Recent Feedback
I have a Sony Handycam DCR-DVD508.I can see the image through the LCD screen However I just see lines that are vertical bands through the viewfinder. I tried the sliding tab below the viewfinder but cannot still see a picture, The camera records and plays back well. I did leave a one hour battery in it for several months so do not know if this is the problem.I do not think the camera was drappedWhat is your advise. Can you direct me to a camera repair store near Cincinnati, OhioThank YouKen Shriver
Optional Information: Make: Sony Handycom Model: DCR_DVD508 Already Tried: Tried the sliding bar under the viewfinder. Batteries are charged, LCD screen works,recording and playback works. but viewfindr looks like vertical band of a spectrum.
Are you still needing help with this?
Richard what other information do you require? Camera always stored in protective camera case. We painted the hakk cupboard and that was the only time it was moved, The one hour battery was left in the camera and
was drained of power, however it charged back up again. only the viewfinder is affected you can only see vertical lines like a prism, no image can be seen. LCD screen shows image properly, record and playback using LCD screen also works.
The problem is the LCD is affected by sunlight glare, The viewfinder if operational would not be affected hence viewfinder is needed to see exactly what you are recordinf
Camrecorder is a Sony Handycam DCR-DVD508. Hope this helps
Was the camera ever subjected to temperature changes?
No temperature changes, always stored in hall cupboard in it's protective case at room temperature. Was going to use it on Easter but became ill so I went to bed, the camera with the 1 hr battery was replaced in the cupboard and the rest of my family went to my daughters to celebrate Easter
OK. The problem you are having is the LCD screen has gone bad. This is likely the power circuit on that has a bad ground and that is causing the screen to show verical lines and no picture. As to why this happened there is no special reason for it and nothing you did or did not o that causes it just a diode that goes out on it. The LCD screen can be replaced which would correct the problem and the cost o getting it done should not be more than about $100. The biggest problem for you at this point is because of the age of the camera getting the parts may be a bit of a problem for a shop but if you think it is worth it I would think they could find a screen for you.
The problem was not the LCD screen but the viewfinder. This does not sound like the answer to my problem. If the LCD screen works, what does that have to do with the viewfinder?
I did just now notice that if the viewfinder is riased just a millimeter above it's normal lock position you can see thru the viewfinder. A slight shim was placed between the battery and viewfinder and the system works.
What are your suggestions giving the newly found data?
Hi,- Would you like to open camcorder to check viewfinder connector?Let me know to proceed further.Thanks.
Yes, I would like to open camrecorder
Ready to proceed opening up the camrecorder but on vacation, what tools will I need?
OK, below two exploded views taken from related service manual show the procedure of disassemble so you can check / reinsert yellow flexible ribbon wire of viewfinder in its jack on main board. Need little screw driver to remove tiny screws as shown in two images.If that doesn't help then flexible ribbon wire will be replaced and it would require to open up the viewfinder box as well.Let me know how it goes to proceed further.Please note that all this work depends on your own skills / expertise and I can only help remotely with info and few exploded views as below so take care while working on camcorder to avoid any damage.Shahid_Sony41089.8468309028
Experience: I have been repairing electronic gear since 1993 as a qualified Sony tech.
W.here could I purchase a flexable ribbon wire? I live in Cincinnati, Ohio and will be back home Monday. Like your advise and believe that this is the problem.solver. Could I ask for you Monday? I have all small screwdrivers at home
OK, if reinsertion of flexible ribbon wire doesn't solve the issue then view finder will be take apart to replace flexible ribbon wire, below exploded view shows how to open it up and required yellow flexible ribbon wire (FP-534 board) is available in Partstore.com as special order for $8 or find the ribbon wire over internet with part numberNNN-NN-NNNNbr/>Hope these info will help, let me know if there is additional question.Thanks.
Hello Shahid
I ordered and received the yellow ribbon wire from the parts store. I began disassembling the camrecorder and found that the screws were not all the same lenght. I reassembled the recorder and lost all viewfinder functions however the camera stills plays and records.
I am 72 yrs old and need eye surgery in september so I do not believe I am capable of sucessfully replacing the ribbon and replacing the screws. Sometimes you are forced to realize your age!
Is there someone I can send the camera for repair by a much younger person who does not have cataracts?
I'm sorry to know about eye sight issue, please click this link to find out few camera repair shops in area, give them a call for camera repair.Hope this will help.Thanks.