Sony DSC-F828 loose lens turret - part 1

Introduction


Hi folks - here I am back again, and this time I have some detail on how I managed to successfully repair the loose lens turret on my Sony DSC-F828. I 828 owners will find this blog of some interest or use.

Sony DSC-F828

I have had my F828 for about 6 years now and it has provided reliable service, and excellent photographs. Although it's 8 Megapixel capability, the small screen, lack of HDMI and limited zoom are somewhat dated, the 828 still has redeeming features which I like. The big 28-200 mm Carl Ziess Vario-Sonnar 7 x zoom lens has an excellent quality that is hard to match. The four colour HAD sensor works well. I still very much like the bulky feel of this solid camera with its swivel body idea (although the swivel body never really became all that popular). The infra-red night framing capability and hologram laser focus system for taking pictures in totally dark situations is hard to beat for the interests and work I have.


After six years on the road however, the 828 has started showing serious signs of ageing and the time came for an overhaul. Not withstanding the occasional screws that come loose (I know the feeling well), and the need for an occasional tweak, and once the need to reseat a flexible cable inside the camera, the biggest issue has been the gradual loosening of the lens turret. It had gotten to the point where the damn thing was so seriously wobbly on the camera body it felt like it was ready to fall apart at any time.


A cruise through the various internet posts indicated a lot of other 828 owners have had similar problems. It was clear however that while several remedies were described for loose lens turrets, the fix for my particular situation wasn't described anywhere that I could find.


I had looked at this a couple of times, but was always put off by the complexity of the 828's construction. That is until I decided I couldn't live with it any more.


With a big trip overseas coming up, I decided I wouldn't trust the F828 in that condition. Faced with the choice of fixing it or buying a replacement camera, I decided to have a go. If the 828 died 'on the operating table', well too bad and so long old friend. If it could be restored, well then the new lease of life would be celebrated by going on holidays together. (I'm still tempted to buy a new Sony A55 though).


So that's the background folks. I carried out the repair quite successfully and operationally the 828 is back to 'as new' condition - not withstanding some cosmetics as one would expect. 


I kept notes and photographed the repair and decided to share the experience here.


As a footnote to this - having the camera repaired professionally would probably cost more than the camera is worth. Following this guide is entirely at your own risk. I can't take any responsibility for misinformation, errors, mistakes, omissions or any other buggery that causes you grief or damage to your camera. In other words, the risk is all yours, but so is the fun and self-satisfaction of fixing it for next to no outlay.


OK, so on with the How To. In Part 2 of this post, I will describe what's needed to get started doing your own repair. See you then, and please - don't forget to leave a comment.