First Frame Black Problem - Quick Question

It is a design problem, but can we force Sony to take its responsibility?

Brettania, thanks very much for the condensed information on this problem.

As I review the information available the "first frame black" problem is best summarized as follows: it is caused by an under-dimensioned part, a redesign solves the problem and all 7D, many of the 5D are affected; repair would solve the problem permanently, cost vary from 200 Euro to some 275 US$.

This kind of problem is what is called an unintentional design problem and epidemic by nature. In most industries this will be sufficient reason for a product recall and free of charge repair/update. Even if it is unintentional, it is still a responsibility of the vendor.

If I remember correctly someone in this thread mentioned his good experiences with Minolta in terms of service. I have to confirm this very much. My personal experience with Minolta service has always been good, I have several times been.

I, from personal experience cannot possibly say this from Sony. Although they in general make good products, every now and then one will need service, or a claim on warranty. I have on various occasions been given "the cold shoulder". It seems to me that Sony suffers from the "arrogant large company" mentality. It is also visible in the way they communicate to the market about new products or particularly delays thereof.

Without pressure from a large number of customers or a well organized customer organization I do not expect Sony to give in and solve the "first frame black" problem for all its customers for free. The cost for such a repair would be very significant, we are talking of ALL 7D and MOST of the 5D, must be well over 100000 or more bodies overall.

Given that Sony's financial results have been disappointing, also due to a product recall action (computer batteries), I guess Sony management will be very reluctant to give in on something that they in Europe cannot chose to do or not, but simply legally are obliged to do.

I have 2 7D's, one has the problem, I am waiting for the second one (bought it in Q1 2006) to exhibit it any time. I will send my defective 7D to Sony in a few weeks (need it for a trip first) and subsequently send it my second one to be repaired under warranty (although it may not have the problem at the time I send it in, I feel if I pay for repair of one of the two it is more than I owe them).

So the question is can we force Sony one way or the other to repair our 7D's as they should: for free.

I had good relations with Japanese Minolta customer support management over the past years. I will approach these people (if still in their position) to see what can be done.

I will also ask a Japanese colleague who is well connected to higher Japanese management circles to figure out how the emotions in Japan are developing.

Anyone else has a good suggestion?

Peter