Video camera service / repairs

[genetic]

I know this is the photography section, but this is probably the best place to post this.
I have a Sony HVR-A1E video camera that has started giving trouble with the tape mechanism. I think there is a problem with one of the loading reels. It probably needs a service, new belts and tensioning adjusted etc.

Does anyone know of a place in Cape Town that will service, or specialise in servicing professional or broadcast video cameras?
I've been to Sony before, but they take forever to do the job, generally with a hefty invoice attached..

Thanks!

 

[Leftfoot]

I only take my cameras to Sony. I have one in at Sony Durban at the moment......HVR-Z1E almost trashed by a dancing couple at a wedding I was filming 2 weeks ago.....R7800 damage! Its a R45 000 camera)

Tape transport mechanism faults at the Durban branch are usually done and dusted in a week. Just be sure that you specify what you want repaired.
I also have a Sony DSR-PD150 that needed some tensioning in the tape transport mechanism (audio dropout every 10secs). It was in and out in a week.....but the Initial quote was R6000 for repairs....because they thought a switch and a firewire port need replacing too cos they were a little worn. I said no, only the Tape transport mechanism....new quote was R780..BIG DIFFERENCE!

I had Prosales in JHB look at one of our Sony VX2000 once or twice, but sony eventually had to do the repair anyway and the techs at Sony complained that some screws were missing!

In the end the Sony agent will be best.... after all a Sony HVR-A1E costs quite a bit of money. You dont really want to let some appy stick his screwdriver into it!

 

[genetic]

I only take my cameras to Sony. I have one in at Sony Durban at the moment......HVR-Z1E almost trashed by a dancing couple at a wedding I was filming 2 weeks ago.....R7800 damage! Its a R45 000 camera)

Tape transport mechanism faults at the Durban branch are usually done and dusted in a week. Just be sure that you specify what you want repaired.
I also have a Sony DSR-PD150 that needed some tensioning in the tape transport mechanism (audio dropout every 10secs). It was in and out in a week.....but the Initial quote was R6000 for repairs....because they thought a switch and a firewire port need replacing too cos they were a little worn. I said no, only the Tape transport mechanism....new quote was R780..BIG DIFFERENCE!

I had Prosales in JHB look at one of our Sony VX2000 once or twice, but sony eventually had to do the repair anyway and the techs at Sony complained that some screws were missing!

In the end the Sony agent will be best.... after all a Sony HVR-A1E costs quite a bit of money. You dont really want to let some appy stick his screwdriver into it!

You must have been reeling when your camera was trashed! I had a PDX10 fall to the ground once, and a R6000 repair bill to have it fixed!

I've got similar issues with my A1E as you had with your PD150. There are numerous dropouts in the last 20min or so of nearly every tape, brand new tapes included. So I'm guessing the problem probably lies with worn belts causing a slack in tension. It hasn't got many hours on it though. It also brings up a C:31:23 (reinsert cassette) error when I try fast forward a tape, which is almost identical to the problems I had with a Z1E, but luckily it was still under warranty. It seems to be quite a common fault with many Sony cameras for some reason.

Just doing a bit of Googling on the net, I discovered hundreds of Sony owners having similar problems with the tape mechanisms, who all seemed to suggest a crude and simple fix by "smacking" the camera. I just don't feel comfortable "smacking" a R30,000 camera with the fear of possibly causing more damage to it.

I guess it's probably better just to go to Sony to have it serviced. Their repairs usually come with some sort of guarantee.

 

[Leftfoot]

YEAH thats exactly the same error code I had......I think the dude tightend a few screws...R700-R800 later...all sorted

Made that couple feel really guilty......i think they pay a liitle in towards the cam! Im doing lots of HD work here and only with one HDV out of commision (I have 2 - a V1) its not o lekker!

 

[edk]

I'm reawakening this discussion as I have a little Sony DSC that needs repair. Can anybody recommend a service/repair centre in the Cape Town area?