Does anyone know of a certified Sony repair center that works on Sony PMW-EX3 cameras? My EX3 camera base frame bracket where the tripod attaches was damaged when the camera and tripod were blown over onto a large rock while on location when a very strong whirlwind which suddenly appeared out of a blue sky. The camera works fine but the aluminum bracket in the base where the tripod mount attaches was broken. This may or may not be repairable. If you have any information or advice which would help me get the camera repaired I would appreciate it very much.

Thanks,

Billy Nelson
Twenty14Media

Well, he's in the Chicago area but I've had 2 cams done by him and he's reasonable and fast. Don't know if he could do the job but you might want to check out; http://mkysvc.com
his name is John and he might be able to give you the info by email as to whether he can fix it or not.
good luck!

Don,

Please re-post the link apparently it isn't a valid link or the website has been shutdown.

Sorry about that, it's http://myksvc.com
Got my letters mixed up. this should do it.

Don,

I sent a "Request Estimate" to them just minutes ago. We'll see what happens next.

BN

Cool, I hope he can help you. I have to say though, it looks expensive. Ouch!
Good luck

I am sending the camera to Sony Professional Services in LA.
The replacement part number for the lens frame is 178885113 and it cost $389.00 now add labor and shipping and the cost could run about $1000.00 for full repair.

Here's their contact info should someone else need some service work.

Sony Professional Services
Professional Solutions of America
Sony Regional Service Center
2706 Media Center Dr. #130
Los Angeles, CA 90065
Phone: 323-352-5000
FAX: 323-352-5039
Email: LAService@am.sony.com
Professional Services Website:
Sony | Services and Programs (http://www.sony.com/professionalservices)
ServicesPLUSsm
www.sony.com/servicesplus

I've had very good experiences with them.

I do a follow-up post once the camera is repaired and returned. Thanks for your response! The lesson to learn here is to be sure and not forget the sandbags at home and don't leave the camera on a tripod unattended.

Before you have Sony do any work, submit the repair to your insurance company. I am sure something like this is covered under the equipment loss and damage section of your Business Property insurance.Also make sure your policy covers your equipment when it is not at your primary business location.

Joe Oliverio
Oliverio Productions

Last summer I had the unfortunate experience of my EX3 camera taking an unintended trip from a dolly to the ground. The result was a broken view finder. I did have insurance, which was good as the company I was shooting for did not have coverage for outside personel or equipment. My insurance covered the costs, less deductable of course, and the Sony Repair facility in LA did a fine job of bringing my camera back to original condition. They were timely and responded quickly to all emails. Since I am in Montana it was a very stressful time to send my camera away to a repair station that far away. Lessons learned? Don't trust anybody to watch your camera, check out the insurance coverage for any job you are doing, and make sure your insurance is in force and has the coverage needed to back you up in case of that disaster. It was a bad time for me, but that is all in the past and I have had may great productive days since then.

Harry Christensen
Fred Films
Bozeman, MT

This is the kind of stuff that wakes me up at 5:00 a.m. I have a gig this Saturday videoing three interviews for a local college. I will use my backup camera (Sony NX5U) and bring in another camera & operator if he's available. I sure miss my EX3....come home to me soon little fella!

The saga is finally over as the camera arrived back from repair this afternoon.

Labor 4 hrs @ $135 per hour = $540.00
Battery Case ASSY - $91.97
Mount Lens - $373.51
Bracket Tripod - $22.31
Handling - $20.00
Insurance - $25.00

Sub Total: $1072.79
Tax: $86.44

Total: $1159.23

TThe camera was upgraded to the latest version firmware V1.17

LAservice (Sony Electronics) was very professional and cordial. I would use them again in a heartbeat.