Summary is mixed
 

A thread referred to this thread and this thread still doesnt have a summary of what caused this issue.

May I summarize, if I got this correct?

Dont leave the cam plugged in to AC power, even though this is the way to charge a battery. Get an external charger.

Has anyone thought about the coin battery inside that keeps the time of day and settings? If that went out what will the cam do?

Also for those unfortunate ones that had the FX1 die on them, what battery were you using?

FX-1 repair feedback etc..
 

When Sony repaired my dead FX-1 there was no information packaged with the camera as to what repair work was done.

Not sure what would happen if the small watch battery died. Is it easy to change?

I was using the stock battery that came with the camera when mine died.

Remember one thing...Sony consumer is repairing your FX1 (or HC1) and Sony Broadcast (pros) is repairing your Z1 or A1.

heath

The viewfinder on my 2 week old HVR-Z1U quit working on Friday. I'm sort of heartbroken. The rest of the cam still works and it made some beautiful vids.

I'm going to call Sony tomorrow to handle the repair. Though I purchased it through B&H, my customer experience with them was not particularly satisfying, the many recommendations about them to the contrary.

I'm a big fan of buying at a pro dealer.

heath

Dead LCD
 

Dear Tom Roper... There is a menu option to turn off the LCD (I think) or to have both viewfinder and LCD. May want to check that.

I tried that George, also the reset. The backlight works. It lights up, gives a solid, bluish-white viewfinder, but no image, graphics or text.

Dear Tim, That stinks.
Have you tried a bit of "percussive maintenance" (sp)-- a few taps (sharp blows) on the screen or nearby areas, or twist the heck out of the swivel-- maybe a funky ribbon cable. What do you have to lose?

George

No, after only 2 weeks it should be covered under the factory warranty parts and labor. I would not chance getting that denied for abuse.

This is a known issue with the Z1 as I have had the unfortunate experience of discovering... twice. 2 Sony Z1 cameras in a week's time have failed on me for no apparent reason.

Anyone interested in filing a class action lawsuit with me?

I'm in the middle of 3 shoots!

Class action law suit
 

Victor; I agree that this has to be a known issue at Sony. Too many occurences for it to make it under the radar. I think Sony has planned this to sell more batteries. I had to buy several more batteries to keep from using AC power. I will sign on in a class action, although I don't have any funds to help out. I will support you any way I can.

It IS a known issue. I spoke with someone who has a memo stating such. Now, the problem is getting them to release the memo. The defect appears in the early Z1 models.

Also FX1
 

The issue also showed up in the HDR-FX1 models.

Now that sounds a little like conspiracy theory ;-) There may be a defect, but I haven't seen enough firsthand reports to indicate that it's widespread. I'm no lawyer, but I think you have to show that you've been personally damaged before becoming part of a class action suit.

Hrm.. if I sue Sony I can finally afford all those cool Sony products I've been wanting to add to the temple of Sony that is my house.