DIY Sony Handycam Repair

Being the do it all yourself person that I am, against my better judgement I had to attempt a repair of the camcorder I use for filming hunts today. This cameras seen duty from Florida to Illinois and even tagged along on some kayak fishing trips in the ocean.

The camera is a Sony Handycam, CX 560v.

I just couldn't stop myself from  tearing into it though I have to admit I was a little nervous! After all, this thing retails for over $1,000!

        Tools needed: Miniature screw driver, flat and phillips
                                Flashlight

I pack this little camera all over the place videoing and apparently all the banging and rattling around had vibrated something loose that holds the viewing LCD screen in place. The LCD was getting progressively looser. My best guess was that some internal screws were working loose and it was at the point that something had to be done.

Since there was no obvious way to access the area of the LCD screen hinge, the only thing I could do was to start dismantling anything that would come off until I could find the source of the problem.

One of the difficulties with a project like this is keeping track of all the pieces, in what order they were removed and where they go.

Another tip is to never force anything! Cameras are pretty delicate and assembled with a lot of thin plastic pieces.

I placed a sheet of paper on my level work table and placed the pieces in groups with a short note of where the screws went. Once I was done with the repair, I re-assembled all the pieces in reverse order with little trouble.

Another important tip when you get stuck is to study the area carefully under good lighting. Take your time, rushing leads to broken parts.

I did have one little mishap. On the back of the hinge of the LCD there is a plastic cowling that is held in place with tiny plastic locks. I pried with just a bit to much pressure and snapped one off! It appears to be held tight enough with the remaining (3) locks and should be o.k.

It was quite an operation and looked like a pile of spaghetti before the job was over.

 

Basically, all four major sides panels as well as some smaller parts had to be pulled. Then the front nose piece could be pulled forward enough to get the LCD hinge off. There were two screws holding it to a panel that were loose. These two screws are installed with their heads towards the interior of the camera so the whole LCD hinge assembly has to come off to access them.

Once I had them tight it was just a matter of re-installing everything in reverse order.

The camera looks pretty dirty in the photo but that is just residue from the camo tape. It will clean off with some rubbing alcohol and I will install some fresh camo.

If you have some mechanical skills and your problem doesn't appear to be to bad, you might give it a try. Just be careful and go slow.

Good Luck,
Larry S.