A99, rotary control switches

[mischof67]

Before anyone suggests, I have sent a question to Sony support and I'm awaiting their response under repairs.

I was wondering whether any other owners have/are experiencing the problem my camera body seems to have. The two rotary control knobs on the right side, front and rear, seem to intermittently become sticky and friction increases making them both harder to move. I have to stress, this is intermittent. Thankfully my camera is less than a year old so any repair should be covered.

I assume things aren't right because my A77 does not have the same issue and this has only recently become evident.

Is there anyone out there with any ideas of what may be causing this? I don't want to be in a situation where the unit is out of warranty and I'm left with an expensive problem. 

[mischof67]

I made contact with Sony Support in accordance with the posting on this forum. Here is the content of my message to them,

Both the rotary control knobs on the camera body, near to the thumb and forefinger have an intermittent problem. They can become very tight to move in either direction, it is as though a seal may be wearing and causing friction. I go on holiday later this year and I think this needs to be looked at, especially as the camera is less than a year old. Serial number xxxxxxx, it has been registered with you.
I look forward to your reply.

Today I have received this reply,

Thank you for contacting Sony Support.

We are sorry to learn about your experience with your Sony camera in regards to being unable to view your recorded content on your PC, and can gladly suggest you the best resolution for this matter.

In an attempt to be of further assistance, please check both Pages 223 and 224 of your camera manual from the below link for all best techniques to care for your camera and cleaning procedures, which can help resolving the accumulated dust in your camera and can affect its performance:

http://pdf.crse.com/manuals/4438654111.pdf

If issue is still evident, I am afraid we deem it necessary to send your camera for repair at our Sony Central Services facility for further inspection and handling by a professional engineer. Please send your camera, the packaging, the proof of purchase, your contact information and the device fault by Freepost to the following address to our specialised repair centre, and we will be more than happy to see what further assistance we can offer:

Sony Central Service

Freepost

RLTU-ELJJ-RERB

Pencoed

CF35 5HZ

After sending your device, please keep a proof of postage and you may follow up with our service centre by contacting them at 0870 240 8060 for checking estimate expected time and repair cost (if applicable). I just need to please clarify that if your device is out of warranty, this will be a chargeable service regardless of the issue.

I hope this information is of some assistance. Should you have any further questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact us back clarifying your camcorder model so that we can fully assist you.

Yours sincerely,

Is it me or are we dealing with, (cannot publish my feelings on this forum). I certainly cannot publish my reply to them either! I guess I'll be taking it back to the supplier.

[mischof67]

Update, the retailer agrees, there is a problem so the camera has had to be sent to Sony for repair. I will update this thread once I know what has been causing the tighness. (If they tell me).

[aardvark7]

I am amazed that given this is a well known issue with these wheels (Sony is not alone but have a particularly poor design) that the only advice is to clean the outside with a moist cloth!

Sony really needs to get their act together in being more honest with support.

As it turns out in this case the camera was faulty, but of course they knew that...