Sony A200 problem... please help

[ratty657]

Hi,

I am a complete novice photographer, but we love our A200 and the quality of pictures it takes. However, we have recently encountered a problem with it that we cannot solve. Quite simply, it does not seem to be framing images properly.

If we take a photo with the subject dead centre, when the image displays on the screen, the subject is far from the centre, and is in fact way towards the bottom of the picture. This is happening constantly and is very frusrating, as we have to compensate for this by "aiming high".:mad2:

Is this an issue anyone has encountered? Can anyone cast any light on why this is happening? Any help would be much appreciated so we can get back to taking great pictures.

[PWhite214]

I guess this just started happening. Did you change lenses? anything different? Drop the camera?

Phil

[Anbesol]

Take a wide angle zoom (like an 18-70 or a 24-70 or the sort), zoom wide open and see what the corners look like. If the pentamirror in the A200 is actually off by that much, you should see some serious vignetting in the upper right and left corners through the viewfinder.

[PWhite214]

Good call, Anbesol, and easy to check.

Or, It is possible that the screen is somehow not getting to information properly. How do the images look on your computer?

[scottreadman]

Hi my A200 has just started with this exact problem. Did you find a solution?

thanks

scott

[OldClicker]

My A700 recently had this problem. Is the Super SteadyShot bar graph in the viewfinder flashing all the time? This means that the SSS is dead. SSS works by moving the main sensor. If it dies, it can be stuck off center resulting in the images not matching the viewfinder. - TF

[PWhite214]

I just bought an A200 with the same problem! The sound when powered on is way different than my older A200. The Steady Shot is flashing in the camera viewfinder, so looks like Mr. Clicker is right. I am sure glad to know what the problem is, may not be worth fixing, but I will look into it.

Looking at the repair manual, there is a chip, IC3201, MB91F233LAPMC-G-07-ERE1 that might be the problem. I am not sure, but looking into the cost of the part.

Phil

[OldClicker]

I sent mine to Teleplan with an estimate of $150. It's in repair now - I'll let you know what happens. - TF

http://www.teleplancamerarepair.com/

[DonSchap]

Doggone Clicker ... they've had that baby for over a week or more, eh?

Long time to be without your optical recorder.:mad2:

[PWhite214]

Just wondering if Teleplan has returned your camera, and is it working now? Did they stay with in their quoted price?

Thanks,
Phil

[OldClicker]

Parts were supposed to be in from Sony today. Haven't heard yet, though. - TF

[OldClicker]

My A700 was shipped back today! I sure hope everything is good. - TF

[DonSchap]

The turnaround on that repair is abysmal, considering the a700 has been discontinued (as of 12/31/2009). I hope this is not a harbinger of future failure, TF. I would have hoped they could have gotten that back to you a lot sooner. They had the problem diagnosed.

I mean, how many cameras could they have coming back? :cryin:

It seems rather annoying to hear that a couple of a200s are having this issue, especially since they certainly are not that old. :mad2:

[pisco]

Hi,
My A100 fell from about 3 ft still in the camera case, and after a while the steady shot stopped working (bars on the viewfinder flashing).
The following day I noticed that the sensor was stuck in a higher position (I was getting more foreground in the pictures and I was cutting the upper part).
And it was draining the battery like crazy (I could hear SS working all the time, even when not focusing and even if the SS was off).
I gently tapped the camera (little more than gently) to get the sensor down again, and since then it's been perfect again.

[PWhite214]

How close to the estimate are the final charges? I am ready to box up and send my camera in.

Thanks,

Phil

[pisco]

This is what I got from Precision Camera when I requested a quote:
Thank you for choosing Precision Camera for your optical imaging service needs. The cost to service your unit is $200.95, which includes parts, labor and return shipping.
info@precisioncamera.com
800-665-6515 (phone)
860-623-0665 (fax)
www.precisioncamera.com

[OldClicker]

My A700 is back. I took a few test shots on the dog and all appears to be well. I should be able to do some more testing soon. Cost:
Estimate - $135
Additional for parts - $65.99
Shipping - 15.30

Total - $216.29

TF

EDIT: Time= 9 weeks

[DonSchap]

Geez Louise ... 9 weeks!

I would have a full beard by then. Wait, I do have a full beard! And my A700 wasn't even busted! Who knew?

[paulinephiliphs]

My A700 recently had this problem. Is the Super SteadyShot bar graph in the viewfinder flashing all the time? This means that the SSS is dead. SSS works by moving the main sensor. If it dies, it can be stuck off center resulting in the images not matching the viewfinder.

[trj35]

had same problem when friend backed over backpack with camera in it. now we just aim a little high but camera still works

[jmerskin]

I have had a similar problem with my A200. I shot an object dead center, but the in-camera review shows the object lower than center. If using a wide angle lens not noticeable, but becomes more and more with increasing telephoto.

When reviewing on my computer, the center difference is less than what appears on the camera viewfinder, but still there.

[OldClicker]

I have had a similar problem with my A200. I shot an object dead center, but the in-camera review shows the object lower than center. If using a wide angle lens not noticeable, but becomes more and more with increasing telephoto.

When reviewing on my computer, the center difference is less than what appears on the camera viewfinder, but still there.

In case you don't see my answer in the Welcome thread - it's most likely the Image Stabilization is dead. - Terry