Sony dslr question

[brennicksmom]

MY husband gave me a Sony A230 a few years ago. In August/September it started giving me an error message and took a black picture. I researched troubleshooting (the guide that came with the camera did not have this problem listed). So I tried to drain the battery and recharge it completely, and I tried different lenses. I called a local camera store and they said it would be $250 to look and diagnose problem, but it sounded like lens connection. Price was Not including the repair. I called Sony. They said that what I did is what they would have recommended to make sure it was not a lens connection problem and it sounded like the mirror was getting stuck and that the Sony A's have this happen as a common problem. They gave me a price of $125, assuming the guy on the phone was correct about what problem is.

My question is: If this is a common problem will it reoccur? If so, would be better buying something else instead of having repair after repair?

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Did you try a different memory card?

 

[havoc315]

I can't answer your question about the problem. But if you can't fix it cheaply, considering the age of the camera, I'd replace it. Not worth spending $250+ to repair on a camera body that's worth under $200 in working order. Keep your lenses and get a new, or newer body. $300-400 gets you an A33/35/37/55/57 used.

 

[brennicksmom]

Yes I did. I tried a few different ones. Different brands and different classes and sizes.

I forgot to mention that in my original post.

 

[brennicksmom]

I do agree with not putting more into the camera repair than the camera is worth. Thank you for your advice.

I have developed a fear of the Sony A* series after talking to the person at Sony, who told me that it is common to need a repair for this. If I replace the camera and/or body would I be better starting from scratch or sticking with Sony A* series cameras and just getting a new body?

I was actually considering the Ultra-Zoom Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V if I go with something different. Anybody know about these?

 

[havoc315]

If you have no investment in lenses, than brand is irrelevant. If you have lenses you like, or want to save money by not starting over with lenses, then stick within the brand.

I've always shot with Sony Alphas and have never had that problem. A 5+ year old dSLR of any brand can eventually break down sometimes.
So I don't think the odds of a Sony breaking are any more or less than another brand. For that matter, with the Sony's I just mentioned-- the mirror CAN'T get stuck, as the mirror no longer even moves.

In terms of switching to a point and shoot-- if you want to take a backwards step in image quality and low light ability, but want to gain portability, than the HX50 and other cameras are perfectly decent. If you like shooting with a dSLR-- high image quality, fast autofocus, a responsive camera, able to get good background seperation, then you need to stick with a dSLR.

 

[brennicksmom]

If you have no investment in lenses, than brand is irrelevant. If you have lenses you like, or want to save money by not starting over with lenses, then stick within the brand.

I've always shot with Sony Alphas and have never had that problem. A 5+ year old dSLR of any brand can eventually break down sometimes.
So I don't think the odds of a Sony breaking are any more or less than another brand. For that matter, with the Sony's I just mentioned-- the mirror CAN'T get stuck, as the mirror no longer even moves.

In terms of switching to a point and shoot-- if you want to take a backwards step in image quality and low light ability, but want to gain portability, than the HX50 and other cameras are perfectly decent. If you like shooting with a dSLR-- high image quality, fast autofocus, a responsive camera, able to get good background seperation, then you need to stick with a dSLR.

I could have remembered incorrectly about the mirror, but it did have something to do with it-i thought he said it getting stuck. Could it be the shutter opening? (have I said I'm not tech savvy? so I could very well have misunderstood) I do have the standard lens that came with it, and a zoom lens. I have a point and shoot that is respectable, but nothing compared to the DSLR.

 

[hakepb]

I could have remembered incorrectly about the mirror, but it did have something to do with it-i thought he said it getting stuck. Could it be the shutter opening? (have I said I'm not tech savvy? so I could very well have misunderstood) I do have the standard lens that came with it, and a zoom lens. I have a point and shoot that is respectable, but nothing compared to the DSLR.

Your a230 is an SLR, which means it has a moveable mirror. (Most of the time the mirror is in between the lens and the sensor, reflecting light to the viewfinder. When you take a picture, the mirror has to move out of the way. (And the shutter also opens)
The newer Sony cameras are SLT's, and use a permanent translucent mirror that feeds both the sensor and the phase detect AF all the time.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I have not heard of this being a chronic problem like you fear - ie as in it happens to many or most of the Sony cameras. There are occasionally different cameras that have certain problems but those are quite obvious from searched on the internet - ie many, many complaints. Otherwise sometimes problems just occur which could be cause by damage or just being one of the unlucky few. I've had several Sony Alphas and never experienced a problem like that - nor actually any problems at all with camera operations. Nor have I ever heard of it being a common problem with the A230.

Another recommendation I've heard of if there is a problem with communication with a lens is to clean the lens/camera contacts. Did you try that? I believe gently using an eraser is a common suggestion.

The problem will be the cost benefit of getting it repaired. First, there's no guarantee that is definitely the problem so no certainty of the cost. You could find any number of used Alpha bodies for a similar price and be just as well off - maybe better. That would be the route I'd take if I couldn't find a solution on my own.

 

[photo_chick]

I do agree with not putting more into the camera repair than the camera is worth. Thank you for your advice.

I have developed a fear of the Sony A* series after talking to the person at Sony, who told me that it is common to need a repair for this. If I replace the camera and/or body would I be better starting from scratch or sticking with Sony A* series cameras and just getting a new body?

I was actually considering the Ultra-Zoom Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V if I go with something different. Anybody know about these?

I wouldn't put too much stock into that. Not that the person at Sony is wrong, but all they see are repairs. They don't have a grasp of the number of cameras out there that don't need this repair. Also keep in mind that what is common with one model may never appear on another from the same maker.

All of that said... there were more failures with older DSLR's because manufactures were still building to 35mm SLR standards and the fact is we use digital cameras a lot more heavily than we did film cameras. There have been a lot of mechanical improvements in recent years.

 

[hakepb]

True. You have to remember that one of the big arguments that Pros use Canon or Nikon is how many service shops they have available....and you only talk about service shops if something breaks or needs adjustment.

 

[brennicksmom]

Thank you for all of the advise. I am now going to look for a body that I can use with my current lenses.

 

[1Grumpy9]

I didn't have the exact same problem with my A300, but I had an issue with my back screen on it and it was going to cost around $350 to fix it. I found my old Konica Minolta (which uses the sony lenses) and shot with that until I had the money saved up for a new one. I got the A57 a year and a half ago and love it. Now, I was just at the Sony Outlet store in Rehoboth, DE and they had the A57 body for $399. Before I bought mine, I seriously thought about switching brands, but I had a bunch of lenses and flashes invested and I didn't want to have to put out more than $600 for a new camera since I already had all the lenses.