Buttons not working on HVX200

[Alan Sheltra]

I have the exact same issue with my HVX200 (less than 2 years old). Had not used it in while and when I turned it on no buttons or menu items would function (goes straight in to record mode, could not even turn it off-had to pull the AC or battery to turn it off). I immediately called the Panasonic center (last Sat) and only got an answer this morning (Tuesday). I will be taking it into a service center today in my area. (L.A.)

My camera is in almost pristine condition, with very lettle use over the last 1-1/2 years (bought in Nov 2007), so I thought this was odd for the this to happen like this?

Reading this thread at least let me know I was not alone with this issue.

Ironically, I was just going to update the firmware for the new E-Series P2 card I just purchased, but never got that far.

Please let me know how your repairs went for you? Or any insights?

Thank in advance.

Alan Sheltra/AniMajik Productions
https://oncallfx.com

[Matthew Abourezk]

I just got my camera back, seems fine now. The cost (including shipping to New Jersey) was almost $300. Repair took about a week.

I’m still chapped about Panasonic not taking any responsibility for this, but as I was told, there is only about 1% of the owners that have publicly reported this problem.

Since this is a problem that seems to appear whether the camera is used or not, I suspect that percentage will increase.

Best of luck to you. At least we know this is a cheap and easy fix.

Matt

Talkingbox Digital Media Group, Inc.
http://www.talkingboxdmg.com
(203) 249-7718

[Mike Herbach]

man as the problem increases so does the repair fees Digitron said they where authorized Panasonic repair depot.
They want $600 to fix the cable and tax & shipping on top.
is it too late to go back to sony…..just some of the HVX 200s have had the problem? are you sure Jan?

consumer & customer relations should be priority in these economic times. I swear on my life I will never buy Panasonic junk again , bad experiences in the 80’s 90’s and now this

“Good ideas for life?” …..”should be repairs for life! ”

[Safi Kheshgi]

Hi
My HVXs buttons failed this morning. I was headed to Bali to get some footage. Sucks preeeeetty bad. Can you tell me the company where you shipped yours off to?
Cheers
-S

[Matthew Abourezk]

I feel your pain brother…

I sent the camera to…
Nivie Electronics
Panasonic Authorized Service
work 718-765-0123
work 140 58TH STREET, Suite 7b
Brooklyn NY 11220

They were fast, inexpensive, knew of the problem and had the parts in stock.
Best of luck,
Matt

Talkingbox Digital Media Group, Inc.
http://www.talkingboxdmg.com
(203) 249-7718

[Mark Creek]

Same thing! Haven’t use the HVX200 for about a month,
went to use it and it goes directly to record mode, that’s it.
All buttons are non-responsive – had to pull the battery
to stop the thing.

I’m a creative director for a tv network and I depend
on the camera every month. All set for the green screen shoot and I had to rent another camera – I got a Sony.

This will be the second time it’s been in the repair shop.
Hate to pile on but Panasonic does not make it easy to
stay loyal to their products.

Looking for a local NYC repair shop. Last time it was in the shop
for 2 months – sent to Mack Camera. (That’s another long story
as well.)
Thanks for your suggestions!

[Bert jan Blok]

I have the same problem with my hvx200e. Had a shoot last week and after i offloaded the p2 cards i put it aside. Yesterday i wanted to take the camera for a spin and as soon as i turned it on it started recording. Wouldn’t stop so i took the battery out. No buttons working either.

I found a detailed how-to on how to fix it yourself (as it’s clearly no warranty question..) i’m going to take mine apart this afternoon and keep you’ll updated.

there seems to be a corrosion problem with one of the cables. Does anyone know the location of this bugger?

I’m new here, this is my first post. If i need to intro myself please let me know.

here’s a link to the detailed “rip-it-apart”
https://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?177130-HVX200P-Modular-Disassembly-%28DIY-Photos%29-To-Be-Cont..

[Bert jan Blok]

ok. im happy again.

ripped her open, pulled all the connections open and it works again!
any questions are welcome

YES!

[Mike Herbach]

and everyone was calling me crazy & a cry baby “get over it” 2 years ago when mine went down.. $350-$700
still think Panasonic should have owned up to the defect… yes a defect… shame shame on Panasonic went back to buying Sony….
HVX 200 make s agood looking security camera if nothing else
and over priced P2 cards man did they sucker in so many……

go SONY be happy!

[Bert jan Blok]

Well, i must say that it’s a stupid bug, and it should be warranty and all.

But on the other side i think that the hvx was such an enormous step forward in prosumer cams, never have seen sony (or any other) taking such a step. the problem simply could not be known at time of production, as the corrosion will set in after couple of years, when it’s out of warranty.

the problem is VERY easy to fix, and will cost you like 2 hours(instead of 300$). You need a small philips head screwdriver and a bigger one (to take the handle off)

If you’re not retarded it is very well do-able.
Don’t use screwdrivers to take cables out and use common sense.

i have some pics of the operation, and also a walkthrough on how to fliphack the lcd for 35mm adapters if anyone might be interested.

here you go!