Sony 717 woes

[Justjoe]

Hello,
Looking for some advice, my reliable Sony 717 is experiencing its first problem in over 3 years after much use.
When in picture mode, the eye piece and screen will show an image that is barely discernible and psychedelic in nature.
Both will playback previously recorded images clearly, but all new pics are no good.
So I have some questions:
What would cause this and where is a good place to repair it, if its worth repairing?
I have an underwater housing for the camera, and if its not worth repairing, besides EBay, are there other places to purchase older/ used cameras like this Sony?
Besides liking the camera, I also have the housing and want to continue using this model.
Thanks,
Joe

 

[Justjoe]

Not only Sony cameras...

Not only Sony cameras...

For other Sony users, I found out there was a recall on some Sony cameras, the image sensor is faulty and they will replace it free of charge, which includes shipping both ways.
Apparently that sensor is used in other cameras so other users be wary of what sensor is actually in your camera.

More info at:
http://esupport.sony.com/perl/news-item.pl?mdl=DSCF717&news_id=95

Joe

 

[Sparkysreef]

Had the same problem with my Minolta Dimage 7Hi after 3 years. Problem just happened last week and I have sent it out. The CCD sensor goes bad. Most of these cam manufacturers get the from the same place so that is why they all have the problem.

 

[Justjoe]

Sony has since repaired the camera and paid for shipping both ways, other cameras use this sensor as well, so if you're experiencing similar problems with your camera, it would probably be worth researcing it to see what type of sensor was originally installed.
Joe