Cost of A850 repair = EXPENSIVE!

[synapseman]

Hi people. It's been a LONG time since I've posted.

Have had an Alpha 850 for quite some time already, approx 2 years. Recently, I got caught out in heavy downpour while out on assignment. Already tried to protect it with plastic bags and rain cape. But there was just too much moisture and I think there was also condensation inside the camera, causing the LCD panel inside the viewfinder to be shorted out.

Everything else works fine, though.

Decided to send it to Sony Centre to get it fixed. Service and evaluation charge is S$80.

A few days later, they called to update me. Quite fast response, I must say.

They explained that there were two issues:
1) The circuit board connected to the viewfinder was damaged (corrosion due to water contact).
2) The prism itself got some problem.

Nothing surprising there.

"The total cost will be one hundred and thirty five dollars".

"Oh wait. Sorry sir. It is actally one thousand three hundred and fifty dollars.".

:bigeyes:

Seriously man. Holy shift.

(My friend's EOS 7D's main circuit board needed to be replaced, and that cost him $400. Including parts and labour)

Not proceeding with the repairs of course. Like I said, everything still works. No viewfinder LCD is just like driving without a speedometer. Now I am REALLY eagerly awaiting the next Alpha FF.

 

[frederickykfoo]

Repair cost can buy another 2nd hand A850 :angel:
Wait for the next FF but when ..... :dunno:

 

[BBTM]

Sad to hear that as I also a A850 user. Next time get a bag with rain protection. Got once, I also got to "face" the rain as I moving towards a spa and I was late. So, I walk in the rain, but my camera safely inside the bag. My only problem now is the prism, got a lot of dirt at side and no matter what I do, they still wouldn't come off. But no impact on photos but when I view it, my eye dont like what I sees, haha! If send for repair, I doubt it will be cheap and maybe come back worse! Hope new FF out soon, meantime, get the RX100 for your photos.

 

[Agetan]

It's a 2 years old DSLR, by now, the camera should be obsolete.

Just leave with it as LCD in viewfinder is not important at all. As you use the camera, there are things that falling apart. But if u r using it as a tool well, it should paid off many many times.

Shutter assembly was ~$400, I change it on my A900 and I felt it was the cheapest camera ever...

For old camera, just buy another one once yours is dead and no point of repairing it.

A900/A850 is dirt cheap now in second hand market. I have 2 A900 and one A850 and no doubt will buy more as backup as I doubt new FF would be my choice.

Hart

 

[TWmilkteaTW]

wow. thats some crazy repair cost.. almost or is half priced of a new A850.

The new FF announcement should come in afew months time. I believe.
If not can still get the A900.

 

[synapseman]

Yeah. It still works. I just have to listen to the shutter sound to gauge if the camera has exposed correctly. (Cheyy, macam kung-fu master like that).

Now my only concern is, will it work less well after I get it back from the service centre??

 

[kei1309]

i think the main bulk of the cost comes from the prism servicing.

 

[denzelwng4]

:bigeyes:
with that repair cost can top up abit and buy a 2nd hand A850...

 

[Fed949]

One thing I realized that Sony repair is slightly and way above average in cost. I use to like Sony products including their Cameras. I remember, I had the bad luck of changing the LCD Back screen and it almost cost two third of a new camera. Must as well buy a new Cam, right? After that situation, I decide to move on and look for a real Camera brand, when repair will cost so much, so much lower. But lately, the RX-100 look and spec are excellent, but the potential repair cost (in thoughts) will of course deter me from buying it. I think that's one of the major reason that Sony is losing market shares in all fronts with every year in red.

 

[kei1309]

After that situation, I decide to move on and look for a real Camera brand, when repair will cost so much, so much lower.

before you start a flame war in here, i'd suggest you go and think over what a "real" camera is. don't make yourself look stupid

 

[albertri]

before you start a flame war in here, i'd suggest you go and think over what a "real" camera is. don't make yourself look stupid

coz Sony produces Toy camera I guess that's why he went and look for real camera brand

 

[kei1309]

coz Sony produces Toy camera I guess that's why he went and look for real camera brand

Toy camera picture effect! not Toy Cameras. well, he can jolly well go tell that to all those pros using Sony Alpha and let's see how he gets skewered by them

 

[tntrue]

"Real" camera brand? Because repairs would be cheaper?

Bad timing for such a slur . . .

Just two days ago I took a couple of Coolpix P&S to Nikon for repair. Both started malfunctioning just after the 1-year warranty expired. For one, the price of repair was about 60% MORE than what a refurb of the same product would cost from B&H. For the other (the newer model) they just plain said it could not be repaired, period, and offered me a discount on a replacement!

"Real" brand, indeed . . .

 

[Rashkae]

One thing I realized that Sony repair is slightly and way above average in cost. I use to like Sony products including their Cameras. I remember, I had the bad luck of changing the LCD Back screen and it almost cost two third of a new camera. Must as well buy a new Cam, right? After that situation, I decide to move on and look for a real Camera brand, when repair will cost so much, so much lower. But lately, the RX-100 look and spec are excellent, but the potential repair cost (in thoughts) will of course deter me from buying it. I think that's one of the major reason that Sony is losing market shares in all fronts with every year in red.

LOL
So, sony gaining market share like mad especially in mirrorless must have totally passed you by.

Plus, from all the feedback here on cs, Sony tends to have the cheapest repair and servicing fees.

Please try to at least know what you are talking about before posting, lest you make a fool of yourself due to broadcasting ignorance.

 

[f14r3]

Actually one friend broke my lens, I am wondering is there any place to repair it except the official agency.

 

[MichaelLee]

Actually one friend broke my lens, I am wondering is there any place to repair it except the official agency.

camera hospital

 

[kei1309]

"Real" camera brand? Because repairs would be cheaper?

Bad timing for such a slur . . .

Just two days ago I took a couple of Coolpix P&S to Nikon for repair. Both started malfunctioning just after the 1-year warranty expired. For one, the price of repair was about 60% MORE than what a refurb of the same product would cost from B&H. For the other (the newer model) they just plain said it could not be repaired, period, and offered me a discount on a replacement!

"Real" brand, indeed . . .

reminds me of the time that i discovered that my Fujifilm S7000 had fungus in the lens. my dad brought it over to their service center... and was astounded at the cost, basically two-thirds what i paid for it back then.

 

[BBTM]

reminds me of the time that i discovered that my Fujifilm S7000 had fungus in the lens. my dad brought it over to their service center... and was astounded at the cost, basically two-thirds what i paid for it back then.

2/3? Carrot head sure tio chop!

 

[Atarandas]

Taken by a a850 probably

 

[Velectron]

Camera repair thread becomes a "Share your photos (taken with A850/A900?)" thread....really don't know what to say! :dunno: