. It would seem that this firm, which has been very successful in supplying consumer electronics would stand behind the repair of a known defective product for one repair for at least 10 years from introduction/sale date. Suspect some dumb bean counter or stuffed shirt executive made the decision not to honor the product.
ReplyDeleteSpent a lot of money with Sony over the last 25 years purchasing laptops, cameras, stereos etc. but now afraid of their products and service. Sony's loss not mine I will make sure my friends are aware of Sony's behavior.
I stumble across this blog when I was trying to figure out what was wrong with my Sony Powershot A310. I called up Sony and only had a slight problem getting things going. First person misspelled my E-mail address. I called again the next day and the proper paperwork was E-mailed to me. On Jun 4th 2011 I sent the camera in for repairs. Got confirmation of the of receipt of the camera on the 9th. On the 20th I received an E-mail that the camera had been repaired and was being shipped that day. I received the camera on the 22nd. Several days later I got to taking it out of the box and checking to see if it was in working order again. I am glad to state that it is taking pictures once again. Sony delivered on it's promise to fix the problem for FREE. 18 day turn around is not expedient. But, the camera is working. That is what is important.
ReplyDeleteAbout one year ago, Canon did repair for free my PowerShot A70 with a defective CCD. Well... The A70 still works fine!
ReplyDeleteI have attempted to fix 2 canon cameras (sx110 and a1200). One had a power failure issue, when bumped. The other had a jammed lens. I opened both up and thought I had found and repaired the issues but after closing them back up neither will show any signs of power. I was wondering if there is some sort of reset or something for canon cameras.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your help
ElectronFX,
ReplyDeleteFirst thing to check is to make sure that you check and reseat any ribbon cables that you may have disconnected or jostled. Next thing to check is the circuit board safety fuses. They're located in different positions on different cameras, but this is what they nearly all look like. Sometimes there are two (one for battery power, one for the AC power jack).
You need to check continuity across these fuses with a multimeter. If the fuse is open, that's what is causing your problem. You might consider what the fellow in the link did, but remember that this also raises safety issues, so weigh your options carefully (that fuse opened for some reason).
Good luck!
CR
please help me sir... I have a cyber-shot dsc s3000. I have all your blogs, all the coments, i check all my camera functions... My lens is working fine.. When i look at lens flicking, its working fine... My problem is that before taking picture there is vertical lines of red, orange, blue, green colour messed up the subject.. It happen when i try to capture outdoor, or bright light..... Brother please help me... I don't have enought money to repair it with costly... This is my first camera... I don't knw how to keep it safe...
ReplyDeleteIts winter here and please give me tips to keep my camera out of moisture.... And where should i keep it.... Thanks in advance... I hope u answer me soon....
i thought its ccd problem, but i m not sure.... Its working fine in lit environment like room indoor..... I willn't able to buy a new cam 'cause i don't have money.. I luv this too much... There is no sony technical outlet.. I m so helpless ;(
ReplyDeleteNot exactly in line with the blog, but still interesting in this context: Sony DSLR, particularly A330 A500 and A550 have been showing a First Frame Black issue, where, when you turn the camera on, the first picture is entirely black, as if you had the cap on it (which I didn't, believe me). Some Internet searching will show anyone that this has happened to quite a few users of Sony A330 A500 and A550 camera's. In the case of my wife and I it happened 3 (!) times out of 5. We've had an A100, an A350, an A330, an A500 and an A550. The last three all have that issue.
ReplyDeleteI know it has nothing to do with how we use the cameras, because the A330 was repaired on warranty (slider unit replaced under warranty after the second attempt) and hasn't shown any problems since.
Regrettably Sony consistently denies there is a problem, so it takes some time to convince support that they really should look a little closer before they send it back unrepaired, which is what they tend to do if they can't repeat the issue within a minute or so.
This is to help whoever happens to run into it that it isn't their fault. Insist on a proper repair of moving parts in the camera. Nothing else helps.
- Marinus
I have a Sony A230 that is doing this as well within the last three days. I've been to camera house and they said it was the memory card so I brought a new one but It takes black photos so I know its the CCD. I'll be ringing Sony Australia on Monday to sort it out. I would hate to throw this camera out as I love it and dont really have the cash to buy a new body!
ReplyDelete