First Frame Black Problem - Quick Question

Happy New Years everyone.

Just a quick question. Does the black first frame problem get worst with the passage of time?

I've had my 5D for almost a year. The problem started in October+ -. I wanted to wait until after the holidays to get it fixed. I planned to send it in for repair this week; however, I did a very stupid thing. I can't find my copy of the original invoice (original sent to Minolta for for another issue and they didn't return it) and Ciruit City won't/can't print it for me after 90 days from date of purchase. If Sony won't honor my warranty, I want to know if the problem will continue to get worst or should I bite the bullet and get if fixed anyway. So far, it hasn't gotten worst.
--
Thanks, Ed
Torrance, CA

Well, it looks like you and I are in a similar boat. My 5D was doing the exact same thing as yours, and started around Oct, 2006 timeframe. For me, it only happened about once a week and then over time progressed to every day. My warranty is up at the end of Jan, so I sent mine in on the day after Christmas for repair (I had the receipt). It arrived at Precision on the 28th and was placed right into service. The following day (the 29th) I saw that the repair was placed into "delay" status as they needed to get parts. So, that is where I sit right now. I am without camera and it hurts - but I needed it fexed prior to the end of Jan.

So, to answer your question, for me, it got worse over time. Others may have different experiences, but that is mine. Now, I am wondering if they will get the parts, how long it will take, or if they will try and "buy me out" either with cash or an Alpha. I guess we will see.

Let us know how it goes, and I will provide a full report once I have mine back (hopefully soon).

digitalshooter wrote:

Thanks for your reply. I did use a credit card and I have a copy of my statement showing the purchase from Circuit City; however, the statment doesn't indicate what I bought - it just shows that I spent a lot of money at CC.

Hi did you register your warranty online, maybe they have a copy of the camera serial number and date it was registered. Just my 1c worth, good luck.
Leslie.
--
It doesn't matter how much light you have, you can't see in the dark.

I sent my 7D in for repair when the "first black frame problem" became the "first six black frames problem". It was 6 months out of warranty and cost $280 Australian to replace the shutter mechanism and an autofocus charge coupler or something along those lines that is attached to the shutter. So my advice would be get proof of purchase and send it in BEFORE warranty expires.

Mine got worse over time but never became "un-useable" It would occur on the first shot of the day but rarely after that. I just sent mine in for warranty repair yesterday but from the sounds of a previous post it probably won't be fixed right away if parts aren't available. I know it's hind site but I make copies of all receipts of high dollar items and normally keep the original box with the receipt inside. I never send an original in and have never been told an original was needed. I've found that the thermal paper used for most receipts now days does not stand the test of time. I suppose if you can not get your camera warrantied you have nothing to loose by continuing to use it until it as is. Good luck

DS
--
Read about Tristate Cameras return policy at

http://www.davidsprague.com/ if your even remotely considering a purchase from them! More in this post http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1035&thread=20222742

I want to thank everybody for your help and suggestions.

I'm very lucky. I sent my 5D to Minilta for repair during 3/06 and I kept a copy of the repair order. Sony has agreed to cover my camera under warranty based on all the info I gave them which includes copies of the repair order, credit card statment, and warranty card. I didn't have the orginal invoice, but I did find a copy of my online paperwork I printed when I ordered the camera.

In any case, the Sony representative was very helpful and cooperative and issued me a Repair Order Number. I going to send everything to them in the next couple of days and I hope no problems surface. At this stage of my problem, I'm impressed with how professionally Sony has handled my case.
--
Thanks, Ed
Torrance, CA

http://www.photoscala.de/node/2387

Clean the battery contacts in the camera with alcohol * on a Q tip. clean all contacts lens too* Fully charge a GOOD battery install a large memory card set camera to manual and continues and fire off a few full cards in continues frame mode .. For some this has fixed this issue completely.. Some think it has to do with a tight shutter.. Worth a try.. I still have no issues in over a year! Good luck!! George
--
George
5D
Gear is listed under my Profile.

The paper Marek is referring to notes that:

Internal KM documents, including repair manuals have become available to "the public":

These documents describe a design error, named error 38, which relates to an under dimensioned part in the autofocus system as being responsible for the "first frame black" error.

It is stated that, irrespective of use, eventually all or most 5D and 7D bodies will fail from the same error, the statement made is that 1 in 4 so far already seems to have been coming back for repair. The problem is a design problem, every camera will eventually fail due to it.

In Germany spares are now available, stated repair lead-times are several days (can anyone confirm this from own experience???) by RunTime, the Sony contractor.

While the cause of the error has now been firmly determined, and this cause is thus DESIGN RELATED, Sony Germany has not yet given a verdict on how it wants (or does not want) to handle cases of needed repair outside the warranty timeframe (which in Europe is 1 year in general).

Neither does the document explain whether the parts that are now being used have been redesigned and are no longer "under dimensioned" and prone to failure.

So far the paper. Back to the original question. My 7D (the first one I bought) has the "first frame black" problem since August 06. I bought this body in December 2004. It has not become a lot worse since August, although every time I switch the camera on after it has been turned off for more than a day, I will predictably have this problem.

Given that my warranty has expired I will wait and see how bad it becomes or hopefully wait to see Sony come up with a decent arrangement to repair the design error for free, as it in my opinion should, or even more firmly, as they are required to due under EU legislation. But how can we force them?

If we bundle our forces, there must be a way to "convince" Sony to repair all the bodies exhibiting this error out of warranty for free as well.

Will not be a popular decision for Sony management, just after they had to swallow major losses due to free of charge replacement of faulty batteries.

Peter

George the paper from Marek suggests it is a design problem in the autofocus system (under dimensioned part). But I have read in this forum that shutter replacement is the common remedy (used by Sony) for those faulty bodies that have been sent in for repair. It might well be the two issues are closely related.

I will try your remedy also, should be worth a go.

Peter