Dante_Stella
Rex canum cattorumque
I don't usually trash manufacturers' replacement part operations, but anyone who buys a NEX (I'm sorry, Alpha) should understand that if any bit of any accessory gets lost (even one that lists at $150), replacement is not a realistic option.
I recently had the windscreen for an ECM-SST1 mic (the NEX external mic) go missing. That part was totally my fault - I let my 4-year-old make movies at a park, a family member confiscated the camera to protect it, and at some point over the next few hours of "protective" custody, the foam cover for the mic went bye-bye. I figured this would be a 10 or 20 dollar part, max, so I didn't take any time to look for it (as if over 40 acres, it would surface anyway). Even if it were $30, I would probably suck it up.
Yesterday, I called the Sony parts line and after being connected to India(?) and having them try to cross-sell me batteries, memory cards, and all kinds of other expensive things you would never buy for a camera worth something in the low $200s, learned that this foam cover costs SIXTY PLUS DOLLARS to replace. By way of comparison, the whole microphone costs $90 new (originally 150), and even the most expensive, custom-made dead cat windscreens don't exceed Sony's price. In fact, generic foam covers cost in the single digits (and I'm guessing cost about a dime to make). And that looks like the direction I will follow here.
Lesson learned, blah blah blah. Keep closer track of the stuff attached to your equipment. But the second lesson (or warning) is that Sony's camera group apparently gouges on replacement part prices, to the point where Leica parts look cheap (especially considering the longer lifespan of a typical Leica camera and Leica's longer corporate attention span).
Dante
I recently had the windscreen for an ECM-SST1 mic (the NEX external mic) go missing. That part was totally my fault - I let my 4-year-old make movies at a park, a family member confiscated the camera to protect it, and at some point over the next few hours of "protective" custody, the foam cover for the mic went bye-bye. I figured this would be a 10 or 20 dollar part, max, so I didn't take any time to look for it (as if over 40 acres, it would surface anyway). Even if it were $30, I would probably suck it up.
Yesterday, I called the Sony parts line and after being connected to India(?) and having them try to cross-sell me batteries, memory cards, and all kinds of other expensive things you would never buy for a camera worth something in the low $200s, learned that this foam cover costs SIXTY PLUS DOLLARS to replace. By way of comparison, the whole microphone costs $90 new (originally 150), and even the most expensive, custom-made dead cat windscreens don't exceed Sony's price. In fact, generic foam covers cost in the single digits (and I'm guessing cost about a dime to make). And that looks like the direction I will follow here.
Lesson learned, blah blah blah. Keep closer track of the stuff attached to your equipment. But the second lesson (or warning) is that Sony's camera group apparently gouges on replacement part prices, to the point where Leica parts look cheap (especially considering the longer lifespan of a typical Leica camera and Leica's longer corporate attention span).
Dante
MCTuomey
Veteran
Thanks for taking the time to share, Dante. Parts availability for modern gear, whether sensors or windscreens, is a risk. Makes me not want to spend heavily on the front end for gear that may end up unrepairable much sooner than expected for lack of a part.
BillBingham2
Registered User
Dante,
My late Brother-In-Law experienced the same thing with a Sony Laptop. Great features, good value for the money, sold buy a company that believes in selling new is the best thing for their bottom line.
I'm concerned about my son's lust for an A6000, but it is his money.
B2
My late Brother-In-Law experienced the same thing with a Sony Laptop. Great features, good value for the money, sold buy a company that believes in selling new is the best thing for their bottom line.
I'm concerned about my son's lust for an A6000, but it is his money.
B2
L. M. Tu
Established
You'll be far better off with windscreens made for 27mm diameter mics (I just measured mine). They also come in pairs, so you'll have a spare.
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
Several years ago, Best Buy wanted $1000 to replace the display screen on my Sony laptop. I didn't pay it, of course. I got a whole new computer for not much more than that.
furcafe
Veteran
Who does Sony think they are, Leica?! 
furbs
Well-known
Reminds me of the 35 Summilux lenscap I lost on the beach. $200 to replace a small piece of plastic? No thanks
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
Reminds me of the 35 Summilux lenscap I lost on the beach. $200 to replace a small piece of plastic? No thanks
Was that for the ASPH? I think I paid some $30 to replace the rubber cover for my 35 Lux ASPH.
furbs
Well-known
Nah, the pre-asph v2 - long out of production. I've since sold the lens, which eased the sting a bit!
cosmonaut
Well-known
I lost the lens hood to my 24-70mm Sony Zeiss and it was $125.00 when I could still find one. I feel your pain.
Zonan
Well-known
Sony is innovative, but the shelf life is very brief before a new course is charted. Parts inventory must be a nightmare (that, or it basically nonexistent).
BillBingham2
Registered User
Who does Sony think they are, Leica?!
No, they know they are not. But they want you to think they are.
B2
I love my A7r... truly do, but am scared to deal with Sony if something ever goes wrong!
Godfrey
somewhat colored
I consider most Sony things to be disposable. Good price, good quality, use it until it's dead, recycle it. And I like my A7 a lot ... I might buy a second, or an A7r.
Repairs? Parts? Service? Um, no. For that, Olympus, Leica, Nikon, Canon... Even Panasonic does better.
G
Repairs? Parts? Service? Um, no. For that, Olympus, Leica, Nikon, Canon... Even Panasonic does better.
G