K/M Maxxum 7d Question

[Lee4145]

Quickly, I've had my 7d for a while now. It's been in for repairs twice, both under Sony mgt. They've been offering many the choice of a prorated refund or free replacement with the Alpha 100 on the camera's third trip in to the garage. (Which is no "replacement") My current problem seems to be a sticking shutter. Periodic solid black horizontal band along the bottom of the image. Always the bottom but to differing degrees, sometimes half, but usually some percentage less. Sometimes just a shadow at the bottom. The point is, the shutter mechanism has been replaced already and I'm afraid if I send it back they're going to give me The Option! It's a decision I don't want to face but will if necassary. I love this camera. Oh, well.

So here's the question before I send it in. Is there something that I could possibly be doing to make this happen? And it isn't a shooting-above-the-flash-sync-speed issue. It can happen outdoors with no flash.

One other thing, could it be the mirror? If the mirror were sticking would the band be at the bottom of the image?

Thanks for any thoughts.
Lee

[Mr. Pickles]

I think it is not of your doing, especially if you do NOT use the flash and it happens. If you have a flash issue, it could have an under-exposed "band", but not likely.

So if it occurs when just shooting the camera (no flash), then it is the camera. And I think you would see it on the bottom of the image, rather than the top.

If this is trip #3 for the same thing, and they were offering a "prorated" deal on the new Alpha 100, I'd ask for a 100% deal on the new camera. They can't make it right, they owe you a replacement, and if they don't want to give a new 7d, then a new and free a100 is what you need/want.

[Lee4145]

Thanks, Mr Pickles. I wasn't clear. They were basically buying the 7d back for cash, prorated. Or giving you the A100 as a replacement. Free. Not bad business, I just don't want the A100 as I've really gotten attached to having all the adjustments at my fingertips and I like the camera (7d). I was hoping to avoid this long enough to see what their next camera was like.

And is it possible that it's the mirror sticking and not the shutter?

[Mr. Pickles]

Whatever it is that is sticking, should not be sticking. They should be able to tell what it is. Did you send pictures taken with it in with it? If not, I would so the technician can see the poor results, and how how bad it is.

By the way, Sony announced two new camera bodies this week that should arrive later this year for one, other next year (I think). Both of them are 'above" the a100 in their line, so the a100 has no replacement on the horizon that I know of.

[Lee4145]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

the a100 has no replacement on the horizon that I know of.

That's why I was hoping to find some explanation besides the camera. The 7d has no replacement either. It sure isn't the A100. Damn.

Thanks again Mr. P.

[Latinbob]

If they can't fix it, are they offering you enough to pick up a used 7D? KEH has them listed for $695 in EX+ condition. Since they can't replace it with a new 7D and you like the body, this might be an option, if the prorated part gets you close.

This stinks though. Sounds like you got a lemon, and should get nearly a 100% refund anyway.

Bob

[Lee4145]

Originally Posted by Latinbob

If they can't fix it, are they offering you enough to pick up a used 7D? KEH has them listed for $695 in EX+ condition. Since they can't replace it with a new 7D and you like the body, this might be an option, if the prorated part gets you close.

This stinks though. Sounds like you got a lemon, and should get nearly a 100% refund anyway.

Bob

Their 3rd party repair facility is a nightmare. I won't even go into it here. (Search DPreview's forum for 'Precision Camera Repair' if you're interested.) I'll have to go ahead and send it in, wait for them to contact me, wait for them to contact Sony, wait for Sony to make a decision to fix it or buy it and then send them a copy of the receipt so they can calculate the buy-back price. Then fax them the receipt again in two weeks because no one can find it. It'll be a while before I have a number. You don't realize how much you use your camera until it's gone for 6 weeks!

[Lee4145]

Here's what it looks like.

[Latinbob]

That definitely looks like a stuck shutter. Strange that it's happening on a new replacement though. Did you have the same problem before the replacement? It could conceivably be the mirror not flipping all the way up too. Have you tried looking at what's going on with the lens off?

Bob

[Lee4145]

I haven't wanted to run it that much with the lens off, so no, I haven't.
I wondered about the mirror because when I am using studio-type lights, I sometimes see a flash through the viewfinder when it happens. Now that I think about it, that might answer that, huh?

btw, I did have the exact same symptoms before and supposedly they changed the shutter mechanism. That would also explain why it didn't fix it.

Thank you for your help.

[Mithras]

I have had my 7D for a bit over a year now and can say the only issue I have had is the rubber thumb pad on the back coming unglued. I have superglued it back on twice. The last time I thouroughy scraped the the old glue off and even scored the plastic underneath. Seems to be holding so far.

Anyway, I don't know much about diagnosing camera malfunctions but it sounds to me like maybe a mirror issue.

Maybe instead of repairing it check the web for a remanufactured or used camera to hold you over until the new models come out of the Sony puzzle palace.

Your service experience makes me thankfull I have not had to send my 7D in for repair and almost makes me think I should have gone with Canon or Nikon.

[Lee4145]

Originally Posted by Mithras

Your service experience makes me thankfull I have not had to send my 7D in for repair and almost makes me think I should have gone with Canon or Nikon.

I know what you mean. I bought it because it was one of those situations where I was already invested in Minolta. I haven't been sorry, I love the camera. The current circumstance just makes it inconvenient to get repairs.

And picking up a used one is looking better and better...