[Tim Walton]

Kara, oddly enough I had a recurrence of the purple smudge or red dot in my EX-3 a few months ago. I noticed it would appear in certain light and showed up on old footage after I took a look back. Sony did replace my prism, cmos block under warranty in late 2009, at no cost.
They now tell me the engineers say the prism is contaminated, and the replacement cost is 2k, 1500.00 for the prism and 500 labor. They did offer a 10% discount.
The problem is of course, how does the prism become dirty producing the spots on the sensor when it is SEALED when built? I asked directly if this problem had been addressed, I was told no it had not. I also asked why would someone replace the sealed block with no assurance of a recurrence. The answer was the same, no reassurance.
You might be aware of the replacement camera for the EX-3 is coming out soon (PMW-300,PMW-400 ) with the same “Sealed ” block.
I asked why would one buy the new camera with the same problem pending. The answer was “we don’t know”.
I can’t even sell my EX-3 the way it is and block replacement would not fix it for a buyer. So I am thinking of switching to Canon as I know they take customer support more seriously than Sony. Good luck, by the way the service center I deal with is Los Angeles.
Good Luck
Tim Walton

[Tim Walton]

Hey John, Yes it is a old post, but Sony fixed the camera under warranty and I do not remember any other costs, except shipping. They did expedite it and turned it around quickly. I, (knock on wood) have not had any problems since, almost 2 years now. I sent mine to the L.A. service center. I have to think they have seen this more than they say. I have noticed a similar spot or group of purple blemishes on cameras being used in pro sports, usually in high contrast scenes. This appears as lens flare from stadium lights or sunlight, and looks a lot like tube ” burn in” but purple and very much like the “spot” in the ex1 and 3. The cameras I have seen this in are handheld and I suspect they might indeed be EX3’s. I have seen them used with CODFM transmitters on the field. I hope you can get Sony to go at least half way on your repair, good luck.
Tim

[Tim Walton]

Update on “red dot” or purple blob on sensor. Sony has the camera and say’s its the prism and are replacing the block and doing a firmware update. I will be speaking to the tech later to determine how often this has occurred (in other cameras). The camera is under warranty and so far they have made good on that aspect. They gave it priority due to the warranty and have been pretty quick. I will advise what they say about this problem. I did see the spot, very faintly in some older footage that I missed, so I recommend checking your clips for blemishes as a rule. That’s all I know for now.
Tim Walton

[Tim Walton]

Thanks Jeromy, I got the camera back in November so I think or hope I’m OK with the warranty. I’m pretty sure it’s the same thing. How long did it take for them to repair it? I hope the software route is possible, I will just have to wait and see. Thanks for the response, I appreciate it.

Cheers

[Tim Walton]

I too have a Red or purple blemish appearing on my EX-3. I have only seen this type of blemish when a monitor needs to be degaussed. It just popped up and I do not why. The camera was performing perfectly in all modes. I suspect CCD sensor failure. Anyone else had this problem, I can not find any reference online and of course it’s a weekend. Does anyone have a Sony Repair after hours number? (they used to to that)
Thanks in advance
Tim