The EX1 LCD went bad today, showing bad pixels, or some sort of display issue showing large white spots. This is viewable upon startup and when the unit is off it shows some sort of marks, lower right picture power is off, See attached pics.

Does any one know Sony's replacement part # for the LCD, I would like to fix it.

So how old is it Steve?

Less than one year old. Covered by warranty, but I would like to replace rather than waiting 2 weeks.

I dont have it in front of me but I vaguely remember reading something in the EX1 manual about LCD pixels sometimes getting stuck.

Thanks for the lead to the reference to the manual. This is what I found in the manual, page 115 in the pdf version:

"The LCD panels are manufactured with
extremely high-precision technology that yields
effective pixel rates of 99.99% or higher.
However, very rarely, one or more
pixels may be permanently dark or permanently
lit in white, red, blue, or green.
This phenomenon is not a malfunction. Such
pixels have no effect on the recorded data, and the
unit may be used with confidence even if they are
present."

At this moment I find the present condition of the LCD unacceptable, and I am concern it will further deteriorate. "Not a malfunction" then what is it? Perhaps I do NOT have this issue. It seems like the inside coating of the LCD has flaked off in spots, resulting in this condition. It happened in between turning it on and shooting and then all of a sudden noticing the spots in a shot. I thought it might be some sort of light leak as I was using it with a 35mm adapter. It has no effect on the recorded image.

I've come across this effect before on a PD150 screen and in some media players. I think what you have is a de-lamination (internally) within the screen. This is a manufacturing defect for sure. In the PD150's case it (the LCD) was replaced by Sony UK at no cost, not even courier costs to and from even thought at the time the Cam was about 3 years old/just out of EU warranty.

Contact Sony. There should be no issue in them replacing this at minimum inconvenience to you I'm sure.

Thanks for the lead to the reference to the manual. This is what I found in the manual, page 115 in the pdf version:

"The LCD panels are manufactured with
extremely high-precision technology that yields
effective pixel rates of 99.99% or higher.
However, very rarely, one or more
pixels may be permanently dark or permanently
lit in white, red, blue, or green.
This phenomenon is not a malfunction. Such
pixels have no effect on the recorded data, and the
unit may be used with confidence even if they are
present."

At this moment I find the present condition of the LCD unacceptable, and I am concern it will further deteriorate. "Not a malfunction" then what is it? Perhaps I do NOT have this issue. It seems like the inside coating of the LCD has flaked off in spots, resulting in this condition. It happened in between turning it on and shooting and then all of a sudden noticing the spots in a shot. I thought it might be some sort of light leak as I was using it with a 35mm adapter. It has no effect on the recorded image.

yes, that was the paragraph I remember. It does make you worry that they may claim it is "Within Spec", no pun intended. I wonder why it has suddenly gone that way. Have you shot outdoors alot without a hood? perhaps UV is to blame?

Perhaps the "de-lamination (internally) is the issue, since it is visible without power on, this is making sense.

Steve, it looks like a mechanical issue to me because the "blots" are visible when the LCD is off. This is either a manufacturing defect or outside influence. The latter may not be covered by warranty.

The passage in the manual is just a standard disclaimer text that single pixel or sub pixel faults (both dead or hot pixels) can happen in displays and are excluded from warranty to some extend. For LCD computer displays this is upto something like 3-5 non-grouped pixels. I don't know the exact standard Sony uses, but I believe there is even an ISO standard for it. It should not matter in your case though.

George/

George- NOT sure what the "outside influence" might of been, I am leaning towards heat, as the camera was exposed to some hot days here recently. This might be a case of de-lamination (internally). I will not know until I order a new LCD and do a "LCD Autopsy" I will share those results, on my blog and attempt to introduce that "outside influence" to see if heat was the culprit.

This is the EX's first summer, so I can only hope you're not at the forefront of some heat related issue. Next we'll be needing hoodmans with integrated AC units ;-)

George/

I am thinking solar powered LCD covering for the Hoodman, which would supply power and cooling.

Here is the cost breakdowns for the following for the EX1 :

LCD assembly part # A13631831A $489.8

Service manual part # 99684003 $55.00


Just replaced the LCD on my Macbook Pro last week. Must be some sort of LCD virus going around.

This is the EX's first summer, so I can only hope you're not at the forefront of some heat related issue. Next we'll be needing hoodmans with integrated AC units ;-)

George/

Dont forget the southern hemisphere! I got my EX last November and spent the Australian summer with it no problem. Only spent a few days under direct sun with it though.

Received LCD today did the replacement, and all is working just fine again, made a little movie on how to do this, will post tomorrow.

<a href="http://exposureroom.com/members/stevecahill.aspx/assets/c5b6f2f6099847298b99eef985fe8a16/" target="_blank"><img src="http://exposureroom.com/getassetthumbnailimage.aspx?id=c5b6f2f6099847298b99eef985fe8a16&size=sm" border="0" alt="Click Here to View The Video Titled: Replacing the Sony EX1 LCD" title="Click Here to View The Video Titled: Replacing the Sony EX1 LCD" /></a>

Here is the video on how to replace the EX1 LCD.

http://exposureroom.com/members/stevecahill.aspx/assets/c5b6f2f6099847298b99eef985fe8a16/

Steve, where did you get the service manual?

Nice video tutorial on the LCD changeout by the way....

Steve, Thanks for posting this, couldn't have been better....

and where did you get the service manual....

great job steve.... Sacrificial lamb makes the best stew!
keep up the good work!

Nice video, two thumbs up. Thanks for taking time to make it. For a while there, I felt like the guy in the movie theater crying out, "wait you've got that cable upside down... don't you... well you do know better... oh wait there you go"
Thanks again.

Question: Did you void any remaining warranty by doing the work yourself?

Steve are you out there?? Just kidding... I am just extremely curious on how or where you got your hands on the service manual, can I order one somewhere?

Service manual is available as a Sony part from the Sony parts center.
That Phone number in the US is 800-538-7550

You the man steve! Thanks I will get one ordered..

Not so sure how the service manual will serve you. Lots of circuit board schematics. Exploded views and how to get to all the service menus and adjustments. Be careful there, you may do more harm than good.

You are a brave man, Steve!
Great tutorial. What's your next one?