PMW-EX1R lens repair at DVinfo.net

Jose Carlos · May 10th, 2016, 04:45 PM

My EX1R would not focus when on wide (perfectly fine on close ups), and recently the Iris stayed wide open even when on auto. Seems like a common problem with these cameras, since I personally know someone who had the same focus issue and there are many others (online) who have experienced the same problem. Sony told my friend that some elements had to be adjusted and the problem was fixed.

I took my camera to Sony and their estimate ($2100) requires a lens replacement, but I the estimate does not specify what is wrong with the lens and why it needs to be replaced. The camera has relatively low hours and was well taken care of, so I find it inexcusable that the lens has apparently failed. We have cameras much older than this that have not major problems like this.

Anyway, I'm seriously considering whether it is worth the price to fix the camera. Advice:
(1) Would another repair center do this for a better price? If so, can anyone recommend a repair center?
(2) How difficult would it be to get the part (lens) and do the work myself?

This is a great camera and I would hate to have to put it out of commission.

Thanks

Jack Zhang · May 10th, 2016, 11:09 PM

Sony will not offer a lens repair. They replace the entire assembly, hence the price.

The lens features a ton of high precision and delicate parts so no shop is going to do service on an existing lens assembly. You can however do a manual backfocus in the service menu to see if it solves the problem. If a manual backfocus doesn't work, the cheapest solution is an entirely new assembly.

Andy Wilkinson · May 11th, 2016, 03:13 AM

Personally, I would not pay that much money to repair a relatively old camera. You could probably buy a fully working used example from a reputable dealer for not much more/may be able to sell yours for parts as a sweetener in the deal? However, if it was me, I'd put that money towards a new camera. It'll not only come with a warranty but if you choose well you'll see image improvements too.

Donald McPherson · May 11th, 2016, 05:22 AM

I bought my new x70 for that price. Some would say it's better.

Jose Carlos · May 11th, 2016, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Zhang

Sony will not offer a lens repair. They replace the entire assembly, hence the price.

As I mentioned in my post, someone I know had the same problem about 1 year ago and the lens was not replaced. Same service center.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Zhang

You can however do a manual backfocus in the service menu...

That was the first thing that I tried (numerous times).

I can probably get a used EX1R for the repair price. Such a shame. It is a nice camera and doesn't have a lot of hours on it.

Jose Carlos · May 11th, 2016, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Wilkinson

Personally, I would not pay that much money to repair a relatively old camera.

Relatively old, yes, but still a damn good HD camera. I was thinking the same though. Thinking of getting an FS7 but would have liked to have the EX1R as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Wilkinson

May be able to sell yours for parts...

Ebay? Any suggestions?

Thanks

Jose Carlos · May 12th, 2016, 04:30 AM

Has anyone had any experience with Sony XDCAM PMW 200 Repair | Physical Damage | Firmware | Firewire ?

May 10th, 2016, 04:45 PM	#1
Jose Carlos Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 25	PMW-EX1R lens repair My EX1R would not focus when on wide (perfectly fine on close ups), and recently the Iris stayed wide open even when on auto. Seems like a common problem with these cameras, since I personally know someone who had the same focus issue and there are many others (online) who have experienced the same problem. Sony told my friend that some elements had to be adjusted and the problem was fixed. I took my camera to Sony and their estimate ($2100) requires a lens replacement, but I the estimate does not specify what is wrong with the lens and why it needs to be replaced. The camera has relatively low hours and was well taken care of, so I find it inexcusable that the lens has apparently failed. We have cameras much older than this that have not major problems like this. Anyway, I'm seriously considering whether it is worth the price to fix the camera. Advice: (1) Would another repair center do this for a better price? If so, can anyone recommend a repair center? (2) How difficult would it be to get the part (lens) and do the work myself? This is a great camera and I would hate to have to put it out of commission. Thanks

May 10th, 2016, 11:09 PM	#2
Jack Zhang Inner Circle Join Date: May 2005 Location: Burnaby, BC, Canada Posts: 3,053	Re: PMW-EX1R lens repair Sony will not offer a lens repair. They replace the entire assembly, hence the price. The lens features a ton of high precision and delicate parts so no shop is going to do service on an existing lens assembly. You can however do a manual backfocus in the service menu to see if it solves the problem. If a manual backfocus doesn't work, the cheapest solution is an entirely new assembly.

May 11th, 2016, 03:13 AM	#3
Andy Wilkinson Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cambridge UK Posts: 2,853	Re: PMW-EX1R lens repair Personally, I would not pay that much money to repair a relatively old camera. You could probably buy a fully working used example from a reputable dealer for not much more/may be able to sell yours for parts as a sweetener in the deal? However, if it was me, I'd put that money towards a new camera. It'll not only come with a warranty but if you choose well you'll see image improvements too. __________________ Andy K Wilkinson - https://www.shootingimage.co.uk Cambridge (UK) Corporate Video Production

May 11th, 2016, 05:22 AM	#4
Donald McPherson Major Player Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Aberdeen Scotland Posts: 815	Re: PMW-EX1R lens repair I bought my new x70 for that price. Some would say it's better.

May 12th, 2016, 04:30 AM	#7
Jose Carlos Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 25	Re: PMW-EX1R lens repair Has anyone had any experience with Sony XDCAM PMW 200 Repair \| Physical Damage \| Firmware \| Firewire ?