Hi there. Hope somebody here can help...

The tripod mount on my HDRHC7 is cracked and falling apart...Any ideas as to how I can fix this? Replacement part? Epoxy? I tried looking for a part online with no luck....

Its been mounted to various tripods, a monopod, waterproof housing, and a mansfrotto steadycam. Dont know witch one did this... lol

Any ideas are gratefully appreciated!

Have you tried this form? They only ship to US addresses, but they're usually pretty good about getting back to you with a part number that you can shop for... or maybe you know someone in the States who can order it and ship to you.

Accessory / Parts Research Request (http://servicesales.sel.sony.com/ecom/accessories/web/partsResearch.do)

Also, as the plastic cover piece is already busted, you could take it off to see if there's a part number stamped inside. It will likely be a number in roughly the same format as the one next to the word "Japan" on the bottom sticker of your cam. If you can obtain the number, you could also try searching Partstore.com; they often have these types of parts.

Edit: Found it. It's part # X-2176-768-1, also known as the Bottom Cabinet Assembly. Enter it in the box on the following page; make sure you select Part Number in the Drop down next to the search box.

http://servicesales.sel.sony.com/ecom/accessories/web/productSearch.do

Sony Style Servicers location (http://www.sonystyle.ca/html/locator/locator.html)


CS

Have you tried this form? They only ship to US addresses, but they're usually pretty good about getting back to you with a part number that you can shop for... or maybe you know someone in the States who can order it and ship to you.

Accessory / Parts Research Request (http://servicesales.sel.sony.com/ecom/accessories/web/partsResearch.do)

Also, as the plastic cover piece is already busted, you could take it off to see if there's a part number stamped inside. It will likely be a number in roughly the same format as the one next to the word "Japan" on the bottom sticker of your cam. If you can obtain the number, you could also try searching Partstore.com; they often have these types of parts.

Edit: Found it. It's part # X-2176-768-1, also known as the Bottom Cabinet Assembly. Enter it in the box on the following page; make sure you select Part Number in the Drop down next to the search box.

Sony Parts and Accessories - Model Information (http://servicesales.sel.sony.com/ecom/accessories/web/productSearch.do)

Awesome! Thanks Adam

This is often caused by tightening the mount down too much. Eventually, it flexes more than it can withstand. I always place a square of old wetsuit material down as a cushion under the camera, with a hole punched in it. This will allow the camera to be held more firmly, without such a tight grip. Self-sticking Velcro on both the head and the camera can also help avoid this. If there isn't a small locking pin in front of the jack, this will keep it from twisting on the mount, with less tightening.

A flexible material on the tripod upper face is likely what causes this problem combined with overtightening. The mechanical support against the lower surface of the camera is extended to areas beyond the flat face on bottom of the camera which means the centre pulls down out of the rest of the molding.

It is a damned if you do and damned if you dont situation. The large patch of wetsuit is a good compromise, but don't overtighten the tripod screw.