Sony buyers Beware!!

[Tugela]

Just how common is it to send cameras in for repair?

I started getting serious in photography in 1980. Since then I have owned 5 camera bodies. I have never sent in any of them for any servicing. My first DSLR I took to a local shop to have the sensor cleaned... once. That's all.

From reading some of the posts on this and other sites, it sometimes appears that people are sending in cameras multiple times a year!

They are the people that camera manufacturers just love, because they cost them more money than the revenue they generate.

Ideally you never want your products to be returned for service calls. If it happens frequently because of product failures it is because you are manufacturing junk.

 

[LSXPhotog]

When I send my gear in for repair to CPS I get replacement gear back. My 7D2 took a while to diagnose, but I had a loaner from them and could still work.

My 7D original and lenses took 2-5 days tops...great service.

I've heard nothing but poor reviews about Sony service. I do know Sony is trying to improve in this, but hard to be a pro and not trust the gear repair turnaround.... Maybe that's why Sony guys have like 6 bodies. Or it's because Sony has no lenses and releases 3 new cameras a year?

 

[LSXPhotog]

http://www.getdpi.com/forum/sony/54818-dead-sony-16-35mm-f-4-sony-farms-out-warranty-service-usa.html

This thread alone has terminated any idea of switching my gear to Sony anytime soon. Horrid. I shoot in wet, cold, snow, heat, etc. Canon gear is proven to not only hold up in extreme climate, but get repaired in house. I've also been encouraged and transferred over to technicians for information.

 

[LSXPhotog]

This thread alone has terminated any idea of switching my gear to Sony anytiWhilsrme soon. Horrid. I shoot in wet, cold, snow, heat, etc. Canon gear is proven to not only hold up in extreme climate, but get repaired in house. I've also been encouraged and transferred over to technicians for information.

Whilst Canon may repair it or your equipment may have survived thus far, your Canon equipment is not warranted against water damage.

Yeah, I hear you.

That thread I linked to had a Sony A7 become inoperable in cold weather. Sony did nothing and the outside repair facility said it checked out. He had to call/send it back several times to get them to properly handle the issue because they wouldn't test it properly. My point was more to the fact I've been considering at least a partial switch, but from that experience which seems more common than I'm comfortable with, I think I can't buy into the system in any way. My work is often in various climates and everything works flawlessly. When I have needed repairs the experiences made me feel important to them, as if I was the only person they needed to help.

Yes, repairs are seldom...maybe 5 times in 8 years. But, I feel not getting answers and proper tech support should be a deal breaker for professionals. It's also hard to believe they outsource their own repairs?!? Also, a camera that doesn't work in cold weather? This isn't the first time I've heard this about the A7 and it's usually battery related. What do I tell my clients; it's too cold to take pictures?

 

[Viggo]

Just be glad you don't need a Leica to repaired. I actually had a customer who said this sentence ; "Wow! It took only 6 1/2 months this time, nice!" And he wasn't being ironic, last time he waited 8 months for a lens to be overhauled.

 

[nc0b]

I have only had one Canon repair experience, which was quite satisfactory. Not being a pro, and not deciding to fudge on that issue, I sent my 60D in to CA for normal "consumer" service. Stupidly my 60D was on the floor and my iPhone fell 2 feet off an end table, breaking the top LCD display. The plastic "protection" window suffered no damage. Turn around was a couple week, including shipping each way. When Canon called to say the camera was on its way back, I said I was disappointed that the plastic window didn't protect the LCD from the iPhone falling a modest distance onto the LCD. They knocked about 20% off the repair cost just as a courtesy.

 

[Khalai]

Czech republic + AWH service center + CPS Silver membership = Excellent and fast service.

Small stuff like sensor cleaning or minor maintenance (calibration, cleanup, small repairs...) is actually available under 2h if you preorder yourself in advance! My 70-200/4L IS (already sold and replaced with 2.8 II) had been in service twice - USM assembly slipping. Both times 3-5 days turnaround. That lens was my nemesis, focus ring slippage, twice repaired, after that I fell in love with 2.8 II variant

 

[Hjalmarg1]

This is US Data, in other countries, everything could change. I've seen some horror stories about Sony Australia as well.

Sony USA is trying to get their act together, and is opening a professional service center with 3 day turnaround. I'd think that Lens Rentals qualified for that.

https://esupport.sony.com/info/1523/US/EN

Aweful performance. I'd stick to Canon

 

[fragilesi]

Lots of companies outsource repairs these days. It is especially common when there isn't enough repair work to demonstrate the need for full time staff.

Well if you never admit that something is faulty you won't need many repair staff will you?

I used to be very much a fan of Sony tech, I very often used to buy Sony TVs, music players and so on. Their stuff was rock solid, but no longer. I've dipped my toes into the water again with my current mobile phone. I expect it to last 3-4 year at least like my previous ones . . . let's see.

But there's nothing on these new Sony cameras that attracts me anywhere near enough to tempt me to trust them with something really important like photography.

 

[psolberg]

Sony has the worst service center EVER. I gave Rx 100 3 for repair and it is now 3 weeks and every time I call, I get a set reply: It is in head office, we will revert soon. Disconnect.

I so hope I never buy Sony again. Grrrrr.

Ok?