Hello

I have got a sony DSC 717, yesterday when i was trying to take photos, i found out that the image in the viewfinder was "seeing" a highly solarized image. Previously recorded files showed properly in the LCD, but new images were highly distorted.

i could see oranges, blues and purples, shapes seem to be visible but very distorted, do you guys know what the problem might be?

My first guss is that the LCD broke. In that case, you'd need to replace your camera. The cost of getting a compact digital camera fixed is high enough that it makes more sense to buy a new one.

Have you tried downloading a photo to see if the image files have the same problem? If the images are ok and it's only the LCD display, you could continue to use it. The LCD just won't be very useful anymore. But remember - there was a time when we didn't have LCDs and could only use the viewfinder :)

Check this: http://www.imaging-resource.com/badccds.html

The DSC-F717 is one of the models that has a potential CCD problem.

Also, since you mentioned looking solarized, check and make sure the solarize picture effect isn't turned on.

thanks for the replies

i have got some pics on the memory stick and i can view them with the viewfinder, no problem


how do you solarise the image?

there is a well known ccd problem with the 717, has sony recognised this, and provides free eplacement of the ccd?

There was a widespread problem with Sony CCDs in a bunch of cameras and camcorders from several manufacturers. I believe Sony will repair it free.

I'm not sure about the F717, but on the F707 there's a photo effect to solarize photos. I'm assuming the F717 works similarly, since they're almost the same camera. Hit the menu button in shooting mode, and scroll over to "P.Effect". Solarizing is one of the effects.

thanks for the reply dude

i checked the sony site and there is a link to repair for the 717, however the address specified is the US. anybody know where one can get the 707/717 problem fixed in the UK

thanks for the reply dude

i checked the sony site and there is a link to repair for the 717, however the address specified is the US. anybody know where one can get the 707/717 problem fixed in the UK

Any authorized Sony dealer should be able to handle the repair. Just take it in to a dealer and you should be able to leave it with them and they'll handle the whole thing.

thanks

i wil take it to the nearest sony centre, i guess i dont need to show any paper work, correct?

I have the same model and it too started behaving in a similar way. Wish I didn't delete the pictures now but when pointed at a bright light source it looks polarized. Other times it is black with purple, orange, and red lines racing across the screen. All I did was take some pictures, set it on the table for 10 days, and picked it up to take more pictures-- boom- crazy display. All my old pictures display fine in the view finder and LCD. Otherwise the camera is in excellent condition. Not even a scratch! Makes it even harder to comprehend that it was broken...

Glad I found this post. I was starting to look for a new camera that I can't afford. :D

Do you have any updates on your repair? Is Sony covering the repair?

sony US is covering the repair but sony uk dont know anything about it. went into the sony service centre and they told me that if it wasnt covered by the warranty, then i would have to pay up for it.
i have maield sony uk the day before, still no answer, will wait for a reply for a few days, if not then i will just get some one to take it to the US and get it fixed there

where are you from LC? supposedly the 717 is a US/ Middle East mode, whereas the 707 is a european model, according to the UK sony centre

I'm in The States (Tampa, FL).

The recall makes sense to me. This camera has been to the Virgin Islands twice, Cancun Mexico, and now lives in Florida. All REALLY humid places...:D

i dont think it is the humidity.

it is probably some part on the camera which had a MTBF of 1 year

I only say that because that's what the CCD details state as a possible cause to the issue. :wink:

oh so the CCD gets killed by heat and humidity

supposedly the 717 is a US/ Middle East mode, whereas the 707 is a european model, according to the UK sony centre
They're mistaken. Both models were available everywhere. The 717 is an improved version of the 707.

thanks for the info dude