Crashed HVX200 Lens :(

[rsvp2k]

Recently while travelling abroad I crashed my HVX200 front lens (the one which you look into from front). I checked the extent of the damage. It is limited to just the lens and not the ccd as the lens side towards the ccd end is ok.

My question is I checked with the Panasonic spares They quoted me around $650 for a lens unit without the CCD. I checked with few people (pana authorized servicers) around. I was told it would cost somewhere around $850 (480 lens unit plus 330 labor=$850+). I am thinking of replacing the lens myself.

Though, wondering if this the right unit which the servicer is putting or a dublicate fake one I would regret having gotten?

Also, I was thinking I could just replace the lens and it would be back to normal. The servicer told me that there may be need to get the 10 alignment tests done on this through a board which hooks up to the service port (burried under the battery) of the HVX200. He also showed me the funnel type gadget with patterns at one end while other end attaches to the camera front when the test are performed.

I thought I would ask you folks if anyone had to go through this, when they replaced their lens and what would be the best course for me to take?

Would Greatly appreciate any comments/suggestion/advice.

Thank you in advance,
Vish

[Steve Laramie]

now would be a good time to get insurance!

[cheezweezl]

i just had mine replaced. the lead tech at panasonic said it's a simple install. my lens came in last friday morning and it was installed and ready for pickup by lunchtime. it was under warranty so i don't know what they would have charged me but apparently it's an easy fix.

[Spec-Comm]

Hello Vish,

To successfully replace the lens assembly, you need to replace the CCD in a really clean room. We have a clean room at our facility for jobs like this. You don't want any debris to get into the lens.

Once the lens is installed, you need to put a collimator on to the front of the camera, and then hook the camera up to the EVR alignment jig to the computer. You are correct, it's about 10 alignments that you go through on the camera and then everything is all done. That's the reason why we charge about 4 hours of labor whenever we do a lens change out. So that brings your charge about $900.

I'm sure you could come up with a collimator somewhere but the EVR jigs are only available to Authorized Service Centers.

I hope this helps.

Andrew Hoffman
Vice President
Specialized Communications Corp.
20940 Twin Springs Dr.
Smithsburg, MD 21783-1510 USA
800-359-1858 (US)
301-790-0103
Fax: 301-790-0173
andrewh@spec-comm.com
www.spec-comm.com

Please visit our new online store at ( http://www.spec-comm.com/store ). New products being added daily!

[rsvp2k]

Thank you for all your posts. I am considering getting it professionally fixed with alignments and tests done on it.

Insurance? Any suggestion for a good insurance company?

I couldnt figure out how I crashed my camera? I am usually very careful with it. Is it possible for the lens to crash while on flight?

Also, how durable are the pelican cases for checking in the cameras in cargo? Whats the best way to carry them while travelling overseas?

Thanks again for all your answers.

[matt s.]

I think most would agree that you should carry on your camera and not check it.

[ProfessorU]

I assume you had the camera in a soft case?

If you use a wide angle adapter or a 35mm adapter, the perfect centering of the ccd is even more critical.

[rsvp2k]

Soft it was cushioned one at that. I kept this inside a carryon. Learned my lesson (with murphy's law being around "better to be proactive and be more safe") the hard way -> got a filter and a KATA 207 for future use.

[Spec-Comm]

Hey Vish,

If you want us to take a glance at it, please fill out the REPAIR ORDER (http://www.spec-comm.com/repairorder.php) form. Since you would be a new customer, please print and fax over THIS FORM (http://www.spec-comm.com/pdf/Payment_Obligation.pdf). You can also send it in with the camera if you like. This is the only time you have to sign this form.

This link to our SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS (http://www.spec-comm.com/shipping.php) may be helpful in shipping the camera to us.

Let me know if you want us to take a look at it.

Thanks for you very descriptive posts. That always makes things much easier.

Andrew Hoffman
Vice President
Specialized Communications Corp.
20940 Twin Springs Dr.
Smithsburg, MD 21783-1510 USA
800-359-1858 (US)
301-790-0103
Fax: 301-790-0173
andrewh@spec-comm.com
www.spec-comm.com

Please visit our new online store at ( http://www.spec-comm.com/store ). New products being added daily!